Old cowboy blessings

Yesterday was filled with fun, friendship and historic scenes for me! Longtime friend (and Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame Association member and enthusiast) Deb Sewell picked me up at my house. It was a privilege to travel in her “easy loping” air-conditioned car on a “big circle” across a beautiful area of prairie ranch country. Partially green pastures near mid-August lighten the hearts of ranchers. Both ranch-reared, we chattered about that and discussed how good the livestock and wildlife looked as we took in Weston County’s beauty . . . and more of the same in Niobrara County!

Our privilege and purpose on this scenic trek was to help rancher Russell (Russ) Christensen celebrate his 95th birthday. We were elated to see each of the many friends, neighbors and fellow ranch cowboys who also raised dust across some 25-30 miles of country roads to visit him at his comfortable, hospitable home. The joy of the occasion and the gathering were further enhanced by hopeful prospects from this good year. The country is beautiful, boasting still partly green grass – evidence the area has been bles’t with some occasional rains and fairly moderate temperatures. 

As a founding member of the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame (located in Casper), I am zealous about getting people like Russ nominated for and inducted into that special group. Russ was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2021. That enthusiasm blesses my heart. I believe the oldest cowgirls and cowboys are most deserving and are excited to induct them as soon as possible. Annual induction ceremonies are held each autumn at Casper.

The Christensen home sits in a sheltering, well-drained grassy bottom. That reflects the wisdom of this family, who originally chose the site and has inhabited it for generations. That was evidenced by the “Christensen” name appearing on mailboxes well before the winding dirt road led us down a steep hill to the celebration in Russ’ home.

This big man with a big voice has spent his life thus far absorbing the pioneering skills of those who first settled that region. The cowboy lifestyle and traditions Russ grew up among (plus strengths he inherited from his forebears and the wisdom they taught him) guided Russ as he steadily honed his proficiency in the countless skills necessary to earn his living raising cattle and sheep. Experience, hard work and nature (much akin to the recipes his late wife, Ruth, used to feed her family and any traveler who showed up at their table) combined to blend this 95-year-young cowboy into everything he needed to be.    

Russ taught and instilled all that wisdom in his sons, who do a fine job of adhering to family traditions and amassing the wisdom and experience to get ’er done.

Russ’ eyes glowed with pride as he saw and heard his sons join guests in the traditional cowboy banter and joshing. Possibly a tear or two slipped down the weathered cheek with full assurance they’re carrying on well – even as his father would’ve done . . . and as he would do if his body could’ve held up as well as his mind. 

 It was a wonderful trip down dirt roads, blessed by a beautiful sunset as Deb drove me back to my house. Is she still reminiscing over the treasure the whole day created for us? Probably . . . I know I am!