The Thunderstorm

I never realized how life can change in a flash. It was a warm humid morning when I stepped on to the front veranda and looked out to the western sky. My name is Jimmy, and I just graduated from La Salle High School in Chicago. My Uncle Mark and Aunt Karen own a mid-size cattle ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming. I have spent the last three summers helping out around the place. They have ranch hands, but they are pleased because I am eager to learn about ranching, even though I’m growing up in the city.

Last night, my first night with them, as usual, Aunt Karen made us a wonderful fried chicken supper. The second night, and many nights after, it will be juicy steak suppers. After supper, Uncle Mark asked me out to the veranda. He waved his arm over the wide expanse of land and said, “Jim, my boy, you are my oldest nephew, and we are so appreciative that you love us so much that you are willing to give up your summers to help us out.”

“I love coming here.”

Uncle Mark put his arm around me and said, “Of course, you know, we were never blessed with children, so we’ve decided the ranch will be yours if you wanted it when I'm gone.”

“Oh, my, gosh! Unc, I just like being here and learning about the life.”

“You can work it or sell it. As long as 60% goes to Karen."

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Think on it. Now, c’mon, let’s get some sleep.”

During the night, a drenching storm erupted with rolls of thunder and scratches of lightning that caused shadows to invade my bedroom. However, I slept fairly well. Before breakfast, I walked onto the porch and inhaled the fresh clean air sweeping in from the mountains as I watched a yellowish sun peek over the mountains in the distance.

As I walked around the corner of the veranda, I heard a low groaning moan. I turned my ear toward the sound. Then I heard thundering hoof beats. It was Uncle Mark, riding as fast as he could toward the bunkhouse. I saw his ranch manager run to meet him, along with two ranch hands. He waved and shouted, “Jennybell and her calf are stuck in the mud and the creek is rising fast. C’mon, we can use your help.”

 It wasn’t far to the creek, so I broke into a run and arrived as the hands had roped Jennybell and were pulling her out of the swirling water. But the calf was in trouble. Uncle Mark jumped into the water and tried to hold him, but they were both swept downstream. With Jennybell safe, the ranch hands ran downstream, hoping to rescue Uncle Mark. But it was too late, he and the calf were swept away. All they found was his hat.

I never realized how life can change in a flash.