Jackson County Fair 2021

After a few days of rest and relaxation, I am ready to look back on the 2021 Jackson County Fair. It was quite the experience. Although I am too old to show now, I am very grateful that the members got the opportunity to be at the fairgrounds, and get to auction their animals off in person. It was great to be back. I was grateful to even get a last year showing, although it was different. But there is nothing like being there in person. The rides, the food, the laughs and the memories are great.

But there is so much truth in the saying “You never know how much you’ll miss something until it’s gone”. I would love to be back in that ring. But my time is up. So now it’s time for me to pass my knowledge, to help, and to most importantly, be there to support.

Lady and Tramp were not technically mine. But I learned from both of them this year just the same. No matter how old you get, no matter if they are yours or not, it never gets easier to say goodbye.

Lady… The days that we chased you around the yard while trying to train you were frustrating to say the least. The days that you would bite my foot while I was standing in the pen were annoying, and you were crazy when we took your brother out of the pen. But once you stopped biting me, running away, and freaking out, you were really sweet. You taught Willow to never give up. Miss Lady, thank you for being a part of our lives.

Tramp… You were crazy and your farts stink. But you were an overgrown dog. You taught me that I still have so much to learn, both about raising and showing hogs, and about life itself. I am grateful that you were able to teach Willow so much her first year. Trampy, thank you for being a part of our lives.

I have learned a lot of things over the years by participating in this activity, but the biggest thing I learned is that saying goodbye never gets easier. Becoming attached to an animal and then having to say goodbye is difficult. I had trouble with this when I was involved in showing hogs, but this made me who I am today. It taught me how to deal with hardships, how to be responsible for someone or something other than myself, and helped me create friendships that will last forever. For that, I will forever be grateful.