Dear 4-Her, I saw you today. You didn't see me. But I saw you. I was one of the many faces around the show ring you were in. It was hot, everyone was tired, and it had been a long day. But I saw you. You went into the ring with a heifer or a steer (sorry, I wasn't paying that close of attention) and you did something hard for the first time. You were competing against some other kids that had grown up showing cattle, and were probably in one of the toughest classes there. You showed up. Your animal showed up with you. You both did well. But you didn't win. I could tell that you had put in the time with your animal. You hadn't just bought a show steer. You had spent the time--feeding, walking, washing, brushing--and it showed. I know the hours that takes. The dedication. And the love for the animal. I saw you when the judge pulled you and another, had a chat with you, and sent you out of the ring while others stayed. I know that feeling. It's hard. You feel like you've let people down, probably your parents. I saw you try to hold the tears, and fail. It's okay. People who care so much sometimes cry when it doesn't happen the way you want it to. What I remember is that you had listened to the judge, had learned that you were holding the halter incorrectly, and would do it differently the next time. Even through the tears, you learned and wanted to do better next time. I also saw you hold your head high as you walked back to the barn. I saw you congratulate the winner. That's so important. Probably more important than winning. I was proud of you being a 4-H member in one of my counties. I was proud that you set a good example for young members. I was standing by your Mom, she was proud that you had done so well today, even though it was your first time ever showing. So if you were sitting in front of me, right now, I would tell you that today, you were a champion in my eyes. You have an amazing future in front of you. Your family is proud. Your organization is proud of you. Sincerely, Someone who saw you today (Found on Facebook)
