Empty Pasture Syndrome

My ears are ringing—no, wait—that sound is real. It’s weaning day, the saddest--and loudest--day of the ranching year. The mama cows are bawling, over and over, so much that some are hoarse.

The steer calves are gone, but the replacement heifers (hereafter referred to as heffies) are in the corral. While cleaning the barn, I noticed that the mamas seemed to be far more distraught than the heffies. I thought about all the people-mamas (yours truly included) suffering from empty nest syndrome while their kids are out having the time of their lives on some life adventure or the other!

The heffies weren't too upset to eat!

To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness….  –ISAIAH 61:3 (AKJV)