Another successfull weekend of showing pigs. Josh had the Grand gilt and Rylie had the Grand barrow at the SW District. Another dinner for 25 at Jake's Rib full of laughter and great felllowship.
As I think back on the weekend, I believe Team El Reno's greatest success is not in the show ring at all. The friendships and the memories that have been made through this phenominon are it's greatest success. What started as a group of 5 families that all had one thing in common.....seriously competeing in the showring, has turned into lifelong friendships for adults and kids. We have doubled our numbers and become a force in major competitions, but what I hope people see is the dedication to each other, Bobby, and honest competition that has defined our goup for years. I can't say that everyone in the group has always loved each other unconditionally, but those periods of jealousy and anger have been very few. Bobby and Rhys have always nipped those feelings in the bud and gotten people back on track very quickly.
Bobby made the comment to me yesterday morning that we only have one more SW District where we will have our own kids showing. The thought of KK not showing didn't make me as sad as thinking about not being submersed in Team El Reno. Oh I know, I'll always be a part of it, but it will be on a different level. This makes me sad and I'm not going to think about it now.
I would be remiss not to talk about our fearless leader, Mr. Listen. He is truely the glue that holds Team El Reno together. His talents and love for kids and pig show competition has been one reason for our success. He is completely dedicated to the success of our team. We have someone very special in him. He has taken the skills that God gave him and has used them to help so many kids I can't count them all.
Yes, another pig show in the books. More memories made. Another birthday celebrated with a giant cookie back at the pens. Another post-show dinner and then convoy of trailers back home. I love you all....thank you for doing life with us.