Lego and Legend [Dairy Star Column]

Sometimes we find the happy endings – and new beginnings – where we least expect them.

Dan with Maven at the Central Minnesota Dairy Day Youth Show

I had hoped that working with this year’s fair calves – Maven and Obsidian – would help take Dan’s mind off of losing Lego. But we were standing outside the ring at last Friday’s Central Minnesota Dairy Day Youth Show and Dan spotted a calf who’s eartag had the name “Lucy” on it. He pointed to it, with tears filling his eyes, and said, “That makes me miss Lucy.”

I told him I understood and gave him a hug. He put his smile back on and led Maven into the ring. Obsidian didn’t go to this show because she’s still ridiculously stubborn on the halter. Dan’s hoping she’ll come around in time for the county fair.

Dan with Legend, the registered Holstein winter calf that he won

After the youth show, Dan has another reason to hope.

His name was drawn from all exhibitors for the grand prize: a registered Holstein winter calf. For the past six years, the Stearns County Holstein Club has purchased a registered Holstein calf to give away at the youth show. This year’s calf was purchased at the Damhof Dairy dispersal in April.

After Dan’s name was called, it took a second for him to understand. Then he ran to the calf. You’ve never seen a smile so big on a boy’s face.

By the time I caught up with my camera, he was already asking questions.

“What’s her name, Mom? Can I give her an ‘L’ name?” Dan asked.

In that moment I realized what winning this calf meant to Dan and it was my turn for tear filled eyes. This calf was new hope for his broken heart. The start of his very own cow family.

Dan named his calf Legend to honor the memories of Lucy and Lego. I’m hoping with him that Legend will become her name. That she will be the beginning of a lifelong story that started with winning a calf at a show.

Hats off to the Stearns County Holstein Club and the supporters of the Central Minnesota Dairy Day Youth Show for an excellent show and for giving one boy a reason to hope.

Sometimes we find the happy endings – and new beginnings – where we least expect them.


For the whole story, read my last column in the Dairy Star.