It sits just outside of Spray, Oregon at the foothills of The Umatilla National Forest, a little over a 100 acres that my grandparents purchased in 1997. It was my grandpa’s dream, his goal, that he accomplished through hard work, determination, and perseverance.

My grandpa worked for everything he had and was one the most inspiring people to look up to while growing up. Now, he rests easy up on the hill above his property watching his legacy continue. My grandma, dad, myself, two brothers and one sister continue what he started. We run a small herd of cattle and my dad produces his own hay. In May of every year we count, brand and vaccinate each cow and calf and get them ready to take up to the mountains to pasture for the summer with our bull. Through the summer they pasture where they have plenty of feed to get them through to the Fall.

Around October we round them up, separate the bull, take the calves to auction, and bring the newly pregnant mamas home. I think the biggest joy is being able to do this with my family, and the greatest blessing is being able to raise children in this environment. This little piece of property is my little patch of heaven, it is where I find serenity and peace, the place I can go to remember just why we are here.