At Least They're Committed

The leaves are gone, the baron trees outside our window give way to burn-scarred earth and sky-splitting sticks of what were once ponderosa pines — jutting from wintry ground that rolls up the mountain. We’re here. Home.

The ranch is gone — busy continuing its rebirth after the Missionary Ridge fire of 2002. We’re not at the ranch. A wealthy family that can support the health of the 1,015 acres we loved for 80 years has taken over its care. In the two decades since the fire, inches of dried pine needles have taken over the acres, putting it again at high fire risk and rendering it uninsurable.

Caring for something and having the ability to keep it safe and healthy are two very different things.

A legacy lost.

We have relocated to a much smaller, yet equally beautiful location. It’s the window that God opened for us, recognizing that generations of spirits who closed that door were people who did not care to invest in the land to enable it to thrive — or so much as preserve it for their heirs.

Quite all right. We closed on the sale of the ranch two months back, and four days later — the moment we stepped out of the car that warm, early October morning, having spent the weekend touring the state looking for our new ‘ranch’ — my breath was taken from me. I gasped and choked back tears.

Legacy found. This is it! This is the land we are meant to steward! The stream sashays its way into the clear, curling creek. Thank you, God! We found it. We will do right by this land and You. We promise!

This land is for our little (well, not so little since we have nine grandchildren) branch of the family — vs. all the family. Of course, the whole family on both sides are welcome, but it is ours to care for.

Sure, all around it echoes devastation. The area burned five years ago, hence the desolation. But we know. Been here before. We see and feel its awe-inspiring magnificence, it’s unquestionable beauty.

Having watched the rebirth of the ranch the past 23 years, we’re excited to be a part of the rebirth here — only 2.5 hours away from the new house, vs. 6.5 hours.

The 4-year-old and the three babies won’t remember the ranch, but this now is their legacy. And we’re going to honor the land and every possible step for its health and rebirth.

Our window after the closing door. Our legacy for all generations to come!