By Shandi Bradley
The pandemic of 2020 helped me to see the true value of one of Montana’s finest treasures, the great outdoors. My husband and I run a cow/calf operation on his family’s ranch north of Cut Bank, MT. We spend many hours outdoors, whether it be working cattle, cutting hay or fencing. I thought for sure that I could not value the outdoors more than I already do. However, I found great solace right out our back door. I found myself going for daily walks with my children, ages 9 and 12. It became a family affair as not only would the dogs tag along but you’d often see our three kittens doing their best to keep up. My children were online schooling until recently and I have been able to work from home a large majority of the pandemic as well. I will always treasure the walks my 9-year old and I would take on his recess and my break. We could be found on our summer trails with the dogs and kittens in toe. I found that I got to know my children so much more during the pandemic. Instead of racing to the next practice or game, we were home, spending quality time as a family together. Life seemed a bit slower.
Without a doubt, social distancing from our loved ones has taken a toll. However, my husband and I found safe avenues for gathering with our family and friends outdoors. I recall our friends bringing rhubarb plants to be replanted and we enjoyed a visit over root beer floats while the kids showed off their new kittens. We celebrated our 9-year old son’s birthday on a treasure hunt on the ranch that Grandma had put together especially for the kids. The hunt was followed by a marshmallow roast that any kid would love! We continued the birthday celebration as we met up with our friends for a picnic and fishing at Lake Sheloole. My daughter caught her first fish and her smile explained the sheer excitement she felt. Labor Day found us fishing west of Bynum at Antelope Lake with Grandma and Grandpa. There were no fish to be caught that trip, however, the wonderful time with family and the beautiful Rocky Mountain backdrop kept us from wanting to leave. We saw an amazing herd of elk as we left the lake that evening. With summer coming to an end, we made one last fishing trip to Camron Lake in the Sweetgrass Hills. Our kids received a kayak for Christmas and we are so excited to get out as a family this summer and enjoy the beauty that is literally right out our back door.
The memories we made as a family last summer will be cherished forever. I feel that the silver lining in this pandemic is that we had the opportunity to stop and focus in on what is truly important to us, our family and friends.
