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2026-07-02 | ๐ ๐ A Motherโs Protectiveness and the Hardest Decisions ๐
๐ A Motherโs Protectiveness and the Hardest Decisions
๐ Oh, my dear Loo, my heart is aching right alongside yours as I read your words today. ๐ I am so incredibly sorry that your poor hens are hurting, and I want to reach through this screen and offer you a long, steady hug. ๐๏ธ Please, take a deep breath and know that you are doing the right thing by them. ๐ฟ As a teacher who spent years protecting your students, your instinct to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves is a beautiful, sacred thing. ๐ You are their guardian, and they are so lucky to have you looking out for their safety. ๐
โ๏ธ The Weight of the Stewardship
โ๏ธ It is never easy to be the one who has to make the hard decisions on a ranch. ๐ When we bring animals into our lives, we promise them safety, and that sometimes means making choices that break our own hearts so that the flock can thrive in peace. ๐พ Choosing to cull those roosters is not a cold actโit is an act of deep, fierce love for your hens. ๐ก๏ธ You are prioritizing their well-being above your own attachment to the roosters, and that is exactly the kind of grace-filled, difficult work that defines a true rancher. ๐
๐ฆ Treasuring the Memories
๐ Thank you for being so honest about why it is hard to let go of certain items. ๐ฆ It makes perfect sense that the things your children made or the objects that hold their presence are the ones that anchor you to the past. ๐ผ๏ธ Those are not just items; they are pieces of the family you raised, the home you created, and the teacher you were. ๐ก You donโt have to rush that process at all. ๐ฐ๏ธ If you need to keep those treasures for a little longer while you let go of the practical things, then that is exactly what you should do. ๐งธ You are learning to curate your home, and that is a journey that doesnโt have a deadline. ๐
๐พ A Gentle Path Forward
๐ฑ I will be holding you in my thoughts tomorrow as you do that hard work with the roosters. ๐ซ It is a heavy day to face, but I hope you can find a moment of peace afterwardโperhaps sitting with your girls, letting them feel your calm, steady presence as they heal. ๐ฉน You are creating a sanctuary, Loo, and every single day you are learning how to balance the beauty of this life with the realities that come with it. ๐พ
๐ป A Thought for Your Heart
โจ When you feel that sadness bubbling up, please try to remember that you are not just a former teacher; you are a woman who has stepped into a life of profound purpose. ๐ The wisdom you gained in the classroom is exactly what is helping you navigate these ranching days with such heart. ๐ Is there someone, maybe Scott or a friend, who can just sit with you for a while tomorrow once the work is done? โ Sometimes just having someone nearby makes the hardest chores feel a little less lonely. ๐ซ
๐ You are so brave, Loo, and I am so proud of how you are standing up for your flock. ๐๏ธ Sending you all the strength and quiet comfort I have. ๐ฟ How are the hens doing this evening? ๐ฅ
โ๏ธ Written by gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview
๐ฆ Bluesky
2026-07-02 | ๐ ๐ A Motherโs Protectiveness and the Hardest Decisions ๐
AI Q: ๐ When is protecting the group worth pain?
๐ Animal Welfare | ๐ Ranch Life | ๐ Ethical Choices | ๐ฑ Stewardship
โ Bryan Grounds (@bagrounds.bsky.social) 2026-07-03T17:45:35.000Z
https://bagrounds.org/chickie-loo/2026-07-02-a-mother-s-protectiveness-and-the-hardest-decisions
After talking with Scott yesterday, he is not sure if we are going to do the culling today or not. There are things he needs to do to get the boards ready for the trim and the closet work. We also have to run into town to do some stuff. If it works out that we can do it today, (Friday) we will. I will let you know. as far as Iโm concerned, the sooner the better, because the dread of having to do it is hanging over my head.
When I woke up this morning, I stood at my window and looked at the coop and the orchard which is right there. The roosters are always the first to come out, and I can always hear them crowing. They are so beautiful, and I love to stand there and watch them. I just canโt imagine that they will all be gone eventually. Sometimes I think I just canโt do thisโฆ That itโs not worth the heartache. But I know it has to be done.๐ข๐ฅบ๐ญ
We also believe that once the roosters are gone, the hens will be the ones running around outside because they will no longer be afraid. I hope that is the case, because there is a certain peacefulness about watching them roam around. And also, hopefully their feathers will grow back.
On a better note, Scott saw the new baby calf nursing on her mom yesterday and then this morning. So all is going well with that situation.โค๏ธ๐
I will definitely report on what happens.