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January 2006 Issue
Memories
by Jennifer Shike
I can feel the cold air biting my cheeks and the nervous butterflies clamoring in my stomach as my sister, brother and I ascended the hill in the timber.
When we arrived at the top, Dad slowed the truck to a stop and turned to give us a big grin. That was the signal – it was time to race down the hill! With snow flying, we sledded over ruts and bumps and screamed and laughed all the way down.
Nothing was more fun than sledding with my family. With winter in full-swing, I can’t help but think back on the great memories we made together as a family during this time of the year.
In the NJSA, we offer many opportunities for our members and their families to make memories at our events. Growing up around a show ring, I learned that livestock projects are a wonderful way to bring families together.
My siblings and I love to recall memories of showing horses and livestock. While the actual show ring experiences were the best part at the time, I’ve come to realize the things I treasure most are not what awards I won, but the memories I made with my family and friends along the way.
Some of my favorites were the early-morning and late-night talks I had with Dad on the way to and from shows and playing Ghosts in the Graveyard with my friends and siblings after the show.
Shows are also where I experienced my first fight with a friend, my first time to witness a serious accident, my first blue ribbon, and even my first date.
Many things in life fade with time, but good memories do not. Here are a few ways you can create long-lasting memories at NJSA shows in 2006.
Talk and talk and talk. When you travel with your family to a show, you have a captive audience. Instead of sleeping the whole way while someone else drives, use your time together to share what’s going on in your lives.
Parents, this is a great time to find out what your child is experiencing at school, with their friends, or with their pig. Kids need to know their parents care about what they have to say.
And, kids, this is a great way to find out what’s going on in your parents’ lives. Your parents travel across the country to help you reach your goals and dreams. Why not show some interest in theirs? Not only is this a great way to get to know them better, but it’s fun, too! Of course, it’s also a good way to learn from their knowledge and experiences to make your project even better.
Think before you shout. Now, maybe you are an unusual family and you never fight at the shows. But, come on, who doesn’t? Shows can be stressful for parents and kids.
Everyone gets nervous. Kids are nervous about doing their best and pleasing their parents. Parents are nervous because they want their child to be successful. Unfortunately, if these emotions don’t cross just right, a small war can break out!
Consider the other person during these moments of tension. If you stop to think through what is happening from their view, you’ll find that shouting is unnecessary and issues can be resolved through conversation instead.
Fighting may feel good for a minute, but that minute ends, and everyone just feels worse. While this theory won’t take away every argument, it may help get rid of a few or lessen the impact of others.
Share the workload. NJSA swine projects should be “led” by the youth exhibitor, not the parent. But I think it’s important that parents get involved, too. Kids can wash their own pigs, but it’s nice when parents are nearby to help them get to and from the washrack.
Working together creates great memories and opportunities to learn from each other. Part of the experience is dealing with wins and losses. This can be much easier when you go through the wins and losses together, as a family.
Make your 2006 show memories even more meaningful this year. Many of us spend quite a few hours at shows. Why not make those hours count for something bigger than the show itself?
