The mountain lake was sheer as glass. No sign of wind in sight. A place to give the horses rest. Our day was starting right.
The trucks were parked two miles away. Our climb was done somehow. The cell phones had no service. Yeah right! Can you hear me now?
When all at once and to my right Jim’s roan jumped four feet high. The roan bucked Jim hard to the ground. He didn’t make a cry.
Right then I realized big Jim was tougher than most folk. Upon inspection I could see his leg was sure ‘nuff broke.
We set his leg and tied a splint. He never even winced. I’m sure his nerves are made of steel. Of that I am convinced.
Two other cowboys lifted Jim and placed him in the seat of a horse that wouldn’t buck, whose temperament was hard to beat.
I swear the hill was steeper as we slid on down the trail. And prayed that big Jim’s horse’s legs could hold and would not fail.
I think I yelled, “We made it!” as the trucks came into view. But my truck had one flat tire and the trailer had one too.
Thank heaven that we brought along an extra truck that day. It seemed the tires were welded on. Those flats were there to stay.
Well Jim was finally loaded up and driven into town. I thank our lucky stars that he was face up, not face down.
At times I have to wonder was it luck or was it fate that we brought an extra vehicle and didn’t have to wait.
For sure someone looks over us. I’ve never had a doubt. My grandma taught me it was so when I was just a sprout.
Well luck is just coincidence, but fate is destiny. And that roan still keeps on buckin’ ‘cuz his fate’s not up to me.