October 2017 10 Full-Time, Local, Horse Property Specialist 472 E. Wickenburg Way, Ste. 102 Wickenburg, AZ 85390 Susan Abare, Real Estate Consultant Direct: 928-713-7472 Abarewickenburghomes.com Fax: 623-243-1295 Email: sabare@awardrealty.com Bales Hay & Feed Sales LARGEST SELECTION OF BALED FEED IN ARIZONA We invite you to “LIKE” us on We Grow and Sell Alfalfa, Bermuda, Rye Grass, Paca Verde, Cow Hay, Oat Hay, and Straw WE ALSO CARRY O. H. KRUSE GRAIN We Load Your Pick-up or Trailer Family Owned and Operated for Five Generations 20600 W. Beloat Rd. • Buckeye Take I-10 West to Verrado, Exit 120, South to Beloat Rd. 623-386-2988 WWW.BALESFARMS.COM Se Habla Español TRADITIONS By Brett Spear, Stockman Feeds and Western Wear Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of who we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.” Those words came from Pat Tillman, emblazoned forever on the plaque at the base of a statue of this beloved athlete, soldier, husband, son, brother, and friend placed inside the newly refurbished Sun Devil Stadium. As players leave the locker room and head down the “Tillman Tunnel” they will touch the statue before storming onto Frank Kush Field. What a remarkable tradition to begin, one that should last for a very long time! Traditions are an important part of the human experience. Traditions can be a guide, a sort of compass, that points us in the same direction of those who have come before us and their successes in life. Traditions are the very chain that binds us together, generation after generation, creating a respect and reverence for family, friends, universities, and a multitude of other organizations. Those of the “Greatest Generation,” who grew up and endured World War II, the prosperity of the 50’s and 60’s, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War, are gradually passing on. As their posterity, we have an obligation, a duty, to carry on the traditions of our forefathers. We need not be the missing link in what should be the endless chains of our traditions. One of my paternal family traditions is to pass a small porcelain statue of a bedded sheep down to the first-born son of each generation. This statue was given to my great-great-great-great grandfather in the 1840’s as a Christmas gift. This young boy had an uncanny ability to find out his Christmas gifts early and at the age of eight he was warned by his father to “engage no more in snooping and sneaking or his gift this Christmas would be his last!” Unable to heed his father’s warning, this young boy found his gift, his misdeed was discovered, and this statue was indeed the last Christmas gift he ever received from his parents. As the eldest of my generation, I have the privilege and honor to look at this small statue daily, to be reminded of the value of obedience, the consequences of disobedience, and the importance of traditions. In due time, I will pass this family heirloom onto my eldest son, with the story and the lessons contained within to be a symbol of the values honored and cherished by our family. It will become his responsibility to keep this chain of tradition moving forward. One of the most enjoyable traditions I have created involves a multi-colored chili print long sleeve shirt that I have worn every Christmas Eve for the last 15+ years! It is festive, gaudy, bright, and always elicits comments from customers, family, and friends each and every year! It is the only day of the year I wear it! Come by this Christmas Eve and I’ll take a picture with you…it’ll be one to remember! May we all have the ability to hear the voice inside of each of us, leading us in the direction of who we wish to become, and to have the strength and conviction to follow it. Traditions are an important part of who we are, where we want to go, and who we become. Honor the traditions of your forefathers and begin to make your own traditions for the generations yet to come…they will be honored and thankful for your efforts as I am for the efforts of my ancestors. We are linked, one to another, for the eternities! “