CALF_News_June_July_2019

16 CALF News • June | July 2019 • www.calfnews.net Her sister survived the firestorm by moving to a wheat field. The things she experienced on that field, according to Beckford, are things we never want to. She was eventually found by an aunt and uncle who drove 50 miles to help the trapped family.“They came in behind the fire and got her out. Then they all came to help my husband put out the fire that was trying to burn the hay shed down.” Beckford describes the emotional roller coaster of the day; adrenaline kept the family going. There wasn’t much time to stop and think about the “what ifs” until it was over. She explains the “fear of the unknown,” but not being able to compre- hend that part until they had had some time to settle down. The young mother remembers wanting to get back to her son, and wanting to go home, even though there was no home to go back to. C.J. had watched their house burn down. There’s a new appreciation for cell phones since, even during the worst of it, Beckford knew her husband was ok. Assessing the losses Beckford’s two ranching sisters also lost their homes. The ranch office, horse barn, hay shed and mechanic shop also suc- cumbed to the fire. An additional vacant ranch house and other buildings burned, along with more than 100 miles of fence. The family’s worst loss was considered to be half their cow herd, four good horses, a donkey and the family dog. Beckford said they spent days putting down animals that couldn’t make it and weeks re-evaluating the health of those that were left. Housing and help Family and friends flooded in to help. One neighbor lady is credited with saving the Beckford’s parents’ home from latent, burning embers. The same family provided housing until alternative homes became available for the three sisters. “The outpouring of generosity that we were able to witness over the next months was truly breathtaking,” she says. “People from all over the United States sent aid to our community in the form of supplies, helping hands and monetary donations. Being part of the agriculture community is truly a gift.” Coping Beckford says at the time there was no time to cope with anything, they still had cattle to care for. They had many people willing to help, but those people needed direction. Tasks were divided and con- quered with long hours of labor. Beck- ford’s sister Jenny took on the paperwork of documenting and burying dead ani- mals and orchestrating volunteers. Her other sister, Katie, headed up donations. She made sure that generous gifts of hay made it around the entire neighborhood so all cattle in the community were fed. Beckford took charge of the cattle that survived, working closely with veterinar- ians and cowboy volunteers. “I don’t think we relaxed for a year,” she says.“If we even know how to relax anymore. There was a lot of searching for a new normal and it took a while, but it happened.” She credits her mom with great help in child care for all the sisters’ children. Returning to life It took two years for the three sisters to rebuild their family homes. They were KANSASWILDFIRE Continued from page 15 all settled back in about April first of this year. There have been no ill effects on the family, physically, although Beck- ford says it may have taken a few years off their lives. They’ve all made an effort as a family to focus on the good and leaned on one another when they needed to. Through all the sadness, they strove to be happy and are mostly thankful. “We serve an awesome God that protected all of us, and that in itself is enough to make me happy,” she says. Beckford is not sure this event is some- thing they will ever recover from; it is part of them now. Is there any good that can come out of a disaster like this? “You might not be able to find it every second of every day, but there is good in everything,” Beck- ford explains.“If you can’t find it, then you’re not looking hard enough. Keep your faith. Don’t give up because you’ve been dealt a bad hand. Think of the people around you, your kids especially. What kind of example do you want to set for them? Do you want them to give up or to fight through adversity?” There are a lot of people who love to dish out advice, but do not have much ground to stand on. You can bet this family has experienced the worst that life can throw them. We should listen care- fully when they speak.  The up-and-coming generation on the Giles Ranch includes, left to right, Hayden Shaw, Addie Shaw, Peyton Betschart, Giles Beckford, and Ethan Betschart holding Assa Shaw and Gentry Betschart. Photo courtesy Alyssa Henry Photography