The History of the Ranch - Our Arrival - Part 1

This week we start a new monthly series on Our Wyoming Life as we take a look at the history of the ranch. Our first part concentrates on what brought us to the ranch, allowing us to leave our corporate jobs and seek a life that at the time we didn't even know we loved.
Take a look at the hard decisions that had to be made and the tragedies that brought us to Our Wyoming Life.

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Our Wyoming Life
PO Box 667
Gillette WY 82717

Join us on our journey as we leave a life in corporate america to come back to Wyoming and help on the family ranch.

Our Wyoming Life features our Wyoming ranch and our ranch family. Giving you a look into the workings of ranching from raising cattle to raising and harvesting crops. Erin will join you weekly out of the garden, showing you how she helps provide for our family through growing produce and selling at local farmers markets, and Mike will take you along as he tends to the animals and land of ranch, from calving to fencing to planting and harvesting hay.

[georgemalakasis]

In older days, a man's handshake was a contract ! Stronger and more powerful than written by lawyers ! So, I bet you that this old lad heard what you told him, he liked it, he approved it and he signed it by squeezing your hand ! So, you got a life's condruct ! Hope you will be able of keeping loyal to it ! May God bless you and your family !

[OBIOsim]

I watched this video twice...back to back. And both times, when you were talking about that last "conversation" with Gilbert...where you promised to not fail, to keep the ranch alive for the future generations, and Gilbert squeezing your hand....that segment brought me to tears. In that moment, you gave Gilbert peace of mind and heart. He knew that you would take care of the ranch, of the land, and more importantly...of his wife (Erin's mother). Gilbert heard you, and in your words to him, he knew that you would carry on his work, would maintain the ranch, grow it if possible, and that the woman he loved would be taken care of as well. He could not reply verbally, but that hand squeeze was all he needed to say. That was a man's way....an old school, hard as nails man's way....of sealing the deal, signing the contract. After that, Gilbert knew that all would be well with those things that filled his heart with purpose and passion...his ranch and his wife. It does not surprise me that just a couple hours after that "conversation" Gilbert departed this life. He was able to lay his burdens he knew that you had taken those burdens upon your shoulders and that you would not drop them, that you would do the work that needed done, and care for all that needed cared for. You gave Gilbert what he needed...assurance. Bless you for that, Mike.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family.

[karljg]

What a beautiful story. Gilbert was a fine judge of character. Damn...got something in my eye.

[johnduffant]

This episode touched me deeply being the son of a fireman, a Veteran and someone who believes to the bottom of heart a mans word is sacred, I respect what you did by telling Gilbert you wouldn’t fail. Well sir thanks for sharing your life style. I’ll say it every time I wish I could spend time on the ranch.

[rbyq]

Gilbert would be proud of the progress you have made. What a great opportunity most people would dream to be a part of. Gilbert couldn't ask for a better family member to keep the ranch moving and passing it on to future generations.

[zach_hewitt]

I think the sincerity in your videos is what draws folks in. It's not someone looking for likes or their 15 min of fame. Just a genuine love for what you do, good times and bad. Keep up the good work!!

[garyj]

1-Live each day with courage.
2-Take pride in your work.
3-Always finish what you start.
4-Know where to draw the line.
5-You make a promise keep it.
6-Do what has to be done.
7-Be tough but be fair.
8-Never be afraid to fail because when you're afraid to fail you'll never try.
9-When you fail don't look at it as failing I look at it as learning.
10-Breath in problems, exhale Solutions.

This has always been my code of life.

[oletimer]

WOW !! I really appreciate what a fine loyal person you and your wife are. Living in the east (NJ) you forget that there are REAL hardworking people out there who still have family values and live by a code of honor, sacrifice, and honesty. I truly admire the fact that you live WITH the land and not just on it. God Bless the Cowboy !!!

[bks]

Run it into the ground Mike, run it into the ground... You're a good man Mike, you're a LOYAL man, Mike.

[VAkid]

I grew up right outside DC, my wife in Wisconsin. We recently moved back to Wisconsin with our 2 boys and bought a 40 acre farm. While we both have full time jobs, we still plan on raising animals for sale. All for a better, worthwhile quality of life. Thanks for the continued inspiration.

[mommykdk]

This made me cry! Gilbert was a smart man, from the sounds of it.
I hope my husband and I can grow to homesteading for our future family.
I know it isn't an easy life but I can't think of something more rewarding. ❤

[oby-]

Thanks MIke, there was not sacrifice but evolution in your life. An honest rendition of humanity.

[sb]

Mike, you and Erin are remarkable humans. I could not help but cry listening to this story and the love that given and shared by you guys. So rare, So precious. Giving of yourself unselfishly is priceless. God cannot be outgiven. And he has given to you and will continue to that, because of the choices in life that your making. I'm blessed for having heard this story. Thank you!

[thomasmorrison]

Mike, i live in a city of over 2 million people, but your videos remind me of going to my uncle's farm. This is very touching. You're teaching your kids not only hard work, but the value of family, keeping your word, and commitment. Thank you.

[johnhfischeriii]

Mike and Erin, you two are quite something. Your hard work and dedication, to not only each other, but to your family and land is awe inspiring and wonderful. God bless your family and your ranch.

[BillTheTractorMan]

Mike, Erin this video is very touching. My house is only 2 miles from the family farm I managed and helped my grandfather on for 8yrs when he retired. I know my grandpa sits in his chair every day, shaking uncontrollably and losing his battle with Parkinson's and dementia. I thought it was my God destined task to be by his side, to keep his farm going. He loves my daughter, his great granddaughter. He talked with her about farming and animals, even though she was an infant. Unfortunately due to greed of my uncles I'm forced out. I find your story, your history with the ranch that a bit of a realistic fairytale. Your living many peoples dream, including mine. I'm am so grateful you share this journey with me and my family. My daughter loves your cows. Shes almost 3.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, Bill.

[larrylparish]

Damn you Mike, I'm 66 & have been through a lot of BS in my life that I felt had tempered me into the person I am. But when you related your promise to Gilbert to us, it was like being poleaxed with a pick handle. I'm not going to get into a lot of details here, or get weepy & teary eyed (again), but I just want (hopefully some day soon) to shake your hand.

[metalkingtohorses]

you speak English beautifully and DJ job explains why you are such a good speaker( I hate the way people use incorrect English drives me nuts, so its very refreshing I really like your channel )

[gearheadted]

Thank you Mike and Erin for sharing more of your personal and family history. The power of your emotions and family connections comes through the video. I'm happy that things are mostly working out for you all in your Wyoming Life. The family farm/ranch, where I grew up, ended more tragically for my father a few years before he passed away. Again, thank you both, for letting many of us live vicariously through your ranch life.

[kaydickerson]

I'm a Hurricane Katrina survivor. Portland Oregon was our dream. I have a raised garden bed. I've always had a garden. Just smaller now!
And. I still play trumpet around !ittle towns in Oregon & Washington. I'm a rock & roll
Grandma.