After Hailey and I acquired a few acres of land, we entertained the idea of having cattle purely for aesthetic purposes.
We affectionately referred to them as “land ornaments” and began searching for the perfect calves. Hailey stumbled upon Tatum’s website, and we were immediately captivated by the array of adorable calves they had available. Intrigued, I reached out to Tatum, engaging in multiple conversations with Print, who treated me like a close friend. Our discussions led us to the decision of purchasing one calf from them.
However, fate had other plans in store for us. On the day of our intended purchase, Tatum contacted me excitedly, informing me that he had come across another calf that would make the perfect companion for our chosen one. Eagerly, I consulted Hailey, who shared my enthusiasm, and we promptly agreed to take both calves. We informed Tatum of our decision and promised to travel to Nebraska within the next couple of weeks to retrieve them. Tatum, ever accommodating, inquired about their names so he could tag them accordingly. We fondly named them Merle, the white calf, and Hank, the brown one.
As we embarked on our journey to Nebraska, Tatum warned us about the possibility of encountering snow and assured us that if it impeded our progress, we could seek refuge at his place. Little did we know that the expected snowfall had transformed into a full-blown blizzard, obstructing our path entirely. Despite the treacherous conditions, we eventually reached Tatum’s residence, only to find that he had lost power. Concerned for our safety, he insisted that we spend the night at his home until the storm subsided. It struck me deeply that a complete stranger would extend such warmth and care towards us, treating us as though we were family.
Tatum graciously offered us a room in his house, but upon learning that a nearby hotel had vacancies, we opted to stay there instead. Throughout the night, he continuously checked on our well-being, ensuring we were safe amidst the snowstorm. The following day, as we began our journey back home, Tatum maintained constant contact, making sure we reached Kansas without any issues caused by the lingering snowfall.
I can’t express my gratitude enough to Tatum for blessing us with those two bulls and for treating us with genuine joy and love, despite being strangers. His kindness touched both Hailey and me deeply, and it continues to serve as a reminder of how we should treat those who enter our lives. The memories we have made with Merle and Hank, and the impact they have had on our extended family and friends, are invaluable.
Wade Adams | Nashville, TN