While most of the time I showcase expensive boots, all things fashionable & make you want to go shopping; I thought I would change the pace for a moment. It’s no secret that I’m very fond of Anderson Bean Boot company, I have visited their factory, seen their work & met their people. It’s a wonderful company & I truly believe the people who stand behind it is what makes it so special. Today I thought I would share this story about C. Jason Spence (left) & Caleb (right).
Spence is an auctioneer from San Antonio, Texas & below is his story.
Starting in 2011, I had the opportunity to sell the Dawson County Jr. Livestock Sale. Caleb Gentry was one of the Dawson County kids that made the sale. His pig sold right after the banner and breed champions. Being the first year that he made the sale he was very excited and the crowd cheered loudest for him and his project outsold the Grand Champion! With all of the activities Caleb was overwhelmed with excitement. When I finished selling his hog, he thanked me and wanted to know where is belt buckle was. I told him that he wasn’t going to receive a buckle only the breed champions as well as Grand and Reserve. Caleb was crushed, all he wanted was a belt buckle. I told him that if he would make supreme champion he would get a belt buckle next time.
On the way back to the airport I knew I had to make good on my promise. When I returned home to South Texas, I looked into one of the drawers in my desk and found a brand new rodeo buckle that was from a Wild Cow Milking in West Texas. I thought, “This is for Caleb!”
The next year, 2012, I returned to Lamesa once again to sell the Dawson County Jr. Livestock Sale. Caleb was sporting a buckle that he had won at Ft Worth Stock Show showing a pig the year before, none the less I had to make good on my promise. Without telling anyone, I sold Caleb’s project and then presented him with the buckle. He thanked me and immediately put on his “Wild Cow” buckle.
At this year’s sale, Caleb was not only wearing his “Wild Cow” buckle but a pair of Anderson Bean Boots with the Texas 4-H logo on them. He made a special effort to show me his boots and I joked that his feet might be bigger than mine.
I am very blessed to have the opportunity to bring kids all over the state into the sale spotlight, usually for less than a minute a year. After the sales are done and I leave for another, it is kids like Caleb that make the lights shine brighter.
I absolutely love this photo – the boots, the belt buckle, the smiles say it all.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Melissa says
What a heartwarming story! Love this. I have a cousin with Downs and he’s the best – so neat others take time to help make thier life special.
Deborah B says
Thank you for sharing this story! My son Sam has a rare genetic disorder, and although there are many parents of children with disabilities who point out how their children are discriminated against, I choose to focus on the positive experiences we have had. Many of those experiences involve folks in the rodeo world and the kind deeds they have done to change our lives.
Thank you Mr. Spence for making a difference in Caleb’s life. But more importantly, thanks for making his Mama smile!!!
Alycia Tandy says
I must say I also have a fondness for Anderson Bean and that story truly touched my heart. This week has certainly been a positive affirmation of how big Texas is and our love and respect for each other. Let us keep up the good deeds and our deep pride.
Weekend Cowgirl says
That is such a sweet story… what a nice man! And what a precious little boy…
Tracy says
This story is so sweet. I love the picture.
Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights
Jan Gentry says
I am Caleb’s mom. Jason Spence is truly one of the rare breed of men. He has blessed me and my family beyond words. When Caleb did not get a buckle in 2010 he was heart broken and began to sob. Jason was speechless….not good for an auctioneer. In 2011, after his pig was sold, Caleb began to walk off. Jason stopped Caleb “Hey buddy, didn’t you want a buckle last year?”…..the rest is history. The very fact that Jason remembered and acted speaks volumes.
Yes, Deborah B, this mama did smile and shed a few tears. West Texas has grown some good men. This is a big thank you to all of you that make a difference in any kids life, but especially the special ones.