These last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride of emotions! We knew for a few months that the BLM were threatening to come take dads cattle and so he was trying to work through the court system to get it stopped, but it didn't work and they came to gather. They closed off all the public land and set up pens where we could express our 1st amendment rights and that is what the sign said in front of the 2 pens. I was shocked to see that we were expected to use those areas to have freedom of speech...which was not freedom at all! They treated the people of this town and my family horribly! They pushed Davey to the ground arrested him and tortured him. We were all so upset that they did this to him all because he was taking pictures! Then some of my family and the protesters went to see what the BLM had collected in the back of a dump truck and several armed men had guns pointed and dogs ready to attack. One guy threw aunt Margret to the ground and tased Ammon for trying to protect her. This kind of treatment was so shocking to me! We live in the Untied States of America and this is how we get treated?? This has is so much more to this than grazing fees and the desert tortes!
Some amazing things happened through all of this and it all starts with the people who came out to support. We had hundreds of people from all over the country were willing to put their lives on the line for our freedoms! People are sick of the government trying to control everything we do and taking all of our rights away, and so they were willing and ready to make a stand. We had media, reporters and radio hosts getting involved and it was the most talked about topic on social media networks. We even had militia groups and peace keepers here to help. We saw the hand of the Lord all along the way and even though it got a little scary at times, we felt the love and prayers from so many! Through out this whole thing we had a protest spot set up and people coming every day to hold signs and show support. We were amazed and humbled by the support we received! We also had people show up to protest at the sheriffs office and the the next day he wanted to have a meeting with my dad. That day the sheriff stepped up and told them to leave, it was one of the best days we had in a long time!!That morning flags were raised on this hill and Arden ran up with the American flag and staked it in the ground. The spirit was so strong that day! The BLM were not going to release the cattle and so everyone road or walked up to where they had them and demanded them back. They said a prayer before they left and every person there said they knew what they were doing was right and the spirit was felt by all. When the BLM trucks were leaving and the cows were released we all felt like freedom had won!! What a great day!! Here are some of my favorite pictures that were taken:
My parents have always been heroes to me,but watching them take a stand and fight for what is right made me so proud and emotional at the thought of what true heroes they really are! I love them both!
I am so proud of my whole family and how they handled this situation! It has been very stressful, but we have pulled together and got through it!
Such a great sight! The cows coming home :)
So many people donated so much!! We even had like 61 pizzas delivered to the protest site from people all over the states. We are still having people help with meals and help answer phones and help out around the house. We are so grateful for all the help!!
One of the best things that happened was getting to spend time with our aunts! We haven't had much time with some of them over the last few years and this brought us closer together! For that I am truly grateful!! Aunt Lillie, Susan, and Chrissy..We have missed you and your families!! Love you all!!
There are several calves that lost their moms during the round up, so we have lots of baby calves to take care of...
