Our errant, unpredictable, young, and talented shearer, Ian, came to shear the sheep Monday night. It was classic Ian.
He came alone, started at 6 o’clock, had to stop because his clipper was getting hot, struggled to set up a light, and couldn’t see enough to shear the sheep, so we quit halfway through. He’ll finish up on Saturday.
It took us several calls to find him, talk to him, and get him to come.
We do this because we love Ian, and he is so unbelievably good at shearing, which is not a common thing. And he is a special, cheerful, warm, and conscientious friend.
Good shearers like Ian (and his grandfather Jim McRae) are rare.
Maria always waits for him to call back, and he always comes, sometimes when we least expect him. But there is something lonely and alone about Ian, something lost.
I won’t go into the details of his life, but his day job is hauling slate for a slate mill in Granville, N.Y.
He says it’s tough to find enough shearing work in Vermont to make a living, and he’s had a rough couple of years. He seemed to be giving up on the idea of making this a part of his life.
I sensed he was going to the wrong place, in danger of getting stuck on the wrong track.
And I know how hard it is to change tracks once you get on the wrong one. As I’ve written, I never tell people what to do, and I dislike most unwanted advice. But Ian is special, I felt I needed to talk to him.
It is the job of older men to try and mentor younger ones, to pass along what they have learned, and the mistakes they have made. Most young people don’t listen, they aren’t interested in what older men say, but Ian is different. He does listen.
I could see his old and battered equipment; he struggled to hang a light over the blanket he put down. He said he needed some better equipment. But he still did a great job. I could see the fatigue in his face, and I could see he was hungry.
Ian was exhausted and hungry when he arrived; I was concerned so I rushed out to buy him two hamburgers, some black coffee, and a banana, which he gratefully accepted.
Of course, it got too dark to shear by 8 p.m., and he was only halfway done. He handles the sheep confidently, lovingly, and skillfully, which is not easy work. I’ve been dealing with sheep shearing for the past 15 years, and Ian has the gift, just like his grandfather.
He seemed to be giving up on shearing; he kept saying it couldn’t work for him even as he showed us again how much he loves it and how good he is at it.
We all agreed to call it off for the night. He was tired, his equipment was getting hot, and he needed coffee and food. He got into his car and headed home.
When he left, Maria and I looked at one another and shook our heads. Ian was in trouble, confused, and at a crossroads. I had the idea that I needed to put some supportive thoughts into his head.
He told me he loves the people he works with at the slate mill; I do not doubt what it is that he loves. I called him tonight – this is something I never do – and I got him on his cell phone.
We have a strong connection, Maria and I both feel it, but I had never talked to him on the phone before and never discussed his talent and choices.
I feel strongly that people should do what they love if it is at all possible. But they have to believe in themselves and just go for it. Nobody encouraged me to be a writer, or Maria to be an artist.
I want Ian to know people think him special and worthy.
He was surprised I was calling him. Maria handles the sheep stuff, it was unusual for me to get involved.
I said I needed to talk honestly and openly with him, and if it made him uncomfortable, he could stop at any time, and I would go away. I could tell he was both shocked and wary.
It was a come-to-Jesus talk, the kind my doctors have been giving me these past few years.
I told him he was special and clearly loved everything about sharing the sheep. I told him he was bright and gifted and that I wanted him to consider that the happiest and most sacred people on earth are those who do what they love.
Working just for money is, to me, a form of slavery. Shearing is a form of creativity. Ian is an artist.
I said there is nothing wrong with working with slate, but if he does it for a few years, it will be difficult to turn back and resume the life as a shearer he was putting together. And I know that is what he really wants.
I said that life is a track, and I thought he was on the wrong one. It’s one thing to go down fighting for the life you love; it’s quite another to quit on it without a real fight.
He started again to tell me how hard that would be, continuing his ambitions to be a shearer, but I interrupted him. I don’t want to hear whining or talking of your troubles, I said, you are speaking to the wrong guy.
Do you think, I asked, that it was easy for me to sell and write 26 books?
I said I could trade horror stories of rejection, failure, drinking, drugs, and even going broke more than once.
I’ve seen how hard Maria struggled to become a full-time artist who sells almost all of her work. Do you think that was easy, I asked? Do you really want to hear our sad stories? Good, because I don’t want to hear yours?
Ian, I said, I can trade horror stories with you all night; nothing worth doing is easy or straightforward, not in this country. But I am calling to tell you I believe you can do anything you want, I want to put that idea into your head, and I am willing to help you in any way.
I’m sure I can help get you the equipment you need to make a go of this, and I sense it is what you want to do. I said you are way too young to give up on your dream and way too gifted.
Ian was shocked and said so, but he told me he was listening. He was stunned and said it was a powerful conversation for him; he had not heard these things. I said there was no need to respond to me or discuss it further.
I said what I want is for him to think hard about what he wanted his life to be. I don’t believe it’s hauling slate in a mill.
I asked Ian to think about whether it’s time to think about a gofundme project so he can get the modest equipment he needs to get a shearing business going. I said I would support it, and I believe people would help.
I’m glad I called, and I left Ian speechless.
I told him the call was a compliment. I believe in him.”You are one of those people who can do anything you want to do.”
He hesitated and said, “well that is certainly a compliment!”
I answered: “Don’t be dense. This whole call is a compliment. I don’t do it every day.”
The working class has a lot of people with exceptional skills. If for no other reason than they take any job that comes their way. And learn a lot of different skills.
Not so the suburban middle class youngsters who are waiting for the perfect job. Even worse outside of America
I bet you got some savvy people who can help not just with better equipment but with finding sheep that need shearing.
Heart warming when a New Yorker gets it.
Steven, I have no idea what you mean when you say a New Yorker gets it. Is compassion now to be politicized along with everything else, do we now judge people by what state they are in? Yuk.
You brought tears to my eyes, Jon. (Not for the first time, btw.) That was just so good to read. Thank you, as always, for your wonderful words. I hope Ian uses your words and goes on to do what he loves. Enjoy your days under the Big Sky 🙂
Thanks Kent, you have a big heart..
Good grief. If my sheared didn’t show up until 6, came with poor equipment, and left with half the job to be done, I’d be furious—it’s no simple matter to get ready for shearing, and that’s just irresponsible. There are tons of shearers already in the northeast, and the only ones who come close to making a living have to travel and live out west on huge ranch operations. You clearly meant well, but you gave Ian very poor advice.
Mark, your response is way too harsh and judgemental for me, and I am no stranger to being judgemental and harsh.
You act like you have never been young or experienced confusion and fear about your life. You are lucky. Being a shearer in these parts is complex and challenging, and Ian has had other difficulties that are not your concern.
Being young and trying to figure out your life can also be challenging. Ian is a very good person with a lot of passion and heart. And he loves shearing sheep and is very good at it.
He needs some support, and I am happy to offer some, I believe he has the skills to be whatever he wants to be, and I hope I can help him do that. I believe he is a wonderful person. He is better than hauling slate for the rest of his life. That would be a wonderful thing to do, if possible. Someone tried to do it for me, and I’d love to return the favor.
It isn’t for you to say what kind of advice he needs – you don’t know him or me. I don’t think I’d relish being your kid. – best Jon
As always, a well written description of our role as older folk and mentors. It is such a satisfying experience if you choose to accept the role.
Glad you are helping this young man sort out what’s the best path for himself.
I came across this article about a couple earning 80k shearing sheep, llamas, alpacas.
They do travel in their work.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/30/what-it-takes-to-make-80000-shearing-sheep-in-seguin-texas.html
Maybe it’ll be a bit of inspiration for him.
What a nerve for somebody who is always preaching about not accepting advice from anyone but does not mind to dish it out to someone else young or old. and why a go fund me? what about you put your mpney where your mouth is.
It is always easy to help with OPM.
Micheline, I don’t mean to take away your outrage and suspicion, but I contribute a great deal of money – some to every single request I make – I don’t mention it because it is none of your business. I have supported Ian in a number of ways, that is not your business either. I don’t even care to think about how much money I spend, nor would I wish to.
And the gofundme would be by Ian, not me. It’s his decision, not mine. He may not wish to do it.
I have offered to purchase some of his equipment myself, of course.
You seem like such a miserable person, Micheline, I am grateful not to be you, and don’t want you on my site. It is always easier to hate people than to bother to find out the truth.
Your message is dishonest, cruel, and false. If you post here again, I will ban you from the site and from the ability to comment. Go find someplace hateful, you’ll be happy there.
She obviously didn’t really read the whole post. I thought you gave Ian a great compliment, gave him an “out” to stop the conversation if he wanted. He needed to hear someone supporting him and recognizing his true talent and worth. Bravo, Jon! Your replies to these nit pickers is right on.
This part really stood out to me: “it’s one thing to go down fighting for the life you love; it’s quite another to quit on it without a real fight.” Regret isn’t there even if it didn’t work out but you gave it your best shot. I think that becomes more apparent as you get older and have various types of regrets, and can sift out the things that were meaningful in the long run.
I for one (I’m not alone, I see)…..applaud you for reaching out and offering this young man support and encouragement. You never told him what he *should* do but you helped him see options. It can be so very troubling in ones youth to *see* the possibilities available and to know what one desires in life. As Monica mentions above in her comment………. those two sentences of yours said it all. Support and encouragement are so vital…….. you are a wonderful mentor and human being! Ian is fortunate to know you.
Susan M
DearJon,
You inspire me to be a better person.
Thank you.
Robert
Thank you…
I read this post a few days ago and could not get it out of my mind. We have a small farm with 15 alpacas. Our shearer is such a valued member of our team. He is wonderful with the animals, and even better with the owners. Folks like this are hard to come by and so appreciated. He has a helper who travels with him and helps wrangle animals, hand him new sharp clippers, and cleans up. He works very hard from March to July shearing animals. Then works at a cabinet making shop for the rest of the time. I just wanted to say that your encouragement to this young man is much appreciated.
THanks Jo, Ian is coming today, I’ll show him this message…
Hi Jon,
Val from Maryland here. Bravo !! I work in the medical field and spend alot ofmy time outside of there working on a farm of one the the docs I’ve worked for owns, Nothin fancy a lot of land and about 20-30 sheep. I love when the shearer and his son come. It is a talent. And I beg to differ with Mark, there are not alot of shearers , that know what they are doing or are skilled. Shearing is an art form. Kudos to you for encouraging a young man to continue a trade and skill that helps the farming community ,another dying breed.
Whether it be a go fund me or the army of good count me in! And for anyone that thinks you dont put your money where your mouth is , they don’t know you or your work. you and aria both contribute endless time and money to humanity and good causes. Keep doing you!
First of all.I honor,respect you as a human being, being fully human full on and honest. Not at all an easy thing. And to be that in front of the world.. again respect.
I have thought of Ian this week, wondering what if anything he may have decided.. Also knowing that whatever it may be..or not..
Knowing someone took instrest in his well- being..I might imagine touched his heart.
Thank you
PS you are an inspiration to me on handling unconscious, harsh people
Can he learn how to clip a horse well? Has to be easier than to shear sheep and pays well – $150 is the going rate where I live and they can finish a large horse in two hours. He could continue to do sheep as well. Just an idea to investigate. Show horses are clipped numerous times per year.
Ian is lucky to have you in his corner, Jon. I suspect he will remember your phone conversation as a defining point in his life years from now. So many of us sit back and watch people in their youth struggle with similar decisions that we ourselves have had to make and instead of offering the benefit of our experience we stay silent for fear of hurting someone’s feeling or straining a relationship. What you said to Ian took courage and strength of character that does not come cheaply through life’s experience. As you pointed out this is not a habit and you made a conscious decision to get involved clearly out of respect and compassion. I applaud you and hope when the opportunity presents itself I will have the fortitude to do the same because of your example. Thanks for sharing.