Agathos Dorea

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

~Jack Colton, Cowboy Historian

I’m envious of people who’ve got it all figured out.

The strange thing is that when I run into these kind of folks, they’re usually getting on in years a bit (well, actually a lot).  They’ve got a lot of life behind them and their rich life experiences have made them profoundly and unquestionably wise.

This was not the case with Nathan Sams, a young saddle bronc rider from Quinter, KS.  But when it comes to wisdom, make no mistake about it; despite being a young man—this guy’s definitely cracked the code.

By way of background, I met Nathan quite by accident last weekend at a rodeo in Eddyville, NE (pop. 94).

From the moment I met him, I could tell that there was something different about this kid.   Weighing in at about a buck forty, Nathan was lean and tough.  His hands and arms were strong but his smile was the thing that was captivating.

For some time we talked about the art and science and the trials and tribulations of saddle bronc riding. We talked of ranching and hard work; of the endless travels that accompany competition and of Nathan’s dreams and aspirations.

And then it hit me.

This kid’s got it figured out.

He lives a simple life with lots of meaningful challenges.  He works hard.  He keeps to himself.  He’s got his dreams.  And he’s learned how to live in the moment—all the while demonstrating a great deal of kindness to those he meets along the way.

As the sun was setting golden on the western horizon, our conversation came to an end. We shook hands and Nathan smiled broadly.  I told him I’d send him some photos.  He said he’d pay me for them.  I told him I wouldn’t be sending him any then.

With great pain, he agreed to my terms.

I asked him for his email address.  He shook his head.  We both smiled.  I pulled a pen from the pocket of my jean jacket and I wrote down his mailing address.

And tonight I’m thinking about how special the whole encounter was.

You’ve gotta love a guy that’s got it all figured out.

Nathan Sams, Quinter, KS.