Crow's Nest Ranch: A Dedication To Deanna McRae Brandt

My mother, Deanna McRae Brandt, would be 68 years old today and Crow's Nest Ranch was created in her memory named after the horse ranch she named. This whole organization is a celebration of the woman who created me to be the man I am today. She was the "hammer parent" in my life and many others' lives.

Before my conception, she underwent 5 miscarriages and a brain surgery. The doctors said she would never have kids again. When I came up on the scan doctors advised she abort me because there was a high chance I would have Down Syndrome among many other issues.

She told them where to shove that prognosis, carried me to full term, and had me naturally. All 10 lbs 9 oz of me. 

This woman then raised me with an iron fist and taught me that this world is tough and that I had better be the toughest. 

When I fell back into my addiction, her death was what kicked the ball down the hill. It was more than that though, it was my tough facade and lack of foresight to feel through my pain, accept my grief, and deal with the shame I had surrounding our last 10 years together.

Since then I have learned a TON. Specifically, that loss isn't just a one-time event, but it's something we experience repeatedly as we daily remember those we've lost.

I learned that for us to transition from feeling pain to feeling gratitude in our grief happens when we live in a way that carries on their light. 

Led through our daily actions, our decision to transform grief through gratitude for their life becomes a celebration and dedication to who this person was on this earth.

So in light of my mother who looked out for "the strays" of this earth. I carry her torch for those of us who also strayed from who we truly are. 

Crow's Nest Ranch is a celebration of Deanna McRae Brandt - Rodeo Queen, Wife, Mother, Daughter, and Caretaker.

Thank you, Mom and happy birthday.

Sincerely,

"Bubba"
Jordan Brandt
Founder & Executive Director of Crow’s Nest Ranch