If your life was a book and you were the author, what impact would the story have? Many of us are very passionate about working in the dairy industry. But how many of us take the time to look at what we are actually doing and really live our life goals day by day. What are you doing today to achieve your big goals? Because how you spend your days crafts your life.
Small choices over time lead to giant consequences. Each day is a microcosm of your life. How you spend your hours will determine what becomes of your days, your years and, eventually, will write the story of your life. Your words, thoughts and, most of all, your actions define your destiny and shape who you are becoming and what your life will stand for.
The recent passing of an amazing young woman, Andrea Crowe (Read more: It’s Time to Pull Together and Support One of Our Own) got me thinking about the passion that inspires the lives of so many dairy breeders. For those in Atlantic Canada and many more in the rest of Canada and the USA they will remember a fiery redhead that they have grown to know and love. Andrea Crowe’s passion for dairy cattle is second to none. She developed Broad Cove and Hi-Calibre Holstein’s into one of Atlantic Canada’s best. On Tuesday, June 11, 2013 after a long, courageous battle with a still underdetermined disease, Andrea passed away (Read more: Obituary for Andrea Marie Crowe).
It has been said that “Each one of us is called to greatness. Each one of us has an exquisite power within us. Each one of us can have a significant impact on the world around us – if we so choose.” Andrea chose to embrace that power. She was the sole proprietor of Hi-Calibre Holsteins, her own Holstein pre-fix. In recognition of her achievements in the Holstein industry, Andrea was awarded the first Howard Roper Memorial Award in 2003. Other awards specific to her work included several All-Atlantic , All-Ontario and All- Canadian awards. Andrea served two terms as President of the Central Nova Holstein Club and was a member of the 2011 National Holstein Convention Planning Committee. Throughout her life Andrea was active in the 4-H program. In recognition for her leadership, she received the 2012 East Hants Volunteer of the Year Award after being nominated by the Cobequid 4-H Club.
For many years, Andrea battled against a variety of ailments related to the disease that finally took her life. The hospital personnel at IWK Health Center and the Halifax Infirmary became a second family. In order to give back, Andrea, when healthy, was dedicated to public speaking and volunteer work for the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax. She was selected to be the first Miracle Child representing the IWK Children’s Hospital for the Children’s Miracle Network and later received the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award for her efforts. She also was invited to be a guest speaker at the World Pain Management Summit held in Montreal several years back. Andrea served on several committees in the medical community to develop standards for arthritis care. Andrea saw a bigger purpose to her life. She accepted her calling and became an example to others who needed hope.
“Your Schedule Doesn’t Lie.” There can be no real success and lasting happiness if what you do every day doesn’t line up with what you believe in. If there is a disconnect between what you do and your deepest values, you will struggle to find fulfillment. Why? Because your story isn’t only what you say, it’s what you do. Words are empty unless they are backed up with actions. It’s about walking the talk 365 days of the year. Ask your conscience. Does your schedule truly represent what you value most and believe to be important? “Your schedule doesn’t lie.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Andrea Crowe achieved great things not by sitting back and waiting for them to happen. She didn’t let her ailment define who she was. But rather she developed her skills and gave her best to everything that she did. Andrea inspired and encouraged others with the exceptional way she used her unique gifts and selflessly shared her passion. The best among us are not more gifted than the rest. They just take the steps to live what they believe in each and every day. The days slip into weeks, the weeks into months, and before they know it they arrive at a place that is extraordinary. Andrea Crowe was an extraordinary young woman. Her incredible attitude will always touch and inspire us. Andrea lived a life of great passion and let her daily actions do the talking. She will be dearly missed.
Please join her family to celebrate her amazing life at her true home, their farm, on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11AM. with Rev. Natalie Buchanan-Rutherford officiating and burial in the Burntcoat Cemetery, Burntcoat. The family will also be accepting visitors on Friday evening from 7-9 PM in the J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home Hwy 354, Kennetcook. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the QE II Foundation, the IWK Health Center Foundation, or a charity of your choice, in honor of Andrea. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of the J. Wilson Allen Funeral Home, Hwy 354, Kennetcook, ph 1-902-362-2440 or please visit their web site to sign the guest book or send private condolences.
I enjoyed knowing Andrea Crowe. She was a strong spirit with a wonderful smile !!!