If you don't know who Bert is, you're really missing out. Bert is the best mule in the whole world. I am 99.9 % positive that when we get into heaven Bert will be pulling the chariot carrying the greatest men of our time. Maybe George Washington or Ghandi, or Obama (if that's your thing). Anyway, Bert really is a special mule.
He's special because he's gentle, trustworthy, kind, oh and did i mention... he's a mule! He's that mule you can put anyone on, with the least amount of experience, and they will have the ride of their life. My 4 year old nephew can pull him all around the campsite without getting stepped on. You can put 5 people on his back, and he won't make a fuss. My favorite thing about Bert is that he'll let you wrap your arms around him and give him a squeeze if you feel the need, and I have, many times. How many times have you done that with any other big hairy beast?
One time I took Devon on this camping trip to Nevada (The Valley of Fire) with my dad and a bunch of Cowboys, real ones. Devon hadn't ridden a mule before, or in other words, Devon hadn't ridden before. We put him on Bert and we went on the craziest terrain these eyes have ever seen. Well, Bert treated Devon like a real gent, and Devon survived with flying colors.
Bert is so nice and gentle and sweet that he will even lie down and let you lay on him for a picture, or a nap if you want.
It wasn't until this last camping trip with my dad that I found out how we managed to get a mule as great as Bert. It's quite the story, and one that needs to be shared.
My dad was in the market for a good pair of mules to pull a wagon, as most dads are. He went to a man's house who was selling another mule, my dad saw Bert and noticed he was a young little thing that was being handled by kids a lot. My dad asked the man how much for the mule, the man replied, "He aint for sale, that's my son's mule". My dad offered him a hefty amount of money for the mule and the man said, "I'm sorry sir, he aint for sale."
"Hells Bells" my dad thought, but said he would be back in a week to pick up the other mule. When my father returned the next week the man explained that his son had wrecked his father's truck and his father was so upset he was making the boy sale his mule to pay for it. So my dad offered him a good price and took home 2 wonderful mules, Bert and Ernie.
I am grateful for teenagers who make stupid mistakes and bless the lives of others. I really feel like Bert is a member of our family, and I'm happy my Dad paid the price to bring him into our lives.
Here's a tribute to Bert in pictures.
