My grandfather Robert Ernest Rivera is the oldest living member of my family at the age of 82 years young. He was born and raised on a ranch in the small town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico where he still lives today.
I would be lying if I told you my grandfather and I are as close as could be, part of that is due to me growing up in a different city and part having such a large family. My grandfather has six kids, 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren to be exact. However, the stars aligned and I was able to interview him in person over a home cooked meal.
My grandfather has always been the definition of a good-hard working man with strong family values. This was on display when I showed up for our interview at a family friend’s house and he was on his hands and knees helping replace their water heater. That right there explains what kind of person he is, someone who is always willing to lend a helping hand.
He picked up his way of living from my great grandfather Max who passed away seven years ago at the age of 104. My grandfather learned the ins and outs from his father about the cattle industry as well as the construction industry. Just like his father, my grandfather rolled up his sleeves and successfully ran a construction company for 45 years before he retired a decade ago.
There is nothing ordinary about his way of “retirement” as he immediately went full steam into the cattle business and is as busy if not busier than when he was calling the shots at Robert E. Rivera Construction Inc. You can argue running a 3,500 acre ranch is no way to retire but to him there’s nothing else he’d rather be doing.
“Some people may say continuing to run a ranch at 82 is crazy, but damn I love what I do.”
Some of my fondest childhood memories were driving down those dirt roads and helping him brand his cattle in the spring. It was something that brought the whole family together and something we all looked forward to. I know all of this sounds like a good ole fashion country song, but it was there he taught me the value of hard work and how fulfilling it can be.
Along with the value of hard work my grandfather taught how important it is to have faith. No matter how busy life gets for my grandfather he always makes it a top priority to go to church every weekend.
“We have a lot to be thankful for in this life,” he said. “It’s important to show up and show your gratitude.”
To say I am grateful to have a grandfather like Robert would be an understatement. We may not spend a whole lot of time together but the lessons and values he has instilled in me will live with me forever.
