What Makes the Cow Guy Cry: Choosing Happiness Through Life's Highs and Lows

After experiencing devastating loss, how do you learn to live again—and even find happiness? In this episode of What Makes the Cow Guy Cry, Jim Dedelow and Scott "The Cow Guy" Shellady reflect on the stories, tragedies, and lessons that have shaped the podcast. Scott opens up about how losing his daughter changed his life forever and how, over time, he has learned to choose happiness despite the grief that still comes with him. Scott explains that rebuilding your life after tragedy doesn't happen overnight. It is a daily choice to focus on what you still have rather than everything you've lost. He discusses the emotional "triggers" that can bring grief rushing back, the importance of having a support system, and why sharing your struggles with others can make the burden feel a little lighter. The conversation also explores how hearing other people's stories of loss can create a sense of connection and remind us that, as difficult as our own circumstances may be, everyone is carrying something. Scott shares how opening up about his own experiences has helped others—and how those conversations have also helped him. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons from this episode is the importance of celebrating the home runs in life just as much as we dwell on the strikeouts. Scott reflects on a recent personal accomplishment and how he could have allowed the absence of loved ones to overshadow the moment, but instead chose to celebrate it. For Scott, the journey isn't about forgetting the people or experiences he's lost. It's about carrying those memories forward and using them as a source of strength. "Celebrate the home runs." This episode is a powerful reflection on grief, resilience, faith, perspective, finding purpose, and choosing to keep moving forward—even when life has given you every reason to stop.