Sounds like you had quite a time of it.
As a side note, if the calf does not receive colostrom within 12 hours, it is almost worthless. If not before 24 hours, it is totally worthless. Colostrom IN THE COW loses antibodies each hour after calving. Plus, the calf's stomach is designed to be able to process the colostrom immediately after birth. Each hour the stomach changes and is less & less capable of utilizing colostrom. So each hour after birth, not only is the cows colostrom getting less potent, the calf's stomach is getting less able to utilize what you give it.
That's why, it is imperitive to get colostrom in a newborn as quickly as possible. Ideally, we like the calf to suck within 15-30 minutes. But, we all know this is not an ideal world, and s---t happens. We intervene after about 1.5 to 2 hours - offer bottle of colostrom, if won't suck - tube it.
In your case, cow probably would have been less than willing to let you help. That is why, it is important to have cattle up close during calving season, but like I said, this isn't a perfect world, and some places just can't get that done because of facilities or land. We do what we have to.