January 15, 2007

How were your holidays?

Mine were GREAT...........and EXHAUSTING.......

I actually looked forward to getting into January and the days becoming longer. Of course, it is not January 12 and my lights are still up outside. Shame on me!!! My tree did get put away on Monday and my mother, who is 100% Norwegian, told me I could have had until this Saturday to take it down. It is the tradition in Sweden to "dance the Christmas tree" out the door while celebrating on the 13th of January (is this Epiphany I was told?).................but we danced it down to the basement - it's fake - on Monday night. It sure wasn't a celebration though - my foster son was quite put out that he had to get up from the television to lend me a helping hand. I sure do appreciate him and he does realize we work hard too.

I got the book "The Story of My LIfe" by Helen Keller for Christmas from my two older kids and I am relishing every word of it. Her thoughts, though deaf and blind since age 18 months, were so deep that you have to have quiet to totally absorb her spirit through her written words. Here is an example of the wonder that she thought of life:

"Again I asked my teacher, 'Is this not love?'

'Love is something like the clouds that were in the sky before the sun came out' she replied. Then in simpler words than these, which at that time I could not have understood, she explained, 'You cannot touch the clouds, you know, but you feel the rain and know how glad the flowers and the thirsty earth are to have it after a hot day. You cannot touch love, either; but you feel the sweetness that it pours into everything. Without love you would not be happy or want to play'. The beautiful truth burst upon my mind - I felt that there were invisible lines stretched between my spirit and the spirit of others".

Here's one more that I have aspired to be as a teacher since I began working with my special students and foster children 20 years ago: "My teacher is so near to me that I can scarcely think of myself apart from her. How much of my delight in all beautiful is innate, and how much is due to her influence, I can never tell. I feel that her being is inseparable from my own, and that the footsteps of my own are in hers. All the best of me belongs to her - there is not a talent, or a joy, or an inspiration in me that has not awakened by her loving touch".

Wow - those are powerful words, spoken by a woman trapped in a world of darkness and silence.............how many of our children in society have all five senses intact, yet resist the love and teaching and guidance given by sincere teachers and parents? We really don't have much to complain about in life - Helen Keller lived each day to its fullest and was enthusiastic in her endeavors to learn all she could about the world and the people in it. Sooooooo inspiring!

And that means I feel the same way about those invisible lines stretching towards my pets too! I honestly think animals FEEL us and our intentions. Our body language can either be in harmony with them or it can convey anxiety, hurry, anger, or fear. They are sooo smart!

Before I forget I want to share that tons of wonderful things in the world of public relations and our program are going on. Jane Wise's book just came out and it has lots of information about adopting horses. If you would like a copy let me know and I'll let you know how to order it.
Name: " Give a Horse A Second Chance: Adopting and Caring for Rescue Horses" by J. R. Wise with lists of rescue and adoption programs by state and stories and tips about everything from soundness issues to caring for a senior equine. Thank you, Jane, for allowing ASAP to be a big part of this book!

We will attend the Illinois Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association banquet on January 20. The tickets were paid for by A Ruman of Illinois, and a silent auction is planned to benefit ASAP, largely put together by Anna, with donations of a harness by Featherlight, one year subscription to Horseman and Fair World, and two box seat tickets to the World Trotting Derby being just a partial list of things contributed. Cottonwood Farm and Walker Standardbreds have been contacted for donations and Cross Harness Supply is also donating! We cannot be more grateful for this opportunity to be present with the nation's best owners trainers and all involved in the Illinois harness racing industry. What a privilege!

Double L in Iowa has once again donated another flatbed trailer full of supplies to ASAP. We cannot be more thankful.

Our holiday newsletter was enjoyed by all, I am hearing. WE appreciate those of you who could make a contribution towards our program. We were able to pay for all newsletters (cost of printing ane mailing) and had some left over for the horses! Thank you, and remember it is not too late to make a donation. It would be wonderful.

So much to be thankful for, and thanks to you owners who are supporting your horses financially while they are waiting to come into the program. We have had two owners step forward to pay for transportation for their horses to a point where ASAP could pick them up (one horse came all the way up from Florida thanks to his owner!) and also pay for their board while waiting for a home here. This is outstanding and commendable. We know the racing industry cares for its horses - just look at our list of the sound, young, healthy horses waiting here! Hats off to the harness racing industry and the people and horses we serve.

We'll see you for the board meeting if you'd like to come on the 31st!

Love,
Susan

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