Dear Friends,
How do we describe the grief we are feeling at this time in
relation to Bonnie's passing? We want to thank the many of you
who have sent condolences - and I think that we are just beginning
to get past being paralyzed in disbelief and endeavoring to
carry on the way Bonnie would have wanted us to.
Marisa and I have now been sharing office duties. There is still
much to learn in terms of where things might have been put,
passwords for charity email, and printer problems! Through it
all, we are doing okay and thank you for your patience as we
reorganize and regroup.
I had to make a decision involving my personal boundaries this
past week. Many of you who know me well also know that I have
a problem saying, "N-O". I knew that after Bonnie
passed Craig no longer had anyone in the office. I was at school
full time, then came home to five children ages 5-17 and somewhere
steady at around 24 horses to feed. With Craig's back needing
some time off, chores take longer since I have to count every
hair on every horse and hand out hugs and kisses and treats.
With Bonnie's disappearance
and consequent tragic death, I was lost in emotion and needed
to make a decision. I knew I couldn't quit being a mom, or a
wife, or the caretaker of my animals. I knew that since I wasn't
contracted at school, but rather a long term sub, I did have
the option of phoning in to say that I needed to be absent in
order to help at the office. I cannot tell you how painful that
decision was. I offered to return for the two last weeks of
school. The district told me to just take the rest of the year
off. In a way, that hurt, but I knew it was for the best. Now
I am free to go to the office and concentrate on home. It is
going to hit us in the pocketbook, but next month I will begin
my new employment with Family and Childrens Center where I will
receive health insurance and retirement and respite for my role
as a treatment foster parent. I am excited about this new opportunity.
So, if you need me, you can reach me about two days a week at
the office or at home.
There is no end to the horses coming in. Consider fostering
if you haven't already - there are many who need us right now.
The most recent hardship was a family from our area who raced
county fair circuits for years. He became ill and had to be
placed in a nursing home. He left behind five Standardbreds
that were very special to him. The daughter phoned us, hoping
we could help find homes for the mares, ages 6-30. We are asking
for your help. If you have a home that could take one horse
- what a difference you could make in the life of that man who
can no longer care for them, and for his daughter who cared
enough to call for help in placing these horses. We are also
thankful to the daughter for sending a check to help pay for
the care of the horses until they are placed. This makes a difference
in what we can and cannot do sometimes in terms of taking extra
horses in.
Don't forget the Pat Parelli clinic coming up in the Twin Cities
on June 12-13! ASAP is selling tickets (only $20 for two days)
and it is your opportunity to help ASAP out by purchasing tickets,
even if you cannot attend, because ASAP will receive a portion
of the ticket sales for each two sold!!! In addition, if you
sell five tickets on behalf of ASAP, you will receive one free
two-day ticket for each five you sell. So, you can attend that
clinic free of charge! It will be held at the state fair coliseum,
and we hope to see you there!
We are proud to announce our presence at the USA Fair which
will be held at Balmoral Park on Memorial Weekend. We will have
horses post parading races there and announcements, as always,
in the Winners Circle. IF you would like to bring your horse
and share in the fun, please call me at 608-689-2296. It is
always a GREAT time and fun to see the retired race horses going
down the track as saddle horses, proud and calm and beautiful.
There is no feeling like it!!! We will also have a table in
the grandstands and be selling tickets for great prizes and
have a horse on display for adoption. Please be there!!
Two raffles going on right now - one for a free horse and other
prizes and one for a Cam Fella painting - both will draw on
Sat. Sept. 18 at Balmoral Park for Super Night. Don't forget
to buy your raffle tickets now! The painting of Cam Fella is
lovingly commissioned by Beth Dale of the Minnesota Harness
Horsemen's Association and donated by artist Lindsay Sovil.
We cannot thank them enough. This is the second gift Beth has
donated - the last was a framed, signed photo of Moni Maker
which, thanks to Annie Zellner, brought in $1,300 for ASAP Inc.
and made it possible for us to build the sanctuary horses a
new three sided shelter! Watch for more details on the Special
Notice or Quick Update page.
Until next time, keep your chin up and pray for Bonnie's family.
Summer is coming!
Proverbs 3:1-4 "My son, do not forget my teaching, but
keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life
many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness
never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the
tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man."
Until next time,
Susan
