September 2, 2005
My name is Susan. I am a big girl on the outside, and still feel a bit like a little girl on the inside at times. I feel satisfied with my life goals and so happy to help the children and animals that come into my world. When a horse leaves our farm after being matched with an adopter, my tears are tears of joy, yet tears of bittersweet reminder that not all endings are happy endings and some will bounce back due to divorce or death or other circumstances, while some will pass from this world before I am ever able to care for them or touch their long flowing manes and tails again. We never know what tomorrow brings... I can only trust that it will bring the best possible outcome, living each day with faith.
I am a bit melancholy since my daughter is spending her first few days in a dormitory at UW in Madison in tears, tempted to run from the path she has chosen to attend college there, tempted to come back home to safe arms and familiar surroundings. In between helping the animals and sending my foster children and my own children back to the local public school, I have run down to console my daughter at college, to offer help and hugs, and to tell her to follow her gut. She is going through more than I can share with you right now, but I pray that you will keep her in your thoughts and uplift her that God will give her strength to continue.
My wonderful 16 year old son, Jordan, is back in school and a Junior this year. He has his license and will have his braces off his teeth on October 4. He has so much to live for, so much to be excited about. His personality and harmless mischief are evident and his charm and wit help him and his buddies have a lot of fun! He has discovered girls, and this has changed things. He is no longer my little buddy who stays home and eats treats that I make for him and plays video games, content to be here with mom and sibs. Now he wants to go to dances, and wants to drive the car around and look "cool". My boy is growing up. I feel sad, yet happy to be alive to share these days with him. More and more, each day that I rise, I realize life is such a gift!
Zach and Rachel are back at elementary school in grades one and three. Zach is an aspiring enterpreneur, always having an idea for his own business. Rachel is my avid animal lover, sensitive to the little kitten souls and the big hooved souls. She is my little "barnacle"! She is also the first one to ride with me when I need to go outside. Life is just beginning.
The foster children also are excited to be back in school and are adjusting here more and more each day. Our hope for them is to be happy and look forward in life rather than back at where they came from. No victims - only victorious! It is easier said than done but we love them so much that our hope won't let us give up on any child entrusted to our care.
Lucky went home to his forever place yesterday - have to feel good about that! And Jak also went to Iowa to his new home with Summer Frolic, the Standardbred mare that was adopted her so many years ago. We have horses standing in line to come tot he farm, and only so many adopters to go around. We are crying out for people to give homes to these great horses (does this sound redundant??)...
A special thanks to Sandy D. for her recent gift of $75, and to Denise R. for her gift of $100 this week. Also many thanks to Barb and Scott E. of Michigan, who have generously gifted $2000 to ASAP in order for us to buy two additional outdoor shelters for incoming horses. This gift is beyond words... we are forever indebted for your support! Also Chrisoula of Florida for her gift of money for hay! Without you we could not do what we do.
We continue to rally corporate sponsors to our program. We need to finish the year comfortably, not fighting for every penny and hoping the pennies will be there to pay for hay. Wouldn't it be nice? Do you know any sponsors you could approach on behalf of ASAP? Let me know any ideas!
Upcoming events:
Vernon County Fair - September 16-18 - harness races - we will join with WHHA and the USTA for a special event as the USTA honors harness racing in the state and at this county fairgrounds. I want to thank Danielle Strom for taking the time to be present for the weekend and passing out information about our program to the public on behalf of ASAP.
Super Night - Balmoral Park - September 17 !!!!! See you there!
I will write once before this date but wanted to get the update up before the long Labor Day weekend. Pray for New Orleans and Mississippi -
Until next week,
Susan
