FINALLY!!!!!!!! Why
is it so hard to sit down and write? I have so much to say,
usually, but I am lacking in self-discipline. You see, I have
to plan my writings to you during the school day when I can
concentrate. Then, my husband prefers that I am not on the computer
when he is in the house or in the evenings when he is trying
to watch television or read, since my fingers slamming on the
keyboard every time I get inspired with a thought just drives
him up the wall!
So here it is, Tuesday afternoon with the rain coming down strong,
and my husband isn't anywhere in sight. My kids are in school,
and it is quiet, except for an occasional adolescent kitten
jumping on my hands as they fly across the keys. How many times
can I plop a kitten on the floor before it goes away instead
of coming back for more? I'll get back with you on that!
We are still in a bit of limbo, waiting for adopted horses to
be picked up. This weekend will bring quite a few changes, as
Bell Valley Yank and Ruby Sign venture to their new homes. Sis
Herself, Katura, and Incredible Buddy may very well be on their
way to Watertown, South Dakota on Thursday with Craig, me, and
the kids. That leaves room for... Master Miles, the four year
old coming from Erv Miller, the mare coming from Ray J., and
countless other horses needing wintering somewhere. Somewhere
seems to mean here all too often....... due to lack of foster
families willing to take in companion horses or light riding
horses.
Won't you consider
becoming a foster family to Sundown, Misty Glo, Land of Witches,
or Angel Spirit? JD and Jammer, I believe, are on their way
to a new home thanks to Mike H. of the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
We need more Illinois adopters and foster families!!!!
I have thought a lot about a horse who recently came into the
program, and went out within five or six days of coming to the
farm. His original race name was Judge's Shoes. That name brings
about a picture of a stern, conditional being looking for certain
qualities that would make something or someone "good enough",
right? That could mean what some people think of God.... but
the owner who purchased Judge's Shoes spent a lot of time with
him, and got to know his personality well. Consequently, she
decided on a name for him which has this dictionary definition:
"Steadfast" - firmly fixed or established not fickle
or wavering; constant; resolute; steady, unswerving; unbendable;
dependable, especially in loyalty; unswerving devotion; unserving
allegiance, loyalty in the face of struggle or difficulty".
Steadfast, a black Thoroughbred gelding who used to race, then
was trained for eventing and purchased by a caring individual,
soon earned the nickname "Eddie". When he came to
ASAP I almost fell to my knees at his beauty. Then, as the hours
ticked by, I noticed that his temperament was as beautiful as
his outward appearance. It didn't take me long to see why Vicki
had named him Steadfast, and that is the reason why it didn't
take someone else long to see the same qualities in him, which
earned him a wonderful new home in such a short amount of time.
When I look at the words that define "steadfast",
I note that Eddie was the same in all environments he was put
in, regardless of what was asked of him. He didn't like trailer
rides, but he complied and was obedient in stepping in and moving
forward in the next chapter of his life. When he arrived on
the other side of his destination, he remained dependable, wise,
constant, loyal in the midst of his own unsuredness each step
of the way - trusting in faith that he would be provided for
and loved. As I thought about this I turned inward to see myself.
How could I measure up against this word? Am I able to stand
steadfastly in the face of struggle or difficulty (without whining
or giving up?). Am I strongly committed? I tried not to think
about this too much, as it made me a bit uncomfortable. I tried
not to make it a subject for this week's update, but it kept
coming back to me. Maybe it is something I was supposed to share
with all of us, to be encouraging each other to remain steadfast,
persistent, and unwavering in the face of personal difficulties
- when things are going bad AS WELL AS when things are going
good! To be ever thankful, ever patient, unwavering, even unconditionally
loving when we don't feel like it! I know I am working on this
area of my life, and my word for the week is "steadfast"!
DT's leg is still not where I want to see it. I will have to
try and round up the funds to get him over to Town and Country
Vet Hospital in Winona MN for a full workup. I think it would
be best at this point.... have any of you ever struggled with
a wound that would not
heal? Mail me your suggestions!
Thanks to a major Illinois racing association for their contribution
for 2004 and continued support of our program.
The tears really flowed these past two weeks as I had to say
"so long" and well wishes to April and Scout and Brookview
Snag and Mocha. They all went together. Snag and April were
the two that I was most attached to - you cannot explain connections,
as different people connect with different animals, but when
I went out to snap the lead onto April's halter, I burst into
tears. She was always open to hugs - big, open-armed hugs....
but that was slow in coming and she was selective in who she
leg in for affection. Snag just always wore his heart on his
sleeve, and he was so completely emotional, wagging his tongue
or tossing his head for one reason or another that I came to
understand quite completely. So now the empty spaces fill again
with another horse in need. Give us the financial and emotional
strength to continue to open our home and hearts to these horses.
Beau is going to be fostered by Shawn and Kristi- thank you!
Derby will return - sigh - to the ASAP farm.
Amburr is being fostered by Pam N. - thanks so much! It was
difficult for Amburr's owners to make the final decision to
place her, but they feel assured at this time that Amburr is
in the best of hands!
Biggles Made It is still in Menominee with the Stuber's as well
as Gabriella
Land of Witches and Angel Spirit are with Kim C. in Mankato
area of MN
Sherman is in northern MN with Linda Bair
Cre Larson and Lynn Collins both are helping to find homes for
Bo Knows Silky Too and Dolly's Delight. Also, thanks to Associated
Press and an International Falls, MN newspaper for their feature
article last week!
Mike Hoch is fostering Sassie Susie and will also be fostering
JD and Jammer, who are both currently being fostered by Tim
Kriese of Winona, MN
Kim Larson continues
providing great care to Branch Lovetime, Aggie, Little Jeffrey
John, and Sweet Billy N....
Jan Meyer is fostering Up Periscope and Max, and may decide
to adopt, which may be likely as she did end up unable to part
with the Ringo ladies!
Did I leave anyone out? We love you and appreciate you all!
Until next week,
Susan
