Memories

Today has lead me to talk about memories.  I believe that part of my mission in life is to create lasting memories not only for my family but for all the people we touch that come through our doors.  If you come into my life as husband, brother, parent, extended family, children, grandchildren, rider, volunteer, board member, advisory board member, intern, participant, staff, donor or just meet with me for a moment, I hope that I have left you with some precious memories.

In all of our days on earth we can not take stuff, money, vehicles, homes, furniture, clothes, etc.  The most precious moments we can take with us, is memories and the relationships we build and foster throughout our lifetime.  I have so many precious memories.

Please consider being part of our memory making process.  As we are coming into summer, there will be summer riding classes, camp, horsemanship classes, our women's group, summer outreach, Cowboy Breakfast and just spending time with horses.  Our beautiful horses are precious in building special memories.

If you have a group that is interested in miniature horse visits or field trips let us know and we will be happy to set up a time for them to visit or for your group to visit the farm.

Join us in stepping forward to provide lasting and special memories for all of us to take with us for a lifetime.

A new day is dawning

The crops are in the field, our house is clean, we are organizing and changing things around.   Time keeps ticking away and the year keeps speeding by.  Our world is changing with so many great events and classes.  The riders are progressing at a rapid pace.  It is beautiful sight to see a child sit up tall on a horse when they were hunched over just a few short weeks ago.  It is beautiful to see a young girl take a chance in leading a horse when she was extremely fearful a few short weeks ago.  It is amazing to see the horses adapt and enjoy their time with our riders.  What a beautiful herd we have in our program.  These horses give a their hearts and souls to our riders.  They want to please us in every way.   I have received the privilege of feeding in the morning again and it is awesome to take the time to build a relationship with them again.  Our days are filled with joy and laughter as we watch, teach and observe the many beautiful strides our riders are gaining as they move forward in their progress.  ASPIRE continues to move forward in our progress.  Please welcome Sara Card as our new Program Director.   She will be taking her certification in June.   She is busy trying to catch up with all the Camp Hope, Summer Programming and Horsemanship programs for the summer.  It will be a busy summer and we are looking forward to building positive memories with hundreds of children and adults.  Please come and join us in making a difference.

Summer is just around the corner

Where has the year gone?  The seasons are changing rapidly.  Hairy Horse Show and Let's Dance So They Can Ride were a success.  Everyone enjoyed the evening.  A huge thank you to all the people that attended, volunteered, worked and supported ASPIRE financially with these special events.  You have made a difference in the lives of many.   A heartfelt thanks to everyone.   Summer is upon us and the Cowboy Breakfast will be here soon.  Mark your calendars for July 15th at the UAW Hall.  8-1.   Great breakfast and we are looking forward to serving all of you and having a great time.   Summer classes will be starting in June.   We still have openings in Camp Hope and our Horsemanship 101 and 102 classes.   Call our office to sign up.   We are sad to say farewell to Jen Cheville.  She will be deeply missed.   Friday is her last day.   A round of applause for a job well done.   We wish her well in her endeavors.   ASPIRE will look a little different but we are excited about new endeavors and changes.   Our women's group is going very well and hope to continue and increase funding and individuals.  We are off to a great start.  

Because You're Gone

I found this at the Midwest Horse Fair.  Thought I would share.

Charging into my life,
like a black freight train.
Full of energy barely harnessed.
I wait to hear the rumble of your feet.
I listen to the quiet....because you're gone.

Large, dark, expressive eyes,
Always watching, always seeing.
Never missing a thing.
I wait to feel those eyes on me.
I turn to look and see nothing...because you're gone.

A quiet nicker of greeting
alternating with a more enthusiastic
announcement of my arrival.
An outward sense of embarrassment.
Deep inside I am pleased.
I walk inside to say "hello"
A one sided conversation...because you're gone.
Bursting upon the scene,
the focus of a spotlight.
Beauty in motion, you take my breath away.
I stand back at the edge and look with pride.
Grateful to be a part of your show.
Now the spotlight is empty...because you're gone.

My sense of gratitude
for so many jobs well done.
Professionalism, kindness and respect
while we worked as a team.
"Thank you for making me look good"
the phrase that re plays through my head.
That job is now finished...because you're gone.

A day of courage despite pain.
A brave heart and spirit that fought the good fight.
Endless tears, indescribable loss.
Time goes by, hearts still grieve.
Don't think I've forgotten you just...
because you're gone.

Because you're gone...
Thoughts and ideas take shape.
Meaningless becomes meaningful.
A foundation is laid to benefit those left behind.
Moving forward in an unforeseen direction
on a predestined path.
A bit of "the greater good" accomplished...
because you were here.

Farewell dear friend,
Dr. Kathy Fox

This story reminds me of ASPIRE'S horse Dandy.  Hope you enjoy.  It certainly touched my heart.  Have a wonderful Friday.

Love is all around

Today is Wednesday!   I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.   Love is all around!  I have beautiful grandchildren.  I am so proud of each of them.   I have a wonderful son!  Hooray he just got a new job!   I have a daughter that is starting her own rescue business.   I have great coworkers.  Love is all around.   God has enriched my life and blessed me with so much.  I am blessed to have a wonderful supportive husband.   I am richly blessed with the wonderful participants that ride our horses and participate in our many programs.  Love is all around!   I am blessed to have great horses whom we love with all of our hearts!  I am blessed to have a loving dog and many loving cats.   God has blessed me with a beautiful farm and beautiful surroundings.  I am blessed with the beauty of camping and vacations at Clear Lake.   And now I am blessed to provide you with a wonderful event on Saturday, May 5th.  Please join us and support our wonderful riders and honor all the great donors that have supported this event with the many items that are being auctioned.  I am blessed with the many volunteers and interns that fill so many gaps.   Thank you Lord for providing me with so much love that is all around.  Blessings for a beautiful day!