My son runs in High School Cross Country. Every time I’m at a meet I am almost to the point of tears to see how hard these kids must work to run 5k (3.1 miles).
Watching cross country runners run up a hill is 2nd only to watching them cross the finish line as far as emotions are concerned.
Some of them must have a passion for running. At the meet, last Saturday one girl was way out in front of the everyone else. She started and ended there.
For the last two years, I’ve watched a young man who may have Down’s Syndrome come in after everyone else in the Junior Varsity run. That he has that kind of dedication moves me to tears even just writing about it. At the meet, on Saturday I thought he must have graduated because he wasn’t the last runner. Then I saw him, ahead of a bunch of others.
John isn’t near that dedicated but I’m proud of him for running none the less. Sometimes I wonder if I don’t push him to strive for excellence enough. Of course not. That can only come from within and in an area where he truly wants it.
I don’t know what it takes to run that way. I couldn’t even run the two mile in high school and declined to go to regionals in the half mile even though I could have my Freshman year. Of course, that was the year I discovered High School Rodeo so my track career and then my basketball career fell by the wayside.
Susan and Reed Man pole bending at the state High School Rodeo
My passion has always been for horses. Riding and showing them, breeding and racing them, and now working with them as partners in Equine Gestalt Coaching.
When I quit showing my horses it was hard for me to make the time to go out and ride them because I didn’t have a goal. I also had two small children and a job. Sometimes it felt like it was all I could do to go feed and take care of them twice a day. I lost myself in that pity party for quite a while.
Then I was thrown into a caregiver role for Mike. Some days I didn’t even know where I was. Fortunately, I had great people who would step in and take care of the horses while I was gone. So, I was able to keep them.
Susan and Zandy Parr jumping.
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have horses and they have always brought out the best in me. I have always turned to them when life was rough. When I go to the barn it feels like all is right with the world. I’m so grateful to have found a way to bring their healing gifts to others through Equine Gestalt Coaching.
I have always wanted all my boys to find something they were passionate about and build their life around that. I’m not sure that any of them have yet but I hope they continue to seek. I would like to take them out and have the horses help them find their passion but as their mom, I know that wouldn’t work.
If you’re interested in the horses healing gifts let me know. We’ll set something up.
May you find your passion and Have It All.
Onward! My Other Lives
Make a Connection in the comments below.
