A New Chapter

 This last few months I have walked through so many trials. I have been loved and supported by people I didn’t expect. And I have been hurt and cast aside by others who I thought would always be there for me. God gave me the greatest blessing by choosing me as Alex and Maddy's mother and they have taught me so much through the way they have handled adversity. I always want to be someone who they look up to and who they know tried her hardest. I hope I have shown them it is okay to laugh when you are happy and cry when you are sad and that the people who you want in your life will accept you and love you through the good and the bad. As my children have watched trusted adults in their lives not act in kindness, I have had the opportunity to reinforce to my children what it means to choose actions we can be proud of regardless of others actions or responses. I have spoken to them about Christ and what he taught us about how to treat others. I have followed their example and gotten back to choosing joy despite how I feel physically and how much I have been hurt by the treatment of others. I pray I have modeled forgiveness and conducted myself in a manner they can be proud of. I hope they see that we all have struggles and we all make mistakes, but that God has set the example for loving all and forgiving even when it is hard. I have made huge strides in learning to love myself and realize that with my faith I can survive anything. I have always been someone who wants to love and support others and be a place of kindness in a harsh world, but more than ever I have seen how much that is needed. I have learned to seek out others who appreciate my heart. To spend time with those who surround me with love and laughter. And ultimately to continue to grow in my faith and become more fully the woman God created me to be. 

Yesterday we received a letter letting us know that Maddy will no longer be allowed to be a rider in the program at Living Hope Equine Therapy. To say I was shocked and blindsided would be an understatement. As you can imagine Maddy was absolutely devastated. After her initial response and saying she never wanted to ride again, I watched the tiny warrior come to life. My kids have lived lives wrought with heartache and disappointment. They know all too well that life doesn't always turn out the way you hope, but they also know that God's plans are always for good even when we can't understand them. The hardest part for Maddy is that they didn't even allow her the opportunity to say goodbye to "her" horse. Maddy has loved and worked with PD tirelessly to build a bond and a mutual respect, and they have made huge breakthroughs over the past few months. But my precious little red head has had a fighter's spirit since day one. And so, we have already contacted and been accepted into another program. We have discussed goals and the future. She is looking forward with excitement and cannot wait to pour her love into a new horse and build another bond and continue to chase her goals and dreams. I could not be prouder of her resilience and strength. 

I will miss watching the special love they shared!

And so, as we begin this new chapter my prayer is that my children and I continue to shine Gods light and love in a dark world where so many people are hurting. So often the kindness of others can make a difference to someone who is struggling. I pray that God can use us to show others love, kindness and acceptance even when they feel like they are not enough. Please continue to pray for our family as we walk through this next time with so many uncertainties. 

Ali