What To Do With Rosie

This last week we watched yet another of our 5 children march across a stage dressed as a scholar to receive a high school diploma. It's amazing, but 16 years ago a two year old girl with huge brown eyes, dark curly hair and a pixy grin came bouncing into our lives! She made us break the rule we had so rigidly clung to: We will not adopt foster children! When the social worker asked, "What will we do with Rosie?", "We'll keep her...adopt her." came flying out of my mouth before I even realized what I was saying! I have never regretted it.

Once again the question comes around, "What will we do with Rosie?" It would be more accurate to say that Rosie is asking, "What will I do with my life?" There's so much to consider. Obviously money plays a huge part in what direction she will go. College is so expensive and as her father would tell you, he was born good looking instead of rich, so the college of "choice" may not be the college chosen. There is always the sports issue, where can she go to benefit from the sports programs and who can benefit from her skills. What about a music ministry major? Where would be the best place to go to fulfill that calling? And what about mom? Where can Rosie go where mom can still make sure she is fed, clothed and safe? Obviously this entry is to be continued!

We will keep you posted on the Rosie saga. It's sure to be interesting, exciting and inspiring, just like Rosie.

Run For The Roses

I'm not a huge fan of horse racing, although I do love horses. But then I've never had to clean out a stall or make sure they have feed and water in -40 F weather. My husband, Tom, owned a horse for many years. Stormy wasn't a race horse but he did chase down a few cows now and then. He definitely had a western attitude and although he allowed the kids to ride him, he was a one man horse. I sat atop of him on occasion but we had an understanding: If you don't buck, I don't scream!!


I just happened to catch the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks ago. Seeing the horses and hearing the crowds cheering brought up pleasant memories of the movie Sea Biscuit. The movie was such an inspiration to me that I HAD to read the book. It amazed me the way that horse, as mismatched for racing as he was, and despite any handicap they weighted him down with could maintain the desire to take the lead. It was his heart more than his brawn that made him win.

The "run for the roses" ended with the favorite, Big Brown, winning in grand style, but it was the little filly, Eight Belles, that caught my attention. After winning second place, Eight Belles collapsed on the track and before any accolades were handed her way, was "put down" due to both front ankles being broken. I am not a horse expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I would guess that this must have happened in that last burst of speed that takes place in the last stretch for the finish line. I have read that she was whipped mercilessly by her jockey, that it was sheer cruelty on the part of her owner, trainer and the racing industry as a whole, but in my naivety, I would like to believe her spirit for winning pushed her physical beyond endurance. I would like to believe she gave her all for the prize. Nevertheless, a sad but inspiring story.


I would hope that I can take a lesson from this filly. Take a risk. Wager it all. Run with the big boys and give it all you got!