Today my heart was blessed in a way that was almost too much to accept.
I went on my usual Saturday ride with my friend Maggie. We rode after lunch and the weather was as perfect as it could ever possibly be for a November afternoon.
We went cross country, cantered in some of our favorite arroyos and went on a new path…and when Maggie finds a new path you never know what you are going to find 🙂 We laughed and laughed at some silly, crazy things that we think about (and would never say out loud to anyone else) with the usual serious “theological” tidbits thrown in.
When we moved to Rio Rancho my son, Caeleb, was starting 1st grade and Maggie was his teacher. There was something about her that I just loved and I felt a connection. I found out she owned horses and rode as often as she could so I knew she was good people. That had to be it!
My depression (which I have struggle with for over 20 years) was getting the best of me and my husband encouraged me to email her and see if she gave lessons. I was on what would become my favorite horse, Kelsey, the following Saturday.
As a little girl growing up in Houston, I absolutely adored horses. I never rode and thought that one day I would own some and ride everyday. That was my dream. I even remember sitting on the arm of our green “leather” couch pretending I was barrel racing! When I met Maggie she helped me live out a passion that has always been deep in my heart and my inner cowgirl was unleashed.
Riding on a beautiful horse, that weighs hundreds of pounds, running in the arroyos of the desert you sometimes think, “If I fell, I could really hurt myself.” But when the wind is in your face, the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky it’s as if you are truly led by God in that moment.
I can see my Dad smiling down from the heavens when I am riding and living a passion that he helped instill in my heart. I am doing something I never dreamed I would be able to do….and my 40 something year old body manages!
It’s thanks to my riding buddy Maggie that I am doing something that has unleashed a passion that was buried deep inside my soul.
Today on her “29th” birthday, I was blessed to spend a few hours with her doing what she loves…riding.
- She has a beautiful heart that cares for others and I know the children in her class just adore her. Caeleb, who is now in 4th grade, counts it a special treat when he sees her at school 🙂
- There is a little gleam in her eye that some might say is a mischevious streak but I know the truth. It’s that little bit of adventure that says, “Let’s go a little further down this path…..” and you end up coming home in the dark with some pretty tired horses….and it’s always fun!
- Despite loss, she loves with her whole heart and loves God.
- She asks questions that makes me think and I always feel better after I have been with her.
“Maggie Poo”, I am so blessed to have you as a friend. Blessings to you on another year well lived with many more to come.
God knows your heart, my friend. I absolutely adore you.
“Father, God I thank you for Maggie and her heart. Â I am blessed with a friend that I never dreamed I would have at this time in my life. Â May she be blessed beyond measure as she starts another year and lives a life filled with love and happiness.”
Love,
Cazandra
