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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 7, 2014)
in other words august7 Living on a Lake in the Country: Remember Your Firsts? They are Markers in Your Life By Gayle Rich-Boxman Let me start by saying that this is a bittersweet story. I lost something precious to me that was a first. To begin let’s look at firsts. The firsts in our lives are true MOMENTS. Remember your first car? Your first kiss? Your first pet? Recall how you felt the first time you got a special award for something? Gayle and Summer These are all emotional moments in our lives that, when we look back, set the tone for our character in the future. We may even judge ourselves by those firsts. In might have been your first paycheck, or it might be your first JOB related to your degree. What it IS is that great stepping stone towards your goal! Think about how they shape you. The exhilaration, the pure joy that these firsts bring can completely change our lives if we let them. They are often celebrated by the people who love us. They may even be celebrated on a national basis. Regardless, they make such a difference that I want you to reflect and take time to stop and feel how they have moved you forward in your life and put you where you are now. My latest first is something that I have wanted since childhood. Horses became very special to me early on. I was probably in elementary school when I came to love them. I was around horses, but never had one as my own. Not until I became fifty. I saw a really old horse, the oldest I’d ever heard of, who was about 45 years old, named Misty. She was skin and bones, with a mane that was so tired that it barely covered her scrawny neck. And yet, Misty was holding on, giving a sense of love to anyone who paid the least bit of attention to her. Because of her, I decided to take a big step and buy my first horse at the age of fifty! I contacted Misty’s owner and embarked on finding my horse. I ended up (through divine intervention) with an absolute beauty, Summer, a palomino, both Arabian and Quarterhorse. Later I would discover how very lucky I was. Summer turned out to be one of the most special horses you could find. Her gentle spirit, her acceptance of everyone and her tolerance for whatever situation came her way, was truly remarkable. She loved people, kids, dogs, food…you name it. I got lucky. EXCEPT that she had a condition that is congenital and there was nothing that could save her. So, my first horse left me this last Thursday. I had about two years of being able to ride her and the last ride we took was the longest ride we had. That was several years ago. I still treasure it and still question if I pushed her too 9 far. It doesn’t matter. My point is, to EMBRACE those firsts, no matter how quickly they fade away. Treasure those markers in your life, because they truly add to your character and your growth. Gayle Rich-Boxman REALTOR® Vernonia Realty Direct: (503)755-2905 2014 SUMMER READING PROGRAM! Tues. August 12th 10:30 a.m. Journey to the moon! Learn about rocket ships and space exploration. Build your own jet pack. Wed. August 13th 3:00 p.m. Snack and dvd about the moon. Tues. August 19th 10:30 a.m. Learn about what robots do every day. Wed. August 20th 3:00 p.m. Snack and science dvd. Tues. August 26th 10:30 a.m. Party for end of Summer Reading Program! Wed. August 27th 3:00 p.m. Snack and science dvd. Find us on Facebook Vernonia’s Voice BLUE HERON HOLLOW 2014 * There will be programming for youth K-6th and for youth age 1-PreK**. All programs are free. 701 Weed Avenue, Vernonia (503) 429-1818 ** Parent/guardian/adult caregiver is required to stay with child during program. 600 California Avenue Vernonia, OR 97064 Absolute Marble & Granite QUALITY FABRICATION & INSTALLATION MARBLE GRANITE TRAVERTINE Now Leasing 2 Bedroom $564-605 / 3 Bedroom $701 CALL NOW (503) 429-6052 TTY 711 Affordable Rent* Water, Sewer, Garbage Paid Onsite Laundry Facility Pets Welcome with Deposit *Income Limits Apply $500 OFF FIRST MONTHS RENT FREE ESTIMATES Kitchen Countertops Fireplace & Furniture Tubs & Vanities CCB#159794 Phone 503-429-2617 ABSOLUTE@AGALIS.NET www.absolutemarbleinc.com
