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.
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Vernonia’s
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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.
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