Daisy

     It has been a short while since we had our beloved pony Daisy euthanized and about that same time since we discovered nine little day old chicks had hatched out on top of the egg fridge outside. Our oldest daughter noted the going out and coming in aspect of life; the revolving door from which all of us emerge  eventually, onto the other side.
     It was a sad day but Daisy was almost thirty years old and it was simply her time to go. I had dreaded this day not only for the loss of our daughter's first animal friend but for the hole it would create in the life of Sinbad, our young Arab gelding who has lived with Daisy most of his life. Horses can become quite herd bound and adjusting to change can be hard. Was it serendipity or something else that granted Sinbad a new pasture to graze with a sweet little pony named Candy in the adjoining meadow, just on the weekend that Daisy left us.... Thanks to some lovely neighbours our Sinbad has adjusted nicely.
     Meanwhile the nine tiny balls of fluff have become eight little birds with noticeable wing feathers. We have no idea what happened to the ninth; predators abound on the farm, especially for little ones like these. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to witness both the miracle of birth and the inevitability of death. The first is a gift, the second, a certainty. Knowledge of both helps us to grow wise and strong.

    

Camp

     Our daughter has been assisted in attending camp for a week at Zajac Ranch for Children. This was made possible by the nice people at The Center for Epilepsy and Seizure Education in British Columbia and we are thrilled. There is of course nervousness and some trepidation on our daughter's part; she has never been away for us for more than a night. The packing began some time ago but has begun in earnest now; who knew that you needed so much stuff for 4 nights away?
     I feel fairly calm about the whole situation as she is going with other kids with epilepsy as well as with kids with other health and learning challenges. She will be safe. If she has a seizure there, they can look after her. They have done this before. See how calm I am?
     The card I sent some weeks ago (at the camp's suggestion) will ensure that she is reminded of how much we love and miss her while she is away. The self addressed stamped postcards we send with her will hopefully be returned to remind us that it goes both ways.
     Summer camp, trying to sleep in sleeping bags, singing songs around the campfire and eating too many smoky marshmallows should be a rite of passage; every kid should get the opportunity to know their capabilities in a safe outdoor setting. It can be a first taste of independence in a place where fun (and safety) is the number one priority.
     We hope our daughter comes home from camp with some good stories, great memories and even a new friend or two. She has this wonderful opportunity placed before her and it couldn't have been given to a more deserving girl....happy trails sweetie...we will see you soon!