When I was fifteen years old, I was given an ex racehorse. Of course, I was ecstatic. I had always wanted a horse of my own. Going into it, I was a bit skeptical of it. He was very rambunctious, and high strung, I wasn't sure if this was something I was ready to take on. I worried about what I was getting myself into. But I took what I could get, even if it was an unruly, four year old nightmare.
The first six months that I had him, I spent literally everyday getting to know this thirteen hundred pound animal. He got to know me, and let me try out everything with him.
Things were going smoothly, I was more comfortable around my horse than I was with most people. I could sit in his stall and not worry about being stepped on, I could get on without a saddle and he carried me along without fail.
Just as I was 100% comfortable with this massive animal, he threw me off. Hard. Face first into a course sand arena at 30 mph. I guess he just decided he missed being a racehorse and ran for it. The thing is, the moment I fell off, he skidded to a halt and stood next to my body and just looked at me, probably thinking ''why are you on the ground, little human?'' I got back up, and got back on.
Sometimes life is like riding a horse. You are used to life, you have a routine and you do your thing. You think you know whats coming next, because you think you know life so well. Just as you get comfortable, life throws you on the ground. But it doesn't make much sense to just lay there on the ground. What will you accomplish there? Not nearly as much as if you climb back on and take the risks required to grow and learn.
Life is so unexpected, even when you know what to expect. Especially when you know what to expect. Sometimes it goes smoothly, and you feel like you know exactly what you're doing. Then- bam! Life kicks you in the head and gives you 13 stitches. But don't cry, instead sit in the grass, clean the blood off your boots, and laugh as you wait for the ambulance to come get you.
Dani, you have such a strong and clear voice. I've never really read your writing before and I LOVE it!!! I so admire your willingness to "get back on" and keep on going. You are never bitter, you just wipe the blood off and laugh about it. You adapt so well to the circumstances life throws at you whether it be dyslexia, staying in AP, or your most recent incident. I am very thankful that life didn't kick you in the head toooo hard ;)
ReplyDeleteDani dani dani...daneth.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what to expect from your writing, seeing as all I've truly seen from you is the "logical and persuasive" style essays in harris's class. And thankfully this was a LOT more fun to read!
Youve been though a lot Dani, lots of stuff that I don't know about. But I can relate on going through stuff. I think this is a really great analogy, and even though the horse part may not apply to everyone, the message behind it is a strong one. You are so brave Dani. I was so shocked/impressed when Amy told me that you didn't cry after getting hit. You are a lot stronger than you appear you little fun-sized one. Youve grown so much since the days when that line really did apply to you. Both emotionally and physically haha.
I love this because i can really hear you saying every line of this, which means that it came from the heart. Im glad that i get to get back on the saddle with you and other people. Because we will fall. But were all together, so we'll help each other climb back on and finish the show :)
You are so tough!!!
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