ROTC for Nate?

Today I went into the ROTC recuiting office of Colonel Fisher and was able to establish what classes I will need to finish with a degree in Biology. Looks like things are going to be really busy for the next 3 years. Unfortunately, because I failed to choose a major and stick with it, it looks like I will have almost enough credits to graduate with 2 degrees instead of only one. However, I am excited about actually having a plan. The good news is that I will also be able to graduate without having incurred anymore student loan debt, which for most everyone is a common occurance. I am also excited about the prospect of serving in the military as a Veterinarian, provided I get accepted into school. It seems slightly a scary prospect of looking into the military when we are at a time of war, but to us it seems like the right thing to do. I guess God's vision is much larger than our own. He knows what is best for all of us and what will make us happy both here and in the world to come. I guess we will just follow his direction, whatever that is.

Family, isn't it about time...

Last night, Nathan & I went over to my 'rents house to work on their yard. We also dropped off my dad's kitten (His old cat, Sylvester, got a little frisky & disappeared in the night while chasing the women.) We spent a few hours weeding the yard for my sister, LaDawn's, baby shower. The yard has been an absolute mess. (will post pictures of the finished product soon.) The weather was wonderful & surprisingly, I had a really good time. By the time we were close to finishing for the night, we were all famished so, we decided to grab a bite to eat. LaDawn called me & we all went to Winger's as a family. It was lots of fun! I did missed Annie, Destiny, and their familys (especially Stone!) My family are such dorks! I will post some pix tomorrow.

"Horses leave hoof prints on our hearts" - Author Unknown

As I drove away from work today, a dull pain entered my chest, like millions of tiny needles grazing my heart. Bitterman, my gentle, lumbering giant, no longer graced the front pasture with his presence. It was as if the mountains had been removed, that's how much he was a part of the scenery. And, unlike students, volunteers & even staff, who fill our barn for only short spans of time, he has always been there, like the constant rising & setting of the sun. I wanted to cry for the thought of it.

You don't really know Courage Reins unless you knew Bitterman. He was the heart of our mission, tall, commanding, even majestic at times. Many titles could have been bestowed on Bitt: The Conqueror of the Impossible, The Queller of Fears, The Faithful White Steed that many a young knight, cowboy or cowgirl would ride in on, and, on rare occasions, The Buckin' Fool. He could even perform magic, granting access to those without the proper use of their bodies or minds the precious, life altering, ability to fly.

Bitt was never impatient. At times, he could have taught rocks a thing or two. He would stand, for what felt like eternities, as a small child dug up the courage to mount. You could tug on his ears and he would never flinch. He could even bare the shrill screams of a frightened child and take it all in stride. If you fell off, he would stop, look down, and wonder why you were on the ground instead of enjoying the fine ride with him.

In all the time I have worked at Courage Reins, I never remember a single instant where he stepped on some one's foot. He would let you bury your face in his soft fur and just let you cry. It didn't matter who you were: an old friend or a new acquaintance, he loved everyone. He was the highest caliber of friend anyone could want or ever need. Bitterman had an old, knowing soul. Just ask anyone who really looked into his eyes. He always knew his duty and preformed it to the best of his capacity.

Bitt loved to be brought into the breezeway and be brushed, given his supplements or just stand there. He would wait by the gate or follow you around until it was finally his turn. It gave me much pleasure to watch new volunteers dodge him, not knowing that he just wanted some attention. He didn't care what kind of attention it was, he just wanted some for himself.

This morning Bitt slipped peacefully away but, not without a fight. Even at the last moment, I believe, he didn't want to give up. He would give his all and then give more. That's just the kind of horse he was.

"Horses leave hoof prints on our hearts"

- Author Unknown