mentor

Sharing Animal Wisdom with Young Girls at Horizons4Girls

Posted by Barbara Techel

visit with horizon4girls e

Horizons4Girls….“at promise”, not at risk… and we inspire their internal promise to fulfill their academic and personal goals.”

I love that they say promote “at promise” instead of the negative picture “at risk” can paint, thus labeling these young ladies who can benefit greatly from a listening ear and inspiration from others.

It is my hope that is what Miss Gidget and I were able to do for them yesterday– inspire them and know they are not alone in their feelings and worries — that we all go through tough times and periods of doubt about who we are.

We volunteered an hour of our time as I shared a series of photos of the dogs I’ve had in my life — each one having taught me different lessons — and I shared those teachings with the special young ladies that were present Tuesday afternoon.

As I shared with them, we all learn in different ways — different lessons about life, and that I happened to learn some of my most valuable lessons from my animal companion friends.

One of the most personal stories I shared with them was how Frankie helped me to move past the shame I carried for years (into my 40s) the stigma I felt for never having the maternal instinct to want children of my own. I recalled one of the first times after visiting a school full of kids with Frankie, sharing with them her story of being in a wheelchair and persevering.

When I got out to my car after the presentation for the school kids, I cried. It was a joyful cry because in that moment I realized had I been a mom to my own kids, I may not have been able to do the work I was doing with Frankie at that time. I was meant to be a mentor in a special way to many kids because of my work with Frankie.

It is my hope by sharing that story that they will follow what is right for their hearts and not worry about what society may say they “should” do as they grow into young adults.

It was a delight to hear some of the girls share stories of their own pets (and photos!) and lessons they’ve learned from them. It was also a wonderful way in which to share a special connection between all of us and our animal friends.

Next Saturday, Gidget and I will be volunteering with the girls helping deliver cookies to the residents at an area nursing home. We will be going from room to room to bring joy and love to many which I’m really looking forward to.

There is still time to sponsor a dozen (or more) cookies if you’d like to help us reach our goal. We are almost there!  All you have to do is go to Horizons4Girls support page by clicking HERE. Scroll down and on the left hand side you will see Gidget’s sweet face and that is where you can sponsor cookies.  Thanks for considering!

Bench Time with John. Making a Difference. Catching the Sunrise.

Posted by Barbara Techel

sunrise eIt has been about three months now since our young friend, Cassy has been renting our lower level from us. I rather hate to even say she is renting from us because she really has become part of our family.

Just about every morning John and Cassy sit together, coffee mugs in hand, and sit on the bench in front of our house. That bench has never gotten so much use in all the years it has sat so still through the seasons.  The stories it could now tell!

Cassy lovingly calls this time “Bench time with John.” While there are times I’d love to join them, my yoga morning time is precious to me. Cassy respects and honors that. Besides, I love the fact that John is able to be there for Cassy in a way that is making a difference in both their lives.

When I married John almost 29 years ago I’ll never forget the pastor saying that I would have to work hard to get John to share his feelings . He tends to hold things in. I also used to kid John that I made him love me and the pets we’ve had because at times he was afraid to let anyone in. But I’ve gotten good at knowing he will tell me things that may be bothering him in due time. His right time. He always does.

I think I can now speak honestly here that John has learned to be more open, not afraid to share his feelings. It has been a beautiful thing to watch unfold over the years. But what really has me in awe is watching how he has been there for Cassy.  He has been in her shoes in the trenches of trying to run a business. He understand the traps, the pitfalls, the triumphs, the passion.

While he is making a difference in the life of Cassy helping steer the ship of her business in a new and positive direction, the difference Cassy has made in his life is hard to put in just the right words. I’ve witnessed a side of John I’ve not seen before. His heart glows through in all he does and says lately. He is really enjoying helping another person succeed.

It can be scary to let another person into your life for fear of expectations and disappointment. Everyone has to be on board with understanding each others quirks and needs. But when things come together as they have with Cassy living with us as well as accepting our guidance, making a difference becomes a beautiful thing for everyone. That difference then ripples out into the world and though we never know where it may land, we trust that it finds its way.

While I don’t get to catch the sunrise as John and Cassy do during their bench time (Cassy got the shot above!), I am warmed full up with love for both of them and the positive impact this time together is having on all our lives.