MERRY Christmas from WHY Ranch .... by Amy Meyer-Terry & a "special" letter from Lauren Sokolowski
As we prepare to close out the year, please join us for one last message & letter from WHY Ranch, this season's featured nonprofit organization...
Merry Christmas & the Happiest of Holidays to Y’all from
White Horse Youth Ranch!
...by Amy Meyer-Terry
~ Mikel, Angela, Lauren, Lindsey & Lashawn ~
"Growing up, I was “that girl.” You all know what I am talking about. I was “that girl” in love with horses. I was the girl who fell helplessly and undeniably in love with riding. Now, I am the woman who gets to do what she loves every day. Although I certainly worked tirelessly to get where I am today, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the opportunities WHY Ranch has given me.
When ask why WHY Ranch matters, I say that the proof is in the pudding. WHY Ranch is a sanctuary for everyone and anyone who needs it. It is an environment where children are given the opportunity to learn quality life skills such as confidence, patience, responsibility, determination, and unconditional love. Amy and the WHY Ranch Staff are some of the best people I know and they ensure that this all was possible for me and for other children alike.
I was the farthest thing from a morning person, but yet I would wake up at 4 am every day so I could ride before school. Having the responsibility over another living thing gave me the motivation to greet every day with a smile. No matter how relentless the bullies were at school, or how bad I did on a test, I knew that once I got through the day I would be greeted with people who cared about me and animals who adored me.
As much as I love horses, they do not always love me back. I’ve been thrown off multiple times. My friends and family like to joke and say that I’ve been thrown off one time too many. However, WHY Ranch taught me that although I may fall off, I have to get back on. As cheesy as it may sound, this process is pretty symbolic of the triumphs one endures in life. It doesn’t matter how many times one ends up on the ground, it only matters how many times you choose to get back up.
WHY Ranch has given me the tools necessary to excel in whatever it is I choose. This foundation has allotted me the opportunity to find a career, but more importantly, find myself. I am truly proud of the foundation in its entirety and all that it has done for children. It is my privilege to mentor children as they blossom into the best version of themselves.
I will forever be in debt to WHY Ranch for giving me the stepping stones needed to walk towards my goals."
Thank you,
Lauren Sokolowski
(Lauren with her mom, Brenda)
* read Brenda's letter to the Ranch here
__________XOXO__________
Merry Christmas to You & Happy New Year!
Love,
Amy & Curtis, Brenda, Caitlin & the entire WHY Ranch Family!
_________________________
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Stories to inspire
A timeless Christmas story... "It began in a manager" by Max Lucado
Celebrating FREEDOM ... Proclaiming HOPE
"The Lord has anointed me ...to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners" ~ Isaiah 61:1 Recently, a story was told of new believers in a remote desert area who asked for help. "There's a village close by, where 200 children are held and trained to sacrifice themselves in a holy war"