Family, Again

Yesterday, Leslie competed in the East Tennessee Regional 4-H show at Roane State in Harriman. She competed in senior barrels and senior poles. Just before her barrel run, one of the competitors' horses went crazy (that's the language the horse people used!) and ran wildly around the arena, very fast, scraping himself and the rider against the concrete wall, finally knocking the rider's father down, running over him and running out of the arena. Leslie witnessed all but the man being knocked down, as well as the rider beating the horse in the head. The tension and fear in the arena were deafening. Leslie rode, knocking over 2 barrels, a 10 point penalty. She was shaken up, lost her concentration and then beat herself up for it. It was really difficult. After a break, and some coaching from Carol and Bria, her trainers, she got it together and made a good, steady pole bending run, placing fourth. She's normally placed higher but it was important for her to do a flawless run, even if she wasn't pushing Sweetie to run as fast as she can.

I've never been much of a competitor and certainly not an athlete. But this whole enterprise has taught Leslie a lot about working hard, trying your best, focusing and being a champion. I'm extremely proud of her. We go to State competition in 1 1/2 weeks.

On a lighter note, today Corky, Emma, Hope, Josh, LEX and I went on a picnic at a park in Farragut (or Concord?) by the lake. It was great fun and Lex was in a great and playful mood. We had fun watching ducks, observed (at a safe distance) a moccasin in the lake and many other picnic-ers who should NOT have been dressed so scantily (too much winter food storage still in view).

We are a truly blessed family!