Hannah + Horseback Riding
When Lorelai was three she announced that she wanted to take horseback riding lessons. At first I dismissed it as the whims of a three year old, but she kept after me...hounding me really, to take her. We happen to have a riding facility right near us, so I made a call and got everything set up. When we arrived we met Hannah, whose bubbly personality swept my daughter up in the excitement of it all, and after a couple hours she trusted this young woman to put her up on a giant horse. My three year old...on a horse!!!
Three years later, she is still up on a horse. She doesn't look quite as tiny now, as a matter of fact...on a horse is when Lorelai looks the tallest to me. Not because she's up high, but because she's confident, focused, and determined. I wish I could take credit for all of that gumption. Some of it is parenting, a lot of it is natural drive, and a heap of it is due to Hannah.
When Lorelai grows up she wants to be Hannah. On career day she dresses up in jods and puts her hair in a ponytail. Sadly, we learned yesterday that Hannah is taking a job at a new facility, in a different state, but we will always be grateful for the path she set Lorelai on.
Lorelai likes to take the summers off from riding, but she had a couple of private lessons she received for Christmas and Hannah was kind enough to squeeze one in with Lorelai before she leaves. It meant the world to Lorelai, and I know she'll treasure that lesson forever. Thank you, Hannah! You'll be missed more than you know, and best of luck. They're really lucky to have you!