Your Carriage Awaits

Your Carriage Awaits

"Let me see...just where shall I put it...hmmmm...I know! In the family room in dad's trophy case!" Jenny's thoughts raced. Anticipation of the day had seemed forever and now it was here.

"And truly a splendid day it is!" she thought as she looked out the window once again to see Blaze, alert and patiently waiting.

All was ready for the big day. She had never before entered any competitions for in her heart she knew..."with Blaze, there will BE no competition!" and she smiled. They had both come a long way in the past few years and this competiton was merely a formality...she knew they were 'blue ribbon' and didn't need a judge to tell her. Her instructor, Cherie, said it was important to encourage others like her and to help those without hope or knowledge see what can be accomplished if one is given opportunity, and so she had agreed to do it.

Hearing her dad calling up the stairs, "Hey, Princess (dad always called her that), do you want me to pack up a few carrots for Blaze?", she calls back, "Sure, dad, thanks! Oh yes, and remind mom she still needs to help me with my boots, OK?"

"I'll tell her!" Joel shouted and as he could be heard sliding down the banister....swoooosh...thump... swat...OW!

"Use the stairs, young man, or next time you'll get more than a swat!" she heard mama scold as she continued up the stairs to Jenny. "Well, darlin, are you ready for your debut?" she said as she bent to pick up the boots, checking the flawless shine.

Jenny's thoughts wandered back through the years, remembering all the days they had worked together...all of them...Dad, mama, Cherie and even Joel...but most of all, Blaze! "Mom, thank you", she said softly.

"No problem, honey", she grunted, "they're just a bit hard to get UP!"

"No, mom, I don't mean the boots", Jenny said, stroking her mother's cheek, "thank you for Blaze...for MAKING me ride...and for always being there when I need you. I know we'll bring home a trophy 'cause Blaze is the best horse ever, even Cherie says so, and she's worked with a lot of kids and their horses. She says it's 'cause we love each other so much. And, mom? That trophy's for all of us!"

With a quick hug, Jenny's mom hurriedly left the room, tears flooding her eyes. "Dad will be up to get you in a minute, sweetie", she managed to get out shakily.

While Jenny waited, she bubbled with pride as she watched Blaze nod his head in response to Joel's "are ya ready, boy?"

Her attention drawn from the window by the sounds of the metallic rattle coming from the hallway, she gathered her helmet, gloves and riding crop as her Dad entered the room.

"Your carriage awaits, my Princess", he teased, as he bent in an exaggerated bow.

"Oh, Daddy", Jenny giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck with a big hug as he swooped her up and gently placed her in the chair and strapped her feet on the pedals. And as he wheeled her down the hall to the special lift he had installed last year, Jenny' s heart was singing..."All things are bright and beautiful...in Jenny's World"