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By: Linda L. Kerr
We
at PPTRC see moments of miracles every day! It is one of the
reasons we all walk away with smiles on our faces each time
we are here. When I first started volunteering at PPTRC, I
felt guilty every time I left because my reason for being
here was to help others, and I felt that I walked away
benefiting more from being here than I was giving. Then I
realized, it’s a wonderful circle – we give of our time to
help others, and at the same time receive a great benefit –
seeing miracles happen for others and knowing we played a
part in that.
Below are just a few examples of our miracle moments the
instructors have shared with me recently.
Margaret has spent most of her communication with us
repeating what is said to her. She has made great strides in
her riding ability, but has not offered much in
communicating with us independently. Recently, she arrived
at PPTRC for her class and said “Hello Sylvia” to the
volunteer who has been working consistently with her. What a
magnificent thing to hear! If you ever question whether you
make a difference in a rider’s life, remember this moment! –
Cori Fierkens, instructor
When
Elizabeth, a new Hippotherapy rider came to her first summer
session, she was very withdrawn and wouldn’t look at anyone,
including her therapist Stacy. She wasn’t happy about being
around the “smelly” horses, was very tense and gripped the
saddle with both hands; she had very little interaction with
anyone including the horse. When Elizabeth came to her
second class, she was a different little girl...she couldn’t
wait to get on her horse, Jesse, and go for a ride. She was
very focused on Stacy and interacted with side walkers and
instructor. Letting go of the saddle, Elizabeth threw balls
in the hoop and waved to her dad – and when she trotted the
first time her face just lit up and she grinned a beautiful
big smile…..this was a really great “moment”! –
Deb Overton, instructor
Recently at a group home I worked at, one of the kids was in
such crisis that the police were called. One of the officers
asked me if I had worked at Acts 19:11 and was my name
Nancy? It turned out he was one of the youth volunteers who
I worked with ‘way back when’. I always liked him a lot – he
was really a great kid. Now he’s a CSPD officer and was a
huge blessing to me that night when I needed it! He asked me
if they still needed help out there. Maybe he will return
and complete the circle. Pretty awesome. –
Nancy Marshall, instructor
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