I wish I could be in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 16, 2012. The landscape is lush this time of year, an undulating quilt of crops stitched through by highways and county roads. The scraps of prairie that remain are redolent with wildflowers. It’s lovely, full of renewed life and promise.
I wish I could be in Cedar Rapids, most specifically on June 16, to tell each person attending the Laughing Bear Live Benefit model horse show “Thank You” and give you each a big hug.
When I was a little kid my mom sent me off to etiquette classes at Peoria’s Bergner's department store in Sheridan Village. "White Gloves and Party Manners" they called it. I learned many things.
But I was not taught how to be the beneficiary of such a wonderful event as Laughing Bear Live, other than to say "Thank You" and to stay demurely in the background while show hostess Lisa Bickford worked her magic.
And there’s been a lot of magic indeed. Lisa approached me with the idea nearly 18 months ago, shortly after I shared the news that I needed to start treatment for rectal cancer. As I type the words I can hardly believe it’s been 18 months since that tumultuous news. All this time Lisa has been steadfastly planning the show; and recruiting the support of so many wonderful artists and friends. Thank you Lisa!
I’m especially touched by the special award medallion that Kelly Savage sculpted for the show; a beautiful, strong, champion horse coming through the protective arch of a cancer awareness ribbon. Thank you Kelly!
It’s been said that you learn about gratitude by giving. And that you learn about humility by receiving.
I am humbled to the core by the outpouring of support that Barry and I have been enfolded with. It’s like being wrapped up in a fluffy handmade quilt, warm out of the dryer, on a cold damp day.
I am overwhelmed by the generosity of people like Lisa, Kelly, Karen Gerhardt, Carla Bushman, Jeanne Grunert, Des Corbett, Melissa Hart, Danielle Feldman, Sharon Lazeo, Carrie Sloan, Linda York, Melodie Snow, Candace Liddy, Laurel Orrin-Dedes, Carolyn Boydston, Jennifer Scott, Sheri Rhodes, Sarah Rose, Kylee Demers, Marilou Mol, Robyn Jalbert who all have donated items to support the show.
Thank you all.
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