We moved many times when she was little and I don’t happen to believe that’s the worst thing for a child’s development. One of the moves between schools in New York was actually her choice. We had worked out a special variance so that she could continue at one school even after our family closed on a new house, in a new area. Our plan worked fine for a couple of weeks and then Rosie came to me and explained that she had prayed about this decision and felt like the better answer for her was to switch schools again, in the middle of the year. She said she felt peaceful about making another move and wanted to attend school with the children in our neighborhood.

On the day of the change, with all the details in place and necessary papers completed and signed, I drove her up to the front of school number five. Before I had the keys out of the ignition she was jumping out of the car. “Haaaang on” I told her. “I’m planning to walk you in at least.” But Rosie was already shutting the door and just said happily, “I got it.” And that was it. She walked in on her own steam and I sat there watching, from the parking lot.

Some time later, Rosie had a chunk of money she wanted to spend on “horse lessons” or maybe just a trail ride. She spent a couple of days calling all the stables she found from researching in the yellow pages. (Remember the yellow pages?) She had a sheet of paper where she took careful notes, recorded their various addresses and hours, and then details on price and time options. It turned out that the very best value was at a stable not far from our home in Eastchester.

On the assigned day, with reservation notes in her hot little fist, I drove Rosie to the stable, signed some papers and agreed to wait in the parking lot until her ride was completed. When she came back to the car I could tell she was trying to control her excitement and confidence as she told me all about the wonderful ride…and that she had gotten a job. Evidently, after visiting/quizzing the guide during her trail ride, Rosie mustered the courage to ask, “So, how old do you have to be to work here?” (10?) She had noticed that there were a few children that worked at the stable, helping out with the animals, leading tots on rides in the ring, and Rosie was determined to get a piece of that action.

After checking into the situation, I agreed to let Rosie work there  2 or 3 times a week for a couple of hours each day. This wasn’t my favorite idea but to her it was the best horse fix she ever had. There were some aspects that made me a little nervous but I also felt like it was important to support and encourage Rosie’s determination and courage. At one point she got to see the movie star horse from the film, Black Beauty. For a girl that loves horses, it was a very special experience. At another point, the crowd of not-so-stable-worker-kids seemed a bit too rough, so we made a joint decision and called it quits. During those few short months Rosie learned great things, accomplished something that was very important to her, and enjoyed an opportunity we couldn’t afford.