Unique for a Purpose

Emma’s grandmother loved animals. A stray cat got a bowl of milk.  Bird feeders were stocked year-round and a neighbor’s black and white collie dog, a companion on her late afternoon walks. Emma and Grandma shared a love for animals.

Emma, a ponytail bouncing six-year-old, would run across a field to the tiny, white bungalow to visit Grandma. The small home reflected her humble spirit and the interior released the soft scent of her floral body powder. A drop-leaf kitchen table boldly showcased an open box of cream filled, chocolate cupcakes—evidence of Grandma’s sweet tooth and plump figure.      

The sparse living room’s coffee table displayed an over-sized book—not to be ignored. Images of horses bolted off its glossy cover and the interior stuffed with facts on the magnificent animals. Horses weren’t part of Grandma’s life, but the book deepened the bond between granddaughter and grandmother. She used this book to teach Emma about unique horse breeds and their purpose.

Together they turned pages to a photo of two giant horses pulling a beer wagon. Emma used the word giant because a photo of a man and his horse standing next to the wagon looked like a boy with his pony. Grandma said, “Draft horses are bred to pull heavy wagons.”

Another page revealed a Quarter horse turning so sharply to herd a steer the rider’s leg cleared the ground by inches. The horse and rider performed like an acrobatic team. Grandma explained, “Quarter horses are bred to herd.”

The next pages revealed elegant, Thoroughbred horses, running on a circular track with riders molded to their back. She said, “Thoroughbred horses are bred to run.”

Grandma always brought home the point each horse was unique and bred for a purpose. She’d ask Emma, “Could a Thoroughbred pull a beer wagon? Would a Quarter horse win a race? Could a Draft horse herd a steer?”

Emma would answer, “Yes” just to hear Grandma laugh!

Decades passed. Emma, no longer a ponytail bouncing six-year-old, often recalled the special times with Grandma and the soft scent of her body powder. But today’s warm memory was different. Questions flashed through her mind like lightening in a dark sky. Am I a Quarter horse trying to win a race? Am I a Draft horse trying to herd a steer? Am I a Thoroughbred trying to pull a wagon? Did Grandma know I’d ask myself these questions when no longer a child?

Emma’s heart answered, Yes, Grandma knew. She was more than an animal lover. She loved you. You’re unique for a purpose…   

************