My beautiful mom showing off her Mother's Day present: a pictorial history of Jackie-O's lifelong passion for horsesMy mom contracted polio in 1955; ironically the same year the vaccine came out - she was 5 years old. She spent 10 months in the hospital, and the polio left her with severe weakness in both legs. The doctors all said she'd never walk again, but she proved them wrong by walking, by herself with the aid of leg braces, up to the altar to receive her first Holy Communion. Afterward, she got a gift that would change her life: a ride on a white pony.
My mother in 1956 with my grandfather - taking her first ride on a horse while still wearing her leg braces, Holy Communion dress and veilThis began my mom's love affair with horses... but it wouldn't be until she was in her 50s that she would start competing competitively as a para-equestrian rider. Over the past few years, she has gotten so good that her competition level required her to get her own horse. After much searching, she finally found Andy - a beautiful white Arabian. I can't wait to meet him this summer.
My mother's grace and talent continue to inspire all who meet her, especially those in the equestrian community. Thanks mom for reminding me every day that there is no value in being a victim - only in living bravely.
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