Hello Beginning
When Simon finished his first horse session at RideAble today he asked me this question, "Do you think this will be a powerful memory?"
"Of course it will be." I answered as I helped him change out of his boots and back into his tennis shoes.
"Will it protect me when I encounter Dementors?"
Ah, a very specific Harry Potter reference.
What he was wondering, this awesome boy of mine, was if this memory would be powerful enough to become his patronus.
Harry Potter fans will recognize this quickly, others may need an explanation:
"This ancient and mysterious charm conjures a magical guardian, a projection of all your most positive feelings. The Patronus Charm is difficult, and many witches and wizards are unable to produce a full, corporeal Patronus, a guardian which generally takes the shape of the animal with whom they share the deepest affinity. You may suspect, but you will never truly know what form your Patronus will take until you succeed in conjuring it." (Miranda Goshawk)
An animal with whom they share the deepest affinity.
The way the Patronus charm works is that the wizard must concentrate, with all their might, on a single, very happy memory to protect themselves in the darkest moments.
What Simon was telling me, through this short conversation, was that he loved this experience.
The truth is, he didn't need to tell me.
I could see it in the way he was paying attention, in the way he was careful and kind, and in the way he smiled at me when he caught my eye.
Simon was on a horse once before if I remember correctly, many years ago down in Bandon on the Oregon coast. That horse, as Chris and my parents will remember, was named Silver. Today he met Chica and he was smitten.
We signed him up for these lessons with the hope that it would be something he could get excited about and connect with (to the horses, to the instructors, to the other students, to the experience).
Today was an awesome beginning.
Life is for living. And for making memories and learning new things and finding stuff to get excited about and sharing deepest affinities.
#gosimongo
Thank you for this story! You made me remember why I love my job -- I'm lucky enough to have worked on all the Harry Potter DVDs and sometimes I forget how much joy they bring to so many people (including me!). And you gave me a good happy cry!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So very happy that this worked out for him. Happy for you as well. Thanks for sharing your gift. Michelle t
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I love this so much!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I have followed your story for years now. Took a class or two from you a long time ago, before Anna. This is the finest post you have shared with your readers, Ali. So much aching love from you and from your Mama soul/heart. It's not really about making a layout with these; a powerful memory for YOU stands on its own.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Wow! What a powerful story. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
This would be a "million FB likes" blog. When you finally find a niche for your child, your chest swells with love! YOu are Blessed!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
So Ali - what would you consider to be your patronus? :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
very cool. go simon!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
BEAUTIFUL STORY.....BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!! Thanks so much for sharing Simons experience and yours as his mom!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Harry Potter as love language. My tears could not get any bigger reading this. A very powerful memory indeed.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Oh, what a great new beginning. I did my occupational therapy clinical at specialcheers.com and it was amazing for each and every child.
So happy for Simon and you. :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I read daily but rarely comment. This made me cry. He looks so natural, like he has been "whispering" to horses all of his life. So comfortable and confident. And thinking about his patonus. That's a smart kid. Chica just met a friend for life.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
As a horse owner & lover I can't tell you how much I love this story. Like others above, I'm teary just reading your words and seeing what I know lies behind those pictures. I came to riding as an adult and know the feeling of confidence & love you can gain from a relationship like this and wish Simon so much from it! A powerful memory indeed.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Oh Ali, I usually don't comment on your wonderful posts, I just enjoy reading them, but this particular one actually brought Happy-tears to my eyes! You are such a great storyteller. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
This made my heart sing....and my mascara run this morning. Has Simon read the Philip Pullman trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass? With our 4 children in the back of the Suburban, we listened to the audible versions, so beautifully read (acted), and they were engrossed for hours on a cross-country adventure. The books can be interpreted at many different age levels, like so many fantasy/scifi. Maybe for your upcoming RV trip. Beautiful post!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
This is awesome in every way! And your photos of this story are incredible!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
This makes my heart dance with joy for Simon...and for you, Ali! xoxo
Me too! Well said :)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Oh my goodness. My heart.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Beautiful she says with tears. I have never commented on your blog before but being a horse lover and owner my whole life I so get the magical indescribable power of horses. They have been my saviour many times. Horses just know and over the years I have had many of mine bring that special joy and bond that only horses can to friends with children. Go Simon and Chica. Simon is so lucky to have you for his Mum (:
Sign in or sign up to comment.
That one question - 'Will it be enough to protect me from Demons?' - shows such depth of thinking. This made my heart so happy. What an amazing child he is.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
There is an excellent book by Wyatt Webb called "It's Not About the Horse". He has spent most of his life helping people connect with themselves through their interaction with horses. I took one of his classes while visiting Miraval and was amazed at what I learned about myself by simply grooming the horse. Horses are amazing animals.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I love every single thing about this story!!
Can I ask you what camera you used to take the photos?
They are great!
I use a Canon 5D MKII with a 24-70 lens.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
LOVE how you captured such a special memory with your words and the photos! I especially love the photos!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
What a wonderful story!! Thanks for sharing and way to go Simon!!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I don't comment much either...but appreciate you and your words. Have also taken olw for the past 3 years. Still going strong. LOVED this post. As a mom, a teacher and an auntie to 16 nephews... This is priceless!!! Makes me think about my own "patronus" and what my own children can or will use to keep the darkness at bay.
Sign in or sign up to comment.