As each day ends and starts anew, we are reminded that sand in the hourglass continues to trickle. Life is truly flying by, carrying with it both joys and sorrows. If God ends a chapter, realize that there’s always a reason.

You may not understand why, but that’s what faith will show you. We must step forward with gratitude for all that’s in the rearview mirror and enthusiasm for the future and what God has in store.

My parents and I bid farewell to the cattle ranch they owned for 55 years. It’s been 16 days now, and I can write to you from a place of acceptance…for the most part. If I’d have sat down and wrote to you about 30-40 days ago, it would have been nothing but heartache.

It is the land that I miss the most. As an only child, the land kept me company. It was a place where I found solace. It was my dear friend. Though I moved away years ago, I still never thought I’d be saying goodbye to the place where I lost my first tooth; the gravel driveway where I learned to ride a bike; the pasture where I spent so much time hanging out with my horses. In my mind’s eye, I see so many outdoor country barbeques with my parents, relatives, and close friends, all laughing, enjoying delicious food, and staying connected. I can picture my folks working hard on the ranch from sun up to sundown and many other treasured moments. It’s been quite an emotional ride letting go.

I asked my parents what they’ll miss most about the ranch. Mom said she loved raising orphaned calves and getting a kick out of their eagerness to drink from the bottle of powdered milk she mixed for them twice daily.

What have you done to help yourself through a life change? How did you find acceptance? Will you share your thoughts with me? I’d love to hear your process.

The day after close of escrow was Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s funeral. Along with many other admirers, I watched the funeral service on TV. The tributes were beautifully written and touching. One commentator said something that absolutely caused me to turn the corner in my grief over the sale of the ranch. He said, “Every great story has an ending.” Wow! Absolutely! Why shouldn’t my folks sell the ranch and enjoy the fruits of their labor? They are active and should go places and do whatever they want without the demands of ranch life. The sand in the hourglass continues to trickle…our days aren’t promised. Life is to be lived!

Although the chapter of our family ranch has ended, there’s an item which I believe is still with me for a reason. I am not entirely sure how its story will end, but it’s not over yet. While things at the ranch were being sold or donated, there was much discussion about selling the horse trailer that my parents bought 25 years ago. I had such a sick feeling in my stomach thinking about being without it. We had gotten the horse trailer when I reunited with my beloved Freedom. When I see that trailer, I see my Freedom. I never wanted to let it go, and I thank God that no one showed interest.

I ended up finding a boarding stable near my home to store the trailer, and my dad helped me haul the trailer those 160 miles to its new location. This amazing stable has cameras in the stalls, and you can view your horse on your smartphone 24/7! Man, have times changed!

I knew the instant that I stepped foot on the stable grounds, that this move was right. When I walked through the stalls, visiting with the horses, and then coming face to face with a huge mirrored dressage arena, I felt ALIVE! I couldn’t get over the peace that came over me. I was back with my first love!

THE THRILL OF THE DERBY!

Did you catch the Kentucky Derby yesterday? I think we may have another Triple Crown winner on our hands with Justify! I sure hope so! Gosh, I have watched every race in the Triple Crown for as long as I can remember. You want to hear what kind of goofy kid I was? In the ‘70’s, I used to clip the TV Guide articles about each race! I was obsessed with the sport and the majestic horses. I even wanted to become a jockey, until my height and weight vetoed that ambition.

Every time the first weekend in May arrives and it’s Kentucky Derby time, I can’t help but think back to the greatest of them all—Secretariat. I witnessed him win every race of the Triple Crown. I can still visualize Secretariat moving so far ahead of the other horses before crossing the finish line that it almost seemed like it was a race of one. Incredible!

I thought I’d share two photos with you from 2011 and 2012 when I participated in the Western States Horse Expo Book Corral in Pomona and Sacramento, California. Here was one of those “pinch-me” moments for me during this author’s journey.

I met Kate Chenery Tweedy (of Secretariat fame) in the Pomona Book Corral as she was promoting her newly released book Secretariat’s Meadow. I witnessed Secretariat win the Triple Crown and I couldn’t believe that I was shaking Kate’s hand! She was the nicest lady. Because each Expo was a three-day event, we all became quick friends. The coolest thing for me was to hear Kate say my name! What? Pinch me again. The Belmont Stakes was happening on the second day of the Sacramento Book Corral and a potential Triple Crown winner was on everyone’s mind. Here we were, gathering around watching another historic horse race on TV, with the famous Kate Chenery Tweedy among us. It was surreal! 

For more information on Denise Lee Branco, visit www.deniseinspiresyou.com