There is Still Hope...

A couple of weeks ago Casey and I joined my best friend, Heather, and her family at the rodeo for the Dallas County Fair.  I hadn't been there in years, but we had such a great time.  Heather and I have been friends since we were in the 8th grade.  We quickly found out we shared a common love for horses, and since then, we have seen each other through many of life's twists and turns.  It is so comforting to have a friend that knows you so well, and who knew you before life really happened.  Sometimes, it's that friend who can help to pull you out of whatever rut you may be in, who sees you through thick and thin, loves you and is there for you no matter what.  Sometimes we cry together, sometimes we vent to each other; but mostly, she and I laugh together...a lot! 

I can't really put into words how much fun it is to spend time with her kids.  They make Casey and I laugh all of the time.  You can tell that they have really wonderful parents, too.  As we were almost all settled in and waiting for the rodeo to start, the National Anthem began to play while someone rode their horse around the arena, carrying the American Flag.  Bobby and Casey took their hats off and held them over their heart.  Brody, Heather and Bobby's son, had been riding his imaginary bull, "Horney" (logical name for a bull according to a 3-year old) around in front of the arena.  As I looked over at him, I couldn't believe what I saw.  Without missing a beat, without being told, and without even looking at his dad, he had stopped riding his imaginary bull, and did this:

I couldn't help but kneel down and snap this photo.  All I could think of was: There is still hope...