Heh-I can Handle these Guys!

"Does somebody have a Problem here?"

This is me- about Four years old, doing what I loved-being outside with all the Animals!  I love the "Look" coming from the Goats-as if to say, "Wait a minute, she doesn't look like Us" but if you look close, one lone Goat is moving out of the photo fast-maybe this Goat was thinking-

"She might look Tiny, but word has it-You better Watch out for this One!"

I am sure Daddy was only steps from me, ready to rescue me if the Goats decided I was too close-yet he knew I was having the time of my young life and didn't want this moment to pass!  Now try to imagine almost Four Hundred extra Goats standing nearby-yes, we had almost the same number of Sheep and I spent just as much time with them too!  This was life on the farm and if Daddy was outside, you could figure I would be there too!

Yet there was a daily conflict of sorts going on-Moma so determined to see her little Girl dressed up-Daddy fussing with her to "hurry things up" so we could get outside quickly.  I try to imagine the discussions flying between them- Moma rushing to dress me, Daddy being in a hurry, but waiting patiently as the final touch was added-my pretty Black Patent Leather Shoes!

At the end of these long ago days, I recall Moma taking one long "whiff" of her little girl, and the words flew "Daughter, you smell like those ugly Goats and Sheep! Oh my, look at your little shoes-all messed up with Sheep Poop on them!" Daddy would lean against the bedroom wall- a grin of true delight on his face, knowing there was no way to keep his little girl from "smelling like a Farm Animal."

I love everything about this picture- delightful memories fill my heart, followed by a familiar Ache-knowing my Parents are gone,  watching from their Heavenly Post as I battle against Chronic Pain, wishing they were here to hold me in their arms, yet my heart seems to tell me, "Listen closely Martha-for their words"

"Sister, we remember a tiny little girl  filled with such Fierce Determination-She is still with you, helping to fight against the Pain! Remember- God is with you, always."

I treasure this picture-it took me for a long walk today that filled me with Joy.

I  say a prayer for those who suffer with Chronic Pain, please say One for me too.

martha