Hope Rising (28 page)

Or we can select the ascending trail and, with some effort and perseverance, we can
choose
to allow our pain to motivate us toward becoming better people, to move us toward a better place. A place where love transcends selfishness, where faith bulldozes the “what ifs,” and where peace enfolds the heart like a warm blanket. It is a place where joy takes on as many faces as humanity. It is a place where flowers bloom in ash.

Like an unstoppable wave of light pouring over the horizon, it is a place where hope rises.

Hope Continues
 

Because of our united compassion for the children and horses in this book, it is only our nature to wonder, “Where are they now?” It is my deepest joy to share in the victories of “my family.”

“The Beginning”

Jessica’s broken family has found complete healing in the love of the Lord. Jessica herself has risen into a beautiful, accomplished college graduate who is now yielding her life to the children of Peru where she is working as a teacher.

“The Wishing Tree”

Heather and Breanna, who escaped their abusive father with their mother, Diane, have seen their dreams become a reality. They now share a life of freedom in the country with three horses of their own.

“Chosen One”

Maci’s injuries were serious; she not only sustained a skull fracture and lacerations to her head and face, she also severed the main nerve branch that controls facial movement above the eyes. Thankfully, by the grace of God, the nerve has completely regenerated and all the wonderful expressions of a little girl have returned to Maci’s face.

“Run Through Fire”

Sarah continues to work at the ranch and endurance race Mighty Mojave. She is currently enrolled in college to become an equine veterinary technician.

“It’s Good”

Jamie, the little girl that doctors thought would not survive, is now walking and riding without assistance. She is currently learning sign language and is still one of the happiest kids I know.

“Lord, Have Mercy”

Mercy, the pregnant mare that died, did not do so in vain. Since then, we have rescued another horse from the same property. He is one of the rarest horses that I have ever known. Not only is his coloration rare—a palomino Arabian—he is also exceptionally special because he is the only horse I’m aware of to have survived being hit by a semi truck and trailer! He has completely stolen my heart, and due to his pale golden color and extraordinary survival, I have appropriately named him “Halo.”

“A Perfect Match”

Mary still lives in Washington State with her husband and children. She continues to be an inspiration to all who meet her.

“Solemn Vow”

Solemn, the severely starved black mare, gained three hundred pounds … and then some. To our enormous surprise, we discovered that she was already pregnant when she came to the ranch. She delivered a completely healthy foal nine months after her rescue! “Solemn’s Blessing” was born April 24. She is a chocolate-colored bay with four white socks and a wide blaze. Blessing, giving some of the best kisses on the ranch, is rapidly growing into every child’s dream horse.

One of Kim Meeder’s first riding experiences came at the age of nine, on the day of her parents’ funeral. Riding quickly became a healing refuge for her after the shock of their murder-suicide. By the love of a little mare and a merciful God, the young girl’s life was saved.

This saving grace was a portent of what was to come, years later, when Kim and her husband, Troy, made the decision to transform a former rock quarry into a small ranch. In 1996, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch (CPYR) was born. CPYR is a unique nonprofit organization that rescues abused and neglected horses and pairs them with seeking children. The ranch’s program pairs one child with one horse, guided by one leader, 100 percent of the time. All this is done free of charge.

The ranch supports twenty-five horses and meets the needs of four to five thousand visitors every year. CPYR works closely with nearly every organization that deals with youth and families. Although the ranch activities are designed for youth at risk, all children of all ages are welcome.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes to support the work of Crystal Peaks.

Kim Meeder is an accomplished athlete, having competed on a national level in Nordic ski racing and participated in the Olympic biathlon trials. She has also set two world records in power lifting and is an avid surfer. As a fledgling mountaineer, Kim has climbed many of the highest peaks in Oregon, Washington, and California.