Bittersweet Times

Minnesota's Other Big Fair was last weekend. Growing up, this was the best time of the year for our family. My dad absolutely loved fair week. He would save his vacation so he could take the whole week off. We saved pop cans all year long and turned them in just before the fair, for extra spending money. Dad would pull the camper over and we'd spend the whole week and weekend over there, with our 4H projects and our horses (and even bunnies a couple years). We would ride our horses in the games all weekend, not very often ending up with any trophies or ribbons, but with a lot of fun had. On Saturday nights, after the horse show was over, we'd all head to the midway, where we'd ride some rides, play some games, win some stuffed animals, have races down the big slide and just have a grand time. The memories I have of this time are immense and awesome.

Then my dad died, suddenly and unexpectedly. Just like that, the backbone of our family was gone. Husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, friend - a lot of people were lost.

That first fair after dad died was horrid. We bought a stall in his memory, we donated trophies in his memory and Son #1 rode lead line with someone other than his Grandpa, for the first time ever. It was so sad. After that fair, he started to lose interest in horses in general.

So, fast forward about 4 years - we were visiting my aunt and uncle and Son #1 was riding horse, for fun, and decided to mention to uncle that he thought it would be fun to ride in the fair again. So, the training begins - 3 weeks before the fair - just like my dad. Aunt and Uncle were amazing this weekend. They brought the horse over, brought Son #1 with them to clean stalls and feed Charlie horse. Bought him boots, signed him up for his classes. Gma, thank her very much, paid all his riding fees, so he was set.

Mom (me) was so very nervous. He sits so well on top of that horse, but what if the horse bucks? What if he falls off and hits his head on a rock? What if another horse kicks his and he gets hurt. And on and on and on. I sat on the top of the bleachers, where very few people could see me - and proudly watched him, through my tears. He was fantastic. He rode in walk/trot, which is pretty much what the name says, first you walk, then you trot, then you are judged. He did not place, but he will next year! It had to be a close call, he was so good. He also rode in barrels. He did awesome, considering he was taught the pattern about 15 minutes before he rode. On Saturday he rode barrels at just over 46 seconds. Sunday he was able to shave 10 seconds off his time, which is amazing.

He says he wants to keep up. Daughter and Son #2 also say they want to start. I'm gonna have to buy some cowboy boots I think.

So, it was a great weekend, though very emotional. I'm glad it's over, and I'm looking forward to next year already.