I walked up to the driver side window, smiled, and waved to the unknown woman sitting inside. She rolled down her window, lowered the volume of the radio, and smiled back at me. I introduced myself and explained I had a huge favor to ask of her.
In anticipation of our annual fundraiser, the team had opted to add a small video this year to the program. We wanted to give a voice to the students and parents who have participated in our program.
The mom touched her wisps of hair around her face and pulled them back behind her ears. “O my! I didn’t put any makeup on today.”
“You totally don’t have to! It’s just if you want to, we would love to hear your experiences and thoughts. I’ll come back and check on you to see what you think.”
Today was a surprise offer to this parent to be videotaped by a surprise Narrow Gate volunteer. I was grateful that anybody would say yes to me because not many people enjoy that type of thing.
No parents were prepped ahead of time. We just showed up and asked for their help. Every other day that week, I could rely on my relationship already established with moms, dads, grandmas that I had met before.
Whatever you want, Lord, I whisper as I walk towards the barn.
I stepped into the observation room where two other parents sat waiting on their students. I explained the situation. Both of them were willing to help us show our Derby Ball guests what the ranch meant to their kiddos. I led one mom out to the stall area where Steve Smith, NGHR volunteer and Studio 2000 owner and photographer, was waiting.
The umbrella lights were intimidating to me, and I watched as the first mom smiled sheepishly herself.
I helped affix the mic to her, and Steve tested the sound. The short interview went smoothly. Although the questions were easy, this sweet mom, just like each interviewee, gave a look of relief after we wrapped up.
We interviewed the waiting dad next. Then, I went back to the original mom in the car.
“I want to,” she said. She had pulled a jacket out of somewhere to cover her shirt and pulled her hair back.
“This is too important to (my daughter) not to.”
So off we went to video this mom.
“My daughter has learned a lot about grounding and uses it. She was in a very low place when she started here. From that first day that she started here she’s moving towards being more confident. She does not like to go anywhere…. (but) when it’s time to come to horse class she’s waiting at the door, ready to come. She feels very accepted here. She loves the animals; But she also likes the kids she gets to be around. And the instructors are also wonderful with her.”
Each guardian and child gave me insights into their world and perspective. Each story shared offered to me an opportunity to reflect on what free, indefinite classes can mean for a young person. I listened firsthand to stories of bravery, teamwork, emotional regulation… I could feel hope growing inside these students and their parents as I listened to them.
“My child has learned a lot of responsibility through the patience and the care that the animals require. Also, the patience and care that the teachers have unwaveringly showed us.”
Feedback helps the attendees on the Derby Ball understand the power of the program and why they give. Feedback also helps NGHR think about what’s working and what’s not. Feedback encourages the facilitators that their dedication to the training and classes is paying off.