Hello Beginning
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When Simon finished his first horse session at RideAble today he asked me this question, "Do you think this will be a powerful memory?"
"Of course it will be." I answered as I helped him change out of his boots and back into his tennis shoes.
"Will it protect me when I encounter Dementors?"
Ah, a very specific Harry Potter reference.
What he was wondering, this awesome boy of mine, was if this memory would be powerful enough to become his patronus.
Harry Potter fans will recognize this quickly, others may need an explanation:
"This ancient and mysterious charm conjures a magical guardian, a projection of all your most positive feelings. The Patronus Charm is difficult, and many witches and wizards are unable to produce a full, corporeal Patronus, a guardian which generally takes the shape of the animal with whom they share the deepest affinity. You may suspect, but you will never truly know what form your Patronus will take until you succeed in conjuring it." (Miranda Goshawk)
An animal with whom they share the deepest affinity.
The way the Patronus charm works is that the wizard must concentrate, with all their might, on a single, very happy memory to protect themselves in the darkest moments.
What Simon was telling me, through this short conversation, was that he loved this experience.
The truth is, he didn't need to tell me.
I could see it in the way he was paying attention, in the way he was careful and kind, and in the way he smiled at me when he caught my eye.
Simon was on a horse once before if I remember correctly, many years ago down in Bandon on the Oregon coast. That horse, as Chris and my parents will remember, was named Silver. Today he met Chica and he was smitten.
We signed him up for these lessons with the hope that it would be something he could get excited about and connect with (to the horses, to the instructors, to the other students, to the experience).
Today was an awesome beginning.
Life is for living. And for making memories and learning new things and finding stuff to get excited about and sharing deepest affinities.
#gosimongo
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74 comments
Tears pricking my eyes here too. May his happy memories be many and the dementors he has to face be few. #gosimongo
Replies to Bookworm
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So beautiful! I love reading your words, and seeing your stories unfold. You are such an inspiration in helping me continue to push to find those moments to help my son create his his patronus.
Replies to LeslieNorgren
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Love this so much.
Replies to lizness
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Awesome. Thanks for sharing it. We should all be so aware of our patronus.
Replies to Hoguec
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Congrats to Simon. I am blessed to own my own Patronus and horses are such healers. Beautiful story and pictures. I volunteer with our equivalent to RideAble and the transformation of these children is a miracle even if only for a short time on horseback. Makes me tingle
Replies to Scrapriverview
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Thank you for this story! You made me remember why I love my job -- I'm lucky enough to have worked on all the Harry Potter DVDs and sometimes I forget how much joy they bring to so many people (including me!). And you gave me a good happy cry!
Replies to joaquinsmom
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So very happy that this worked out for him. Happy for you as well. Thanks for sharing your gift. Michelle t
Replies to mtercha
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I love this so much!
Replies to Eheim
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I have followed your story for years now. Took a class or two from you a long time ago, before Anna. This is the finest post you have shared with your readers, Ali. So much aching love from you and from your Mama soul/heart. It's not really about making a layout with these; a powerful memory for YOU stands on its own.
Replies to desertgirl
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Wow! What a powerful story. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Replies to JennMc
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This would be a "million FB likes" blog. When you finally find a niche for your child, your chest swells with love! YOu are Blessed!
Replies to Pobbesmouse
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So Ali - what would you consider to be your patronus? :)
Replies to Divinemsq
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very cool. go simon!
Replies to sarahloo
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BEAUTIFUL STORY.....BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!! Thanks so much for sharing Simons experience and yours as his mom!
Replies to peggy1958sue
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Harry Potter as love language. My tears could not get any bigger reading this. A very powerful memory indeed.
Replies to YolandaL
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Oh, what a great new beginning. I did my occupational therapy clinical at specialcheers.com and it was amazing for each and every child.
So happy for Simon and you. :)
Replies to Pinkpea14
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I read daily but rarely comment. This made me cry. He looks so natural, like he has been "whispering" to horses all of his life. So comfortable and confident. And thinking about his patonus. That's a smart kid. Chica just met a friend for life.
Replies to stitchoutsidetheditch
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As a horse owner & lover I can't tell you how much I love this story. Like others above, I'm teary just reading your words and seeing what I know lies behind those pictures. I came to riding as an adult and know the feeling of confidence & love you can gain from a relationship like this and wish Simon so much from it! A powerful memory indeed.
Replies to tealmyre
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Oh Ali, I usually don't comment on your wonderful posts, I just enjoy reading them, but this particular one actually brought Happy-tears to my eyes! You are such a great storyteller. Thank you so much for sharing.
Replies to designbyhektor
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This made my heart sing....and my mascara run this morning. Has Simon read the Philip Pullman trilogy, starting with The Golden Compass? With our 4 children in the back of the Suburban, we listened to the audible versions, so beautifully read (acted), and they were engrossed for hours on a cross-country adventure. The books can be interpreted at many different age levels, like so many fantasy/scifi. Maybe for your upcoming RV trip. Beautiful post!
Replies to sneakerwaves
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