Know any "lifers"???

I'm blessed to have some terrific friends.  Like most people, I have friends who fall in different categories: the "lifers" (I'd take a bullet for these folks - no question), the really great friends, the friends, the acquaintances, etc.

I'd like to spend a few minutes talking about one of my "lifers".  Her name is Miaka.  I've known Miaka and her husband for 17 years and I would literally do anything for them.  During and after my divorce, these two were my pillars of strength - we vacationed together, did sports together, commuted together - did everything together (okay, well maybe not everything).  I single out Miaka because she's the weird one - but in an absolutely glorious way.

Miaka loves animals.  I don't mean just loves, she obsesses about animals.  She adopts them, she rescues them, she'll tell you she prefers them over people.  I've gotten phone calls from Miaka at ungodly hours to come and help her rescue a giant snapping turtle from a highway (keep in mind, she's parked her car on the road with the hazards on to prevent anyone from injuring the animal).  I was coerced into adopting two kittens - one that we discovered at a construction site and the other resulting from her being  convinced the first kitten needed companionship.  I've rescued stray dogs in a downpour, lured a goat (yes, a goat) off the road with a banana to prevent an accident - all under the close supervision of Miaka...

Don't get me wrong.  I love this side of Miaka - well, most of the time.  She's taught me a wonderful appreciation for animals and the value of the bond of friendship and love that comes only from animals.  Everyone needs a Miaka in their lives.
I share all of this because the Miaka in my life (and in this case, the actual Miaka) has started a wonderful non-profit called For The Love of a Horse with some other amazing friends.  They work with abandoned and neglected horses that would otherwise die to give them a new lease on life.  I've been privileged to work with this program and, in doing so, have been introduced to some amazing creatures - notably Gracie and Bishop.

I encourage everyone who reads this to visit their website (see the link below) and read about the miracles taking place within this organization.  Anyone can get involved and it can be a life-changing experience.  There's an upcoming charity golf tournament on June 15, 2012 sponsored by For the Love of a Horse where you can play to help the cause or make a donation. 

If nothing else, you might have the opportunity to be introduced to the Miaka I know - and see firsthand what a "lifer" is really all about...

Miaka's Charity: For the Love of a Horseortheloveofahorse.org