***********FINDING A FOLKHERO IN BARBARO***********
Once upon a time, in 1938, came the makings of a legend named Seabiscuit.
He exemplified America's struggle during the Great Depression and
became a symbol of Hope to everyone because they clearly understood their
struggles of heart and spirit to overcome the worst hardships. Here was a runt,
an imperfect blacksheep thoroughbred who showed the world the championed
underdog can win! The unforgettable lesson taught is -- the heart has
deep untapped potential to beat unbelievable odds in adversity's face, if
lovingly cared for, despite given terrible circumstances.
Seabiscuit proved that struggling Americans could beat those odds too!
He became their symbol of Hope for the 20th Century. Soon, there would
come another folkhero with his own legend in the making for 21st Century
America.
Fast Forward 68 years to 2006. Again, Americans are struggling to put
their families' lives back together after catastrophic natural disasters
ongoing and a war that divides us. Along comes our folkhero Barbaro who -- with
shattered leg, 5 surgeries, temporary complications from infection --
unites us as his team to work together harder for good. Barbaro's will to
survive gives us all back our faith in God and Hope in mankind's caring and
sharing attitude to improve life for others.
Self and differences put aside, resting from our struggles, we once
again see the same ignited Light of Hope rekindled in giving our Special
Barbaro a second chance to live comfortably. This same mindset is what built and
made America strong. Today, this attitude prevails in our 'Love Marks' for
Barbaro who returns LOVE one hundredfold like Seabiscuit did years ago.
As history repeats claiming her folkhero, we realize all folkheros
appeal to us because they make positive changes and influence people to act.
They bring out the best of human nature. See how Barbaro positively
impacted others in just weeks. New path is being pioneered with cutting edge veterinary
medicine and care for all animals with the BARBARO FUND (www.vet.upenn.edu).
Horse Racing and Track Officials are seriously reviewing and changing their practices, taking action to prevent
serious injuries to jockeys and horses alike. Did you know weekly 35-some jockeys
are injured? In past two weeks alone, too many champion horses were
seriously injured (with 2 being put down) too!
The above incidents have led E.P.O.N.A. (Equine Protection Of North
America) to step up to the plate in Epping, New Hampshire. They are now a
pipeline for the Anti-slaughter of Horses Bill (www.eponarescue.org linked to
www.saplonline.org, legislative director Chris Heyde, Society for
Animal Protection Legislation). And, E.P.O.N.A. assists in direct adoptions
of premarin mare foals and retired thoroughbred racing horses across
America and Canada.
While Barbaro recovers, immense obstacles are being overcome as
Americans recover. His struggle and our struggles become easier to understand.
He is just like one of us. That is what grabs our hearts so much.
In the immortal words of Seabiscuit's trainer Tom Smith and owner
Charles Howard, "You NEVER THROW AWAY a whole life just because it gets banged
up a bit." We believe Barbaro's owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, are of
the same mindset including Dr. Dean Richardson and his medical team.
Barbaro's same fiercely, fighting spirit and champion heart inspire us to go that
extra mile for him while he does the same for us. Just as Seabiscuit
helped fix his broken down family and American hopes, Barbaro fixes the broken
parts in all of us. Barbaro is giving us a second chance back!
So, Barbaro, we will sit and rest awhile with you when our hearts and
souls get weary. We will sing softly these words from R. Loveland and B. Graham
-- "You Raise Me Up" -- to you!
"You raise me (us) up so I (we) can stand on mountains.
You raise us up to walk on stormy seas.
I (we) are strong when you are on my (our) shoulders.
You raise me (us all) to more than I (we) can be,"
You are the right folkhero and a legend in the making. Our prayer, may all
see the living proof you are our folkhero answering America's call to
act. We salute you Big Guy for showing us what we can really do, together,
beating seemingly unbeatable odds. Keep winning this new kind of race
against time. Blessings and Love heading your way, today, and every
day!!!
Dedicated to Barbaro, The Jacksons & extended families, loyal fans,
Woolley et al, Michael, Peter, Edgar, Dr. Richardson, Barbaro's care team &
staff, plus everyone who wants to know "Why does Barbaro Grab Us So?" with
special thanks to Shannon & Zeena for asking the question.
