SUNRISE IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

A WEST YELLOWSTONE SUNRISE

From the picture above you might think that Yellowstone National Park is on fire again like it was in 1988.  This is NOT a fire in Yellowstone.  This is a picture of a West Yellowstone sunrise looking into Yellowstone National Park.

I took several photos of this sunrise that particular morning and was struck by the fact that this one seems to indicate that Yellowstone is burning.

This is just a small sample of the sunrises you might be lucky enough to catch with your camera.  I took this one about 7:24 a.m. one morning.

When you come to visit here be sure to bring your camera and plenty of film or cards for your digital cameras.  You would not want to miss opportunities for photos like this one.  The only problem is that they change all too quickly so you have to be sure and be ready.

RECOVERY

A few months ago, a member of my family made the very difficult decision to ask for help for an addiction problem.  Needless to say, I was thrilled that this person had finally realized the need for help.

Fortunately, we were put in touch with a facility that offered state of the art care for our family member.  I realize that rehab can be a so called "crap shoot" meaning that relapse is always a possibility and that all members of the family live with that every day.

However, I also discovered that the underlying cause for the addiction can often be more devastating and more difficult to deal with than the actual addiction. Depression is a terrible disease - mostly because it is a "hidden" illness.  It does not show when you look at the person and, most of the time, they do not talk about it for fear of being judged.

Do not tell them to "put a smile on your face" or "just get a grip and get over it."  It is not that simple.  It is an illness that they live with day in and day out.  They wake up with it in the morning and it is there when they close their eyes at night.  It is a REAL illness - not an imagined one.

If you have a family member or even know of someone who is fighting an addiction, please, please pray for them.  They need to know that someone cares.

Do not judge them because there - but for the grace of God - goes you.

A COMFORT IN TIME OF LOSS

For several years I was privileged to share the company of a wonderful, large, loving and adorable animal.  His name was Prince and he was a Plantation Walker - strawberry roan in color.

He was an absolute love and held a special part of my heart.  Unfortunately, due to old age, I was forced to have him put down.  This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life.

He was truly a gentle giant - willing to do my bidding and giving me many hours of riding pleasure.

After his loss - my local vet sent me a copy of THE RAINBOW BRIDGE.  No - it did not take away the pain of loss - but - it did let me know that someone cared about my loss.

If you have lost a loved pet - whether it be dog, cat, horse, goat, sheep, pig or whatever - I hope this little poem will help ease your pain.