Breaking them is a horrible name for it, what they are doing is bonding with them. Sunday we spent a few hours with them, we got them on lead and brushed them, held them, and snuggled them. It was definitely a great feeling. Since then the kids have spent hours every day with them but I have been "busy" with other stuff.
When I walked over this afternoon to take a peek they had saddles on them and were leading them around like perfectly trained poodles. The colts lifted their legs perfectly when asked and stood perfectly still for their brushing. The kids looked proud of themselves so it obviously wasn't completely mundane to them, but I don't think they have any idea how remarkable the process is or how remarkable they are.
They are passionate, gifted, knowledgable, and have a work ethic I would kill for. Don't misunderstand, they are kids for sure complete with whining episodes, but they have something that most kids don't anymore. They have drive and purpose. I hope that by being here we can instill some of that in Lucy B. On our first day I asked Mr. McBee when he started having them help, expecting to hear three or four, and was shocked when he said Lucy's age. Surely his babies weren't working before they were two, they were just babies then. Now I know better, my girl not only can work- she loves to work. This is where she belongs, it might be where all kids belong. A special thank you to the big kids for taking my little under your wings and teaching her things that I can't.
In other news, Big Pig is leaving us on Friday. I choose to believe that the freezer is still fully stocked with sausage from a pig I didn't know. In related news I want to help with pig fencing. I don't know why because it looks hard but it seems like an instant gratification type job and I like those jobs.
I think you are right, most (maybe all kids) need this type of life. I think the importance of knowing the hard work, together with family and community can be fun and rewarding. We raise our children as a family like this ... we would love to add to it, more of a community!
ReplyDelete