THIS IS BLIND BEAUTY!
Those of you who have followed this BLOG over last summer recall that my heartstrings were grabbed from merely picking up the morning paper over a cup of coffee and seeing the young lady pictured above, Jenna McVey, 16 of Fort Thomas, Kentucky. My thanks to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Michael E. Keating for capturing this image; I'm sorry I couldn't make it clearer, but had my friend Tricia (who was introduced to me by Denny Shane) not stepped in to help me with my lack of software to convert this picture, many of you would not understand what I was talking about last September 26, 2005. This High School Junior has more heart and more Courage than most Adults I've come across in my short life. A beautiful Belgium draft horse with a strawberry reddish brown coat and blonde locks stood absolutely alone in a stall, after an infection turned her beautiful round Blue Eyes to a milky white and left her permanently blind due to a virulent infection. Her name is "Nelly"; many call her "Blind Beauty". This horse isn't even supposed to be alive! But for the Grace of Jenna. "She never got out (of her stall) so I felt sorry for her. I just saw her and fell in love with her", Jenna said. Okay, so what happened?
Well, as friendships---even special Love develops over time, Jenna started visiting the lonely horse more often. After school, she brought her school books and read her assignments or her favorite childhood tales aloud to "Nelly". Blind for 2 years, the horse was scheduled to be sent to a processing plant to be killed--a Legislation post I recently shared on January 21st and encouraged all of you to sign off on to prevent this cruelty. AND THIS IS WHY! LOOK AT THE PHOTO ABOVE!! It speaks volumes.
Today, thanks to Jenna's parents, they purchased the beautiful horse and gave her Life. She even responds to he shortened name, "Beauty". Jenna and the horse bonded in Love and in Trust. They protect one another. "Nelly is my favorite thing", Jenna says. "I'd rather come out here and sit with her in a stall than have a million dollars".
Here is a sweet young girl who has her priorities in order. My only regret is that I couldn't bring you photo of this story above all the hundreds of others I've told here sooner. But my own personal philosophy is this. God definitely had a hand in my finding this story and my being able through Tricia and Denny to bring it to you in a way that sheds light in a world that seems to grow darker with so much negativity in the Media. It doesn't have to be this way!
Jenna made a difference. Her parents should be very proud of her and I hope one day to be able to meet all of them and share a NEW picture of Yours Truly with my young Hero! Miracles can and do happen if we have the Will to see them through.
I'm leaving this BLOG up for Monday because it's the best way to begin any week!
This Weekend and Next Will Conclude
the Steve McQueen Film Festival!
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:01 AM
35 comments
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35 Comments:
If there is one thing I've done in my life that I'll never regret is finding out where people live that I see in the news and contacting them.
I'm not talking about my usually buddies; politicians, judges, etc. But regular people like your friend here... it may have been frustrating in tracking them down but I have made some truly close friends over the years and they are still friends to this day.
Make the contact Michael... you'll thank me later.
Making a difference for sure. Glad to hear the sweet story.
Denny: Great encouragement, I shall!
Valderbar: Welcome and Thanks for visiting! I'll have to come by and visit you too!
Beautiful story, and beautiful picture... All brought to us by beautiful people like Tricia, Denny, and yourself! Thanks so much....
There should be more kids like her out there. A very lucky horse indeed.
Lisa: And YOU as well! lol!! And have a Fun Weekend.
The Music Whore: Isn't that the truth!
Hey Michael,
I thought that was so sweet of you to have dropped your weekend wishes at my blog! You have a great weekend too!
Lately, I've been kinda busy working on couple of new paintings and some poetry.
Lots to do and less time or maybe you can say "no time management":-)
I wanted to thank you for your comments on my blog and also for having linked my blog to your blog.That's cool! I did the same and I shall be back..presently enjoying my weekend in Santa barbara w/friends..how about you? Hope you are having a great time as well! Take care for now...
will be back...
Cheers,
Rashmi
What a beautiful story..Thankyou for sharing..
We need more Jenna McVey's in the world.
Beautiful story, beautiful souls.
Amazing how young people could inspire and teach us about pure compassion, love, caring and nurturing.
Thanks MM.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful touching story with us Michael!
God has blessed Jenna,Tricia, Denny and you with a beautiful soul. I'm glad I read this story! We can make a better place if we learn to give without expecting and just learn to love simply. That's all it takes-one step!
Thank you Michael for this beautiful reminder of what love can do! I needed it this weekend! What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing!
Rashmi: Thank you for such a heartfelt compliment! I visited your site today!!
Yellowrose: I'm taking Denny's advice and will try making contact tomorrow. This young lady knows what matters and what doesn't. Can you imagine winning the Dressage. That horse loves her too! Thanks for stopping by!!
Hi -- I jumped over here from Kathryn's blog. Thanks so much for the beautiful story and the wondrous blog. Hooray for that family!
Best, Nan
What you said about negativity in the media is right on the money, Michael: it truly doesn't have to be that way. All it takes is for individuals who believe our media institutions can do better to actively get involved.
I know it's not easy for newbies to break in. And we all know how old-timers hold onto the reins of power for dear life. But if people believe so strongly in the ability of our organs of mass communication to do better, then who else would be better equipped to make that difference?
I know this because I was one of them. I had allowed myself to drift away from my media roots, and had spent a decade wasting away in corporate oblivion. I would read the paper, listen to the radio and watch television with the same attitude: I hated it all because the messages were so mundane, so indifferently crafted, so uninspirational, so not like the world around us.
So I decided to try to break in any way I could. Change the world one iota at a time.
Jennifer's accomplishing this with her horse. You have used your gift to pursue similarly lofty goals - goals that inspire those who read you.
Now it's the turn of all the folks who read this entry to decide whether they want to involve themselves.
The media is a reflection of us. We can make that difference if we choose.
Thanks once again for inspiring us all. Add Jennifer to my list of personal heroes.
Now that does give one reason to pause, a little reflection on the lives around us. There are amazing people and amazing stories to be shared. Thank you for bringing this one to us.
It is uplifting and heartwarming. truly. As are you my friend.
Thanks for sharing such an uplifting story, my friend. It seems that there are fewer examples of kindness these days so it's great to read one such as this!
Glad to know that your mother is still doing good!
Hope all is going peachy for you and that your day is filled with joy. :)
Beautiful story about two beautiful creatures.
Nan: Welcome! I'm delighted that Kat referred you and hope to visit your site soon.
Carmi: Coming from you, my friend, that is high praise. Yes we journalists even succumb to the exasperation of "bad news". But this young lady proves one person can simplify a complicated world with Love and make an impact on all our hearts. Thanks, Carmi!
Tricia, without your stepping forward to offer the help I sorely needed to post the photo, I'd be lost. Thanks my dear!
Nic: Nice to hear from you and such a sweet message! Mom's annual scans were fine. She's a "busy bee" at her house with new projects, crocheting, reading and window-shopping. We have fun with her.
Bud: Well said. A beautiful story that thankfully never left me!
Rasmi: Enjoy Santa Barbara and look forward to hearing from you when you return. Thanks for your nice comments!
Heidi: Isn't that the truth. What a sweet girl with such heart.
Asian Smiles: I have always said the people of the Good Earth far outnumber all others! Love reigns!
That is a beautiful story.I am so glad that it had a happy ending.I think it is wonderful that her and that precious horse developed such a bond.Very inspiring.Thanks for sharing it.
Here via Michele's
Wonderful, Michael! Heartwarming and brought a renewed sense of hope that things like this in the world are important enough for people to still care that deeply over. That is a beautiful picture!
A truly beautiful and heart warming story, Michael. I'll keep my fingers crossed in hopes that you do find this wonderful family. Good luck!
Presentstorm: Welcome to my site! Yes, this is a story that makes me gain a real perspective of what is important and what isn't. I'll be by for a visit.
Carolyn: Thanks so much. I'm glad Tricia and Denny helped me bring it alive for all to read.
Tutu: I'll keep each of you posted right here. Aloha!
Hi Michael, Thanks for stopping by my new blog digs (knitti-me.typepad.com).
What a beautiful and heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing.
Knitti-me: I have your new address noted and look forward to getting by to visit this week. Thanks for stopping in! Glad you enjoyed this special story!!
I remember reading about this on your blog last year.It is truly a beauiful story and such a lovely photo.
Very cool. Thanks again for bringing this story to us.
Pink Lady: I revised the story as a reminder and featured it also for many newcomers but I'm pleased that you remembered. I also tried to locate the family but was unsuccessful.
Teresa: Glad you enjoyed it! lol!
That is such a heart-warming and inspirational story!
That is beautiful and inspiring!
It's about that time.
Came to say goodnight and wish you the sweetest of dreams. I will be around all day if you should need me.
Night
{{{Michael}}}
PBS: Very much so and I tried valiantly to get ahold of the family state-wide with no luck. But thanks and super glad you came by!
Goddess: Exactly. For many who have suffered a big fall in life, a story like this one can cause even the most hardened of hearts to thaw and take a chance again!
Tricia: Hey! Nice of you to stop by. Without you help, this photo and others wouldn't be here. Nite and thanks so much!
michael,
thank you for sharing this photo. i love the story that accompanies it too.
Kerry: It's stories like this that can take anyone's worst day or night and cause them to put things into perspective. That's been my experience at least. lol!!
ALL: This story generated more hits and more comments in the 8 months I've had this BLOG page added to my Website than any other story. I think we've connected here on a story that is GOOG NEWS for a change and I thank you for your love!
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