WINSTON WEEKLY[1]

Vol. 2, No. 16

April 21, 2024

THIRTEEN YEARS

Much has been written about the number 13, good and bad. In numerology, 13 portrays focus, creativity, and a secure foundation. Thirteen years ago today, my mother passed away. She succumbed to the ravages of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Her diagnosis came little more than a year earlier, on St. Patrick’s Day. What started as a routine blood test for anemia became a journey of unexpected hardship, buoyed by her beloved horses and farm.

My mother was one of the strongest women I knew, at times an infuriating trait! Never one to spend time wallowing in the trials of life, she frequently encouraged me to pick myself up and wipe myself off. And there was a lot of picking myself up and wiping myself off! Growing up on a farm, it was not unusual to literally get stuck in the mud or be thrown to the ground by a horse or a cow. Rain or shine, snow or sun, animals had to be fed, horses had to be trained, and life had to go on.

My mother was an introvert and yet never shied away from difficult situations.  She never believed a problem could not be solved. When she did get discouraged, which was rare, she would talk to the horses and soon all would be well again.

Although I often questioned my mother growing up and even into adulthood, the gifts of animals and resilience are gifts that continue to give. She is largely why many of my books have animals as the main characters. Why I have been able to overcome personal and professional adversity. And why I have been able to adapt to the many challenges of today’s world.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

Consider what the number 13 means to you, or how you can cultivate resilience in children. The article by Ashley Cullins, How to Raise Resilient Children Who Never Give Up contains several tips and resources. www.biglifejournal.com. A compelling book for children ages eight and older that weaves together animals, nature, and resilience is A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry.

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[1] Copyright April 21, 2024. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute. Winston Weekly is a weekly Sunday newsletter by Alysen Bayles, Founder of Bayles and Bruce. “Learn, live, love, read.” Alysen’s views are her own.