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LinksBack on my Feet Back On My Feet, is a non-profit, in Philadelphia, soon also to be in Baltimore. It is a running program for homeless men and women, started initially by Anne Mahlum a marathon runner in her own right, who, on her early AM runs in Phila kept running by various homeless shelters. The residents, already outside, would say "hi" to her and wish her well. One day she said, "why am I leaving these guys behind?" And thus it began. Anne is dedicated, driven, disciplined, and infectious in her enthusiasm for this Program -- her baby. She is unwavering in her belief in the members of the Program, and the difference that it can make in their lives. And thus, their lives ARE changing, and who they are are examples for others in the City. Last year, after the Philly Marathon, many members of BOMF were grouped together in the freezing rain, wind, and were pretty much oblivious to the weather conditions. They were part of a party-like crowd at the foot of the Art Museum. One of the men, a previously convicted felon, said -- "for years, I have been trash to this City. Now I am a Part of it, and they are proud of me". I guess that sums it up! The reciprocity. The Joy. The Accomplishment. Wylie has been part of the BOMF professional Team since its Day One inception. Please visit the BOMF site, and participate in any way that you want to, or can! Paws for Life I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today. Midatlantic Horse Rescue Julie became critically ill. When she was 4 y/o, her step-grandfather bought a mule at a sale. A day later he was ready to take it back – Julie went over and she and Henry the mule fell in love, so he never went back to the sale. Henry would do NOTHING for anyone, but Julie only had to think something and Henry would do it. That year at the Christmas pageant at church, Julie rode Henry down the aisle. Her father was cussing as Henry wouldn't load … till Julie took his head and he walked right on the trailer. Julie stopped in the middle of the church aisle and announced to everyone "Jesus rode a donkey, but Henry is a mule". Henry stood perfectly still in the front of the church through the whole pageant. Henry died the day before Julie came home from the hospital. Never underestimate the Power of Love, and the Power that horses (even if they are mules :) give us. As they say, we are all God's creatures, inextricably intertwined. Courage Playing for Change
© jeannedavis 2008 |
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