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                             Merciful Minis Visits Harvester Place, Burr Ridge

                                                            June 22, 2018

 PLEASE CLICK ON BLUE LINE ABOVE TO SEE MERCY

A Time for Everything- There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to be born and a time to die…a time to weep and a time to laugh…a time to be silent and a time to speak…a time to love and a time to hate…

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3 NIV

Today was our second attempt to visit Harvester Place; we had to cancel an earlier visit due to severe weather conditions and our reluctance to transport our minis when traveling could put them in harms way.

Following several days of heavy storms there was a window of opportunity when the rain subsided and our Mini Mercy confidently stepped into the trailer trusting in us to take her wherever we thought she was needed the most. At times I felt I was driving a pontoon rather than my 250 Ford pick up. Mercy may have been questioning the wisdom of the trip as she heard the trailer splashing through some of the water on the roadways.

When we arrived at Harvester Place many of our volunteers looked as if we stomped thru each puddle along the way due to an early morning shower. We were greeted at the door by a wonderful staff so happy we could make the trip, totally overlooking the drops of rain from our foreheads.

Once inside, the challenges of the morning were quickly forgotten as we saw the joy in the eyes of those we had come to visit.  Mercy was at her best walking from senior to senior, taking time to accept their love and eagerness to touch and hold a pretty little mini with the most beautiful blue eyes, pink nose and a braided tail.

When it was time to leave Mercy casually walked down the hallways of Harvester, stopping by to say “hello” to those who were unable to attend the group gathering. Staff members came out from where they had been working to take pictures of something many had never seen before….a beautiful little Falabella Horse stomping by to say “How do you do?” to anyone needing a mini ounce of encouragement and love.

June 15, 2018

 

Merciful Minis returned to Providence Health Care in Palos in celebratory fashion. Following months of rehab after a life threatening illness, our little Falabella Mare, Mercy, pranced out of her trailer, looked at the group of residents awaiting her arrival, and let out a clear, loud whinny to the amusement of all.

Mercy and our team of Merciful Minis therapy volunteers made their rounds greeting each resident, answering questions, and explaining the responsibilities of being a therapy team.

The residents were so happy to see our miniature horse, some still have a picture of Mercy on display in their rooms from last years’ visit. The volunteers could sense that Mercy was pleased to return to Providence and as Mercy and her handler exited back to the horse trailer following their visit with each resident,  she was given a huge a round of applause. Mercy held her head high, her blue eyes sparkled, and with a tiny little smile she pranced into the horse trailer to return home.

Important job well done for a little horse with a big heart.

The challenges of running a non for profit organization can be daunting and a day doesn’t go by without worry about the obligations of caring for the animals and maintaining a core group of volunteers who give so freely of their time for training and visits without compensation.

Today, however, was a day of great reward; not monetarily but spiritually. Merciful Minis was invited to the home of a family as a training opportunity for our two year old minis. Kelsey Rozema is a young doctoral student pursuing a degree in Art Education. She has physical challenges requiring her to use a wheelchair for mobility. Kelsey invited our minis, Rae and Hawk, to meet her therapy dog at her home in a nearby town.

The miniature horses were “game on”. Their behavior was exceptional and they immediately showed the curiosity and sensitivity needed to become awesome therapy horses.

Reflecting on today’s’ visit I have a renewed confidence in the ability of others to overcome adversity and soar to unlimited heights. As a member of the Merciful Minis Team I have had the honor of meeting many amazing people quietly accomplishing extraordinary levels of achievement not for personal gain but rather for the good and well-being of all.

I am in awe in the power of miniature horses to connect with people and to provide others with a sense of renewal and value for living. I invite all to join the Merciful Minis in their journey. It’s an amazing trail ride unlike all others I’ve experienced.

June 1, 2018

 

Merciful Minis were the celebrated guests at O’Neill Middle School in Downers Grove. Following a week long of storms and extremely hot humid weather, today’s temperature could not have been better.

The minis relaxed in the school’s shaded courtyard as middle school students and staff came to meet the little boys. Sitting on a bale of straw, the students were able to get close to the horses and learn more about the care of the animals and the unique attributes of a therapy mini.

Throughout each visit our minis develop greater self confidence in strange and unique surroundings. Our volunteers and handlers learn a lot as well and, best of all, we continue to meet awesome people dedicated to helping others and improving our world.

 

On a beautiful spring evening (Tuesday, May 22, 2018) we visited the Family Fun Night at Butler School in Homer Glen.  As neighbors of ours we enjoy visiting the community and bringing a smile to the children and parents of the community.  Our boys Hawk and Rae were so engaging with the kids.  We had at least 60 children visit with us.

Hi All,

Please visit this site…potential donors/grant possibilities.  Merciful Minis needs a helping hand.

Link: https://www.americantrucks.com/positive-payload.html

Thanks all!

                             April 21, 2018

Merciful Minis were invited to join the Girl Scouts at the American Legion Hall in Lockport at a celebration of reading event sponsored by the scouts.  Family members enjoyed meeting Hawk and Rae on the beautiful grounds honoring our veterans. A light rain did not deter the gathering. Young and old were charmed by the two year old minis who are gaining in confidence and experience during each visit.

Mercy , accompanied by several Merciful Mini handlers, was the “Guest Speaker” at Victorian Village Wellness Center. A special thank you to our Junior Handler Dayanna for adding a bit of bling to our little mare’s shoes and to Christine for her ability to catch great photos throughout the visit. Mercy was a STAR at the rehab center; many could not believe their eyes at the site of a therapy horse confidently walking throughout the hallways. Looking forward to future visits.

When we brought Mercy home from Purdue Large Animal Hospital in November 2017 we really didn’t expect that she would ever be able to go our on visits again.  Well she proved us wrong and boy are we happy about that!

Today, Saturday, March 24th 2018 Mercy went to visit our friend Joe and the other residents at Victorian Village (small houses).  She just shined.  It was so apparent that she loves visiting with people and was up to the experience.  While we will be careful to not ask too much of her too soon, she is willing and able to bring joy into the lives of others.  Oh…and check out the bling on her boots, thanks to her friend Dayanna.