Wrangler Dani

(Inspired by Katie’s “I remember” post)

I remember, as a little girl, being held in my dad’s strong arms as we ducked under the pounding Southern California surf, over and over.

I remember swimming in that same surf with my brother until our lips were blue and our swimsuits filled with sand.

I remember being terrified of big waves, of high diving boards, of roller-skating down the driveway, and doing it anyway, after much cajoling and being shown up by my brave little brother.

I remember curling up with a new stack of library books and a kitty.

I remember hours of roller hockey and endless games of “Guerilla Warfare” with the neighborhood boys.

I remember when we got Aspen, how she was tiny and fuzzy and oh-so-lovable – the perfect puppy.

I remember when we got Majesty, our first horse, and how I thought I knew everything.

I remember filling in (what felt like) miles of ditch for the telephone wire.

I remember the pounding of the well-driller.

I remember collecting eggs from the chicken coop, talking gently to the hens as they clacked and cooed back at me.

I remember roofing the shop in a snowstorm, two days before Christmas.

I remember the feeling of fiberglass insulation on my arms, itchy and hot.

I remember wearing a toolbelt around my small, girlish hips, and being so proud of my 16 oz. hammer. (The boys used 20 and 24 oz framing hammers, but I got a little one, just for me.)

I remember learning to drive a backhoe and a pickup around the same time, feeling powerful and suddenly grown-up.

I remember my mom teaching me to make sponge cake in the shop kitchen, balancing mixing bowls and eggs mere feet from drillpresses and belt sanders.

I remember learning to show dairy cows in 4-H, the excitement of a show ring and the long, hot summer days at County Fair.

I remember the crouching, breathless anticipation of watching a calf being born for the first time.

I remember when the ranch owner told me: “you sure know your way around a horse” and how it made me feel.

I remember deciding to attend ACU because Texas sounded exciting.

I remember when Megan insisted that I come home with her for Thanksgiving freshman year, and how in one weekend I found in her a best friend and a surrogate family.

I remember the giddy excitement of boarding the bus to Dallas airport and on to Oxford, England, sitting in the straight-backed seats and holding tightly to my roommates and my backpack.

I remember hot pipe in my hands as Ami and I moved irrigation line in the shadow of Mt. Hood.

I remember leading countless trail rides and taking Paint for a hearty gallop at the end of the day.

I remember driving back to Texas every fall, sunburnt and excited to catch up with my best friends.

I remember watching LOST in House 9 Abilene, with Kish on the floor in her Comfutter, and Julie, Val and I settled in on the couches, ready to squeal when Taller Ghost Walt showed up.

I remember Fridays, and dressing in a theme with my roommates, walking to the Campus Center after chapel in the comfort and confidence of solid friendship and darn good looks. 😉

I remember looking for a job after college, surprised that one didn’t appear easily.

I remember trying to run away from California and never being able to.

I remember finally allowing myself to make friends in California.

I remember meeting Adam for the first time, with his Texas State sweatshirt and scruffy good looks.

I remember standing on a bluff overlooking the Harbor in the unseasonable January sunshine, surrounded by those we love, telling each other: “Til Death Do Us Part”.