Parenting is a bitch sometimes. My 2nd oldest daughter has been going through some rough times the last few weeks with moving into a new house, and going to a new school. It’s hard to tell her in so many ways that this is life, and you’ll come through it and become a better person for it if you hang tough. Last night, i Ran out of answers.
This morning I realized that I could change her mindset maybe by taking her riding and seeing some new places. She’s 13, and such a good kid. A fighter. She’s overcome some problems she’s had by hanging tough, but it’s a battle for her. She’ll never know how truly proud I am of her. She’s a lot like her old man: No real natural ability, but determination and vision will lead a person through tough times. Only fighters learn that. I know lots of people with natural ability who end up slugs. She’s got what it takes. She will end up where she wants to be eventually.
So I’m going to take her riding. If my plan works, we’ll hit monument valley by dusk and camp just outside. Then saturday morning we’ll head to 4 corners, Gallup New Mexico and spend the day riding route 66, my favorite place on earth. Sunday we’ll either wake up in flagstaff, seligman or kingman, and ride home. Hell, maybe needles or barstow depending how she feels.
I hope it helps. she’s excited to go, and I’m excited to take her. At the very least, I hope its a memory she’ll always remember.
Have fun and be safe.
I hope to take my children riding with me one day.