Winnie the Pooh is rarely recognized as a sage advisor, but while digging through pages of quotes on “love” it became evident his sentiments apply beyond the Garanimals crowd.
“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh?” he whispered.
“Yes, Piglet?”
“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”
His words, or more accurately the words of author A.A. Milne, cut through the saccharine sweetness of Valentine’s Day and remind us of its true purpose: expressing love for those who make our lives worth living. Romantic, familial, or friendly, it weaves itself into every nook and cranny, impressing upon us the importance of connections. So pervasive is its reach that we sometimes overlook its very presence, failing to notice the small ways in which it shows its face.
Love is the horse that leaves his breakfast to find you at his gate, softly snorting into the palms of your hand as if to say hello. Love is the spontaneous hug of a child who’s pushed past her fears and ridden without help. Love is barn dogs who run to meet you, stickers shared from the mailbox, sisters holding hands, and grandparents who tirelessly give encouragement from our viewing deck.
Though we try to express our love with chalky pastel candies and construction paper hearts, the most poignant declaration is the least obtrusive. Our therapy horses offer steady shoulders to lean on while students learn two-point and calmly accept heads on their rumps when children lay down. They tolerate balls being thrown and countless butterfly clips in their manes. Every day they show their love by simply being there for the children and adults who need them. At NCEFT each hand that reaches out can be sure of them, and of us, a family of volunteers, staff, and donors just waiting to share the love.
