Horseback riding

When I was 3 years old I had my first experience with horseback riding, I remember it quite well, Not every detail but I remember what was important about it. My Parents were separated, possibly even divorced by the time this story takes place, however they came together to take me, their only child, out for a time of horseback riding, it must have just rained because I remember the air being cool and the sky being dark, I also have a very distinct memory of the mud and puddles that the horse walked through as we rode. This memory has less to do with the horse and more to do with my dad, When we got there it was just the 3 of us, or at least I dont remember any one else being present, the instructor brought us to the horses and told my parents to put me on one, they looked at him kind of strange but did not question him, I remember being put up on this huge animal, I also remember seeing my mom get onto her horse and then I remember taking off for the ride, the instructor was first in the line up then my mom followed,then me and dad was behind, as we went on the trail, I held on for dear life, I was frightened, I remember that we went through what seemed like a long dark tunnel, im sure it was short and well enough lit, but I looked down and realized just how far up I was and I remember thinking that I might fall, I began to cry, then I heard my dads voice, "Don't cry Chelle, it's okay, dont be afraid, Dad is right here" with my dads voice I felt not so alone, I looked up and remember seeing that the end of the tunnel was drawing near, I heard my dad still " were almost done, just hang on tight" I dont remember the rest of the trail, I just remember when we were through and getting off of the horse's the instructor looked at my parents and said "How long has she been riding?" my parents looked at him and said "this is her first time!" he then looked shocked and something to the effect of well she's a natural! I think I have ridding a horse just one other time in my life! this memory is so powerful to me, this story tells of a beautiful relationship that I hold so dear, my relationship with my dad, he is not perfect, he is human, but I am certain that God has given us a special relationship, one of closeness and understanding on the things that cut right down to the depth of a person, to their very soul, My dad is my biggest fan, he has always believed in me, always assured me that "it's okay chelle" and to not "be afraid" Even though I now am an adult married and have 3 kids of my own to raise, I still here his voice behind me, letting me know that he is there, he is behind me, he believes in me and he loves me. Not a lot of woman can say this about their dad and for that I know that I am truly blessed. God you have given me such a wonderful earthly father and although I know he is far from perfect I am grateful for the Man he is and how he has helped form my view of you. I love you Lord, the Journey continues, the end of the tunnel is drawing near, hang on we are almost there.