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THE RIDE OF MY LIFE
by Leona Campbell Practically on horseback every day while growing up, I became an expert trail rider. Living close to the foothills of Boise, Idaho gave me ample opportunities to explore every trail my horse could handle. The steeper the better was my quest. Riding in the foothills so often made it possible for me to know the trails like the back of my hand. On this particular day, I found myself winding through a gully between two steep hills. My horse was tireless as usual and wanted to run. I had to fight to keep her from breaking into a full run. It could be dangerous due to the many badger and ground hog holes that dotted the trail. Steep mountain paths can be treacherous for a horse because of the danger of breaking a leg after taking a nasty fall. As I climbed out of the gully and crested the top I suddenly had an uneasy feeling come over me. It was just a feeling. I couldn't see anyone or anything as I anxiously looked around. It was a beautiful day with a slight breeze blowing. The smell of sagebrush filled the air, like perfume in a department store. I started to relax in my surroundings! I was looking out over the city with a view one would expect from a Penthouse in the sky. It was breathtaking at the top and well worth the climb. I drank it in like a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. I planned to savor every moment as if it were my last. Life that day was well worth living. Then without warning the strange feeling came rushing back again. I heard the gun shot and felt the bullet whiz past my right ear! With a piercing high pitched whistle, it brushed so close to my face it felt like a feather brushing my skin ever so softly. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end and a chill ran down my spine. Fear took hold of me like never before. Not once in all my years of riding had I experienced the terror of being shot at. All I could think to do was get out of there as fast as my horse could carry me. She sensed the urgency as my heel dug into her side and she gave every inch of horse-power she had to meet the occasion. Every powerful muscle in her hind quarters came alive and I could feel them ripple beneath me. Everything was a blur after that. I was still shaking when I realized I was several miles away from the scene of what could have been a tragic ending to my wonderful outdoor adventure. I never saw where the bullet came from that day or who fired that shot. Perhaps it was just someone target shooting and not even aware I was there! I give God all the credit for saving my life that day! The experience made me more aware of how short life really is! It taught me to appreciate every day and live it to the fullest to stop and count my blessings even when I'm tempted to whine and complain! Email: [email protected] I am a published writer in numerous magazines hoping to turn my hobby into a full time job! I love to write stories and look for any opportunity to see my work in print! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |