Posted on Nov 13, 2014
By Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn
We hosted a great group of kids the other day. They are foster kids who have gone through horrendous abuse and trauma in their lives, are pretty shut down, and have forgotten how wonderful they are. When someone speaks to them or asks them questions, they are quiet and non-responsive, but the minute they got next to the animals they lit up! They were smiling, and brave, trying new things, talking, and beaming. It was amazing to see that transformation. We told them Grace’s story of how so many babies were taken away from her that now when she sees baby cows she rejects them. I explained that sometimes when we want something so badly for so long, eventually we convince ourselves that we no longer want it. I found myself wondering what things these kids wanted and have finally decided they would not get, so they reject - like hugs, real conversation, unconditional love, or a family?
We cannot photograph the kids, but here is Grace, the cow we talked about. One of the girls said, “even though she is darker in color, she is so bright.” What a perceptive, beautiful girl!
As Grace learns to forgive and let love in, so will these kids, healing together and finding themselves in each other. Every time we have these kids out, it is like watching miracles every time!
Thank you for supporting us so we can help animals like Grace, and heal kids like this group!
Written by Ellie Laks
Founder, The Gentle Barn