Scout has the day off from school, today. Yesterday afternoon she asked me what I was doing tomorrow. I said, "nothing," and she said, "oh good, can you drive me to the horse stables?" Scout started out taking a lesson on Saturday from this stable several years ago and then, because she showed such a keen interest and great attitude, she was asked to be a helper at the stables, which meant that Scout now had an excuse to practically live with her beloved horses and was now able to get her riding lessons for "free," if you think working 12 hour days on the weekends during the school year and 14 hour days most everyday of every week of the summer is getting your riding lessons for free.

Anyway, when I said, "nothing" Scout knew that she had me, "Good," she said, "you can take me to the stables in the morning."

"What time are you thinking?" I immediately asked her.

"Oh, between eight and nine," she said.

"Dang," I said.

"What," said she.

"I was wanting to sleep in..."

We looked at each other for a minute or so and I said, "Ok, I'll take you."

She smiled. She always wins in these situations. I am a sucker for helping a kid pursue their passion. Especially this kid; and she is passionate about her horses. It amazes me to see such a small young lady up on top of such big horses riding so confidently. I wouln't mount one of those things.

I said to her, "There is a word that applies to why I said yes to you. Do you know what it is?"

She looked confused for a few seconds and then she said with a big smile, "love!"

"Yes," I said. "Love is the word."