The first time I got to meet my nephew was when he was 2.  I drove up and he came running outside butt naked.  He had been in taken a bath and the older kids announced I was there.  He had no time to waste, he ran to my car jumped in the drivers seat with me and announced that he had been shot in the forehead.  When asked how and why he informed me it was by the indians.  I still do not know why but I will cherish that story for ever. 

He has made me proud!!!

Love you forever!!!!!!!

Wil had just gotten a fiery little horse he called Fireball.  It was a fairly busy day at the barn and we were busy with rentals, all wanting to experience 'City Slickers' first-hand.  Wil was just getting into his teens and feeling his "oats" (no pun intended) and was riding out in the main field on Fireball.  Some young girls his age were waiting on their chance to go riding and Wil decided it was the perfect time to "show his stuff" as to his equestrian skills.  He put Fireball in a dead-out gallop around the edge of the field coming toward the area we mounted riders and also the area where the young ladies were watching him.  As he came close, Fireball had to jump a small firebreak about the same time Wil began his"Yahoo!"   He got the "Ya" out but the low pine branch took the "hoo!"  He unceremoniously hit the ground, totally humiliated!  When he came inside, he was sporting a nasty scrape from his chin to above his nose.  I never said a word.  He was thouroughly humbled by his own actions.  I knew he had learned a very valuable lesson that day, but,   I admit, I hid in the office out of his hearing to laugh!      I know you'll keep the angels smiling son! 

It had been several years since I had seen Wil.  I went to visit my sister (Regina - Wil's Mom) when she had the Dean forrest Stables.  After a short visit with Regina, I asked where Wil was.  she told me that he was out checking on some of the riders and would be back real soon.

As I stepped out of the office I caught a glimps of a rider coming up pretty fast and seemed to be in a hurry.  As this rider got closer I noticed it was a young boy dressed in a cowboy outfit complete with two pistols.  I found this funny and then noticed that it was my nephew Wil!  He was in a hurry to get back and then noticed me standing there looking at him.  As he walked past me he said "Hi, Uncle Donnie," and ran into the office to talk to Regina.  I was stunned that my nephew was such an accomplished horseman and even looked the part.

After spending a week there I got to see Wil in action, but only once in full Cowboy gear.  I will always treasuire this memory of my nephew and how he carried himself so well when most would have just laughed . . . 

Thank you for this memory Wil . . .