One of the most anticipated days has arrived-horseback riding and beading at R.’s. It’s finally cooler-thank goodness! We implemented the divide and conquer method as usual. Four students to ride, while the other 3 began their beading lesson. Only one student has never ridden, and the rest haven’t ridden in quite some time. But unlike past years, there seems to be no anxiety-the dichotomy of calm and enthusiasm. R. Is the most patient teacher/offering them words of wisdom and lessons from horses. Black Diamond, Pepper (Peppa), Coon Tail, and Goldie were our horses for the day.
Meanwhile, we have a new beading teacher, K. Just like R. With the horses, she was the most patient. The students always start off their beading with broken thread, uneven stitches, extra knots, and poked fingers, but by the end of the lesson, they are slow and steady and have a new appreciation for the beaded art that is in R.’s store. K. Also offered some important insights about life on the reservation-these lessons are the most important for students.
I was able to catch up with my friend, A., who works in R.’s store. We’ve known her since she was in high school, and her little girl (L.) is now 6 and getting ready to start first grade. L. is spunky, smart, talkative, and a lot of fun. We played games on her mom’s phone, and I showed her a picture of me holding her when she was a baby. Time flies!
As we finished beading and horseback riding, and I prepared to say goodbye to my friends at the Singing Horse, I thought for a minute that I was going to cry. The trips are never long enough.
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 