A small framed boy with long legs and soft eyes sat slumped against the  brick wall near the back entry of his school. He’d be tardy again but it was worth it. Every one at school knew, and everyone looked at him different.   “Life isn’t fair” was a cliché that often failed to hold the weight of its truth.  

He should feel safe, he should have some peace; his dad was in jail and couldn’t hurt him.  But his self hatred cut deep into his heart and the blade he’d used last night had cut deep in to his flesh. He massaged the bandages through his sweatshirt and wondered why the pain, why the distraction never brought the relief he longed for. Maybe tonight... he thought, should be his last...
​Thankfully she was fast for a fourth grader.  She ran track and on most days could out run him.  Some days her older brother was okay.  Other days he was not.  Some days they walked home together, sit in front of the TV watching Scooby Doo while eating their after school snacks. 

Some days were normal.  Today would not be one of those days.  Today was a “not okay” day.  
​
Adrenaline pushed her pace; if she was racing she’d surely win.  Today, like many others, the prize was getting home in time to lock herself in the bathroom, where she’d be safe.  Out of breath and afraid, she sat in the tub and stared at nothing.  A moment of silence followed by fists hitting the door, “You’re so stupid!” he would yell. “I could get in easy if I wanted to!  Then what would you do?”  She just sat there, sometimes holding her breath, sometimes breathing hard.  
His favorite show would be on soon, he would head to the kitchen for his snack, turn on the TV, and only hit the door and yell threats at her during the commercial breaks.   It was weird, but it had become their routine.  She would quietly cry and wait out the  hour to pass before their parents would get home from work. Then they both would pretend like nothing ever happened... 
​Being blind in one eye and partially blind in the other he didn’t stand a chance against the bullies. His remaining sight and heightened senses weren't enough to give him the upper hand. Day after miserable day he was stared down, chased, kicked and even bit by those who chose to harass him.  He was a freak, he knew he wasn’t liked and he knew he wasn’t welcome. Those who aimed their taunts towards him, wished him gone or dead!... 
​She’s a good girl, gets good grades, she has a nice home and nice parents.  She can’t tell you what's wrong, she doesn’t know.  She walks with a certain kind of sadness, a burden she carries but can’t explain. 
Sometimes out of nowhere a rush of overwhelming fear, pure panic, will knock her back; afraid, discouraged, and sad, she wants to run or fly away but she’s paralyzed by the weight of her worries.  “Oh that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away, I would fly far, far away...”  Time creeps on, the fear passes and once again the familiar returns and she simply feels numb to the world...  
​He was mean.  He seemed to enjoy teasing and taunting whomever his gaze landed on.  He was strong and tough and determined to show it.  He seemed to feel as though this was his role. It was what he must be and how he must act.   In a quiet moment of  reflection he wondered why and what would happen if he was, well, nice.  What if he tried, what if he made a friend.  He wondered what would it feel like to be part of a team.  It could be good, but  was it worth the risk?...
​These stories are true.  Two girls, two boys, and a horse.  All seeking a change.   All searching for hope.  Praying for a rescue.  Looking for someone who would show them mercy.  Someone who would stand by them and stand up for them.  Looking for someone who would patiently support and pray for them as they discovered the hope and purpose that was always theirs.  

In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).  Jesus asked, “Who proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of unjust men.” “The one who showed kindness toward him." said the scholar.  “Go and do the same" replied Jesus.

Stable Days Youth Ranch is a place where you can find and give support.  A place of respite and adventure.  You can serve, explore, relax and learn.  You can care for and love a horse or catch a frog.  You can find hope and friendship, and if you’re seeking, you can find Jesus.