Persevere along an uphill climb, on a slow downhill descent, through vast valleys, through dry, hot, windy deserts, the splashy ocean surf and grassy meadows. Defy long shot odds when dreaming! Dream big! This mantra has worked for me. It all began with horses. Horses first galloped into my life when I watched western movies with my Dad. Mom noticed my eyes sparkle when I talked about horses.

Conversely, she held me when I cried about being the last pick for softball, tennis or soccer due to my ...