A letter from one of our past parents we wanted to share:
Hi Everyone!
I wanted to end this Mother’s Day with some words of gratitude. This “day” comes each year, and although I know it is a product of greeting card and flower companies, it is a checkpoint for me. I like to think of it as Gratitude Day. Mother’s Day 3 years ago was a day that I wanted to just come and go. I wished it never existed because Shane wasn’t here. It was a stark realization that I wanted that sweet boy back that I knew was lost but couldn’t help on my own. I now know that letting him go saved his life. You saved his life, and gave him a fighting chance to come back whole again. I will be forever grateful that I sent him to Triumph.
I no longer dread this day. On this 2nd “Gratitude Day” since his return, I can celebrate the young man he has become. I get to celebrate his courage, work ethic, and sense of humor. It has been amazing to watch him grow and change for the positive. Since obtaining his CDL, he drives a tri-axle full time. He rises early and works without one complaint. He has a great group of friends who support him. He is respectful and a pleasure to be around. I am grateful for these simple things, and have everyone at Triumph to thank for it.
Traycer turned 3 yesterday! He is another reminder of the healing power of dogs. I believe that dog was sent from the universe to help Shane heal and he is a constant reminder of that healing power. Traycer does have his crazy unbridled energetic “fire breathing dragon” moments, but we just love him.
I have been reading a book titled “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown. There is a quote from Theodore Roosevelt at the end that reminds me of the work you do, as well as the work the boys do. I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me when I read it. Shane was a challenge from the start. It took superhuman patience and guidance from everyone at Triumph to help him find his way. Thank you for striving valiantly, never judging, and for daring greatly.
Much love,
Wendy
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
