Screed #2
12/02/99

Last year during Thanksgiving, a handful of volunteers worked The Ranch booth during Autorama for four grueling days -- forsaking family and turkey. Last Spring, over 400 volunteers camped in the rain and shine at Lake Somerville for Dawgs on Hawgs. Everybody baked in the blistering sun at this summer's Saltwater Shootout fishing tournament in Galveston. And just recently, a bunch of terminally dedicated volunteers worked 10 weekends straight to pull off Battle of the Bands in Seabrook!

Sometimes, when your feet are stiff from standing on cold cement for endless hours; when your already sun-baked body is then riddled with cruel mosquito bites, and you find yourself fixated on a giant tarantula camped on your shoe ... you may hear a little voice in your head ask, "Am I really making a difference?"

To help answer that question, please read the following portion of an e-mail I received from our Ranch Administrator Terry Blair a few days ago:

"Our new son has arrived -- 16-year-old Kevin. His circumstances are that he was being raised by his grandmother and she died suddenly. He was placed in an emergency shelter in Galveston. Now with us, his first question was could this be home for a long time or did he have to leave in a few months. I told him this was his home for as long as he wanted it to be. He's very artistic, likes animals and school. His caseworker said she was very impressed with us and is going back to CPS (Children's Protective Services) with ranch information. She called The Ranch every child's dream home. God is good! Terry"

If you're still wondering whether or not your efforts count, just ask Kevin.

We all make these sacrifices joyfully. Sure, we gripe and grumble sometimes about the idiot who's running things (Could it be Jimmy?), but we're always there for the Kevins of this world. We're there for kids and animals because we know that their wounds are far deeper and darker, much more painful than our achy feet and sore backs.

And besides, you're all soft touches -- in the most positive of ways.

To those who are not yet a part of our dedicated little band, we ask: Is there a place in your heart for our little 38-acre spread just south of Houston? If so, volunteer today or give 'til it hurts. Since 1980 the kids and animals at the Stevens and Pruett Ranch have grown to depend on us ... to trust us to step up to the plate for them no matter what the weather or how demanding the task.

No doubt young Kevin still is wondering if he has found a home for a long time, or if the past will repeat itself and he will have to leave in a few weeks or months. He's listening now. What's your answer?

PS: To all those who have donated using our new internet credit card donation whatchamacallit -- THANKS! You absolutely rock! We hope this is going to be the best Christmas ever for you and yours. Happy Holidays!

--Jim and Joy Pruett

Jim's Corner Archives:
Screed #1 - 11/10/99