Cameo’s cauldron … in which Cameo Miller stirs her thoughts and ideas to see what rises to the top.
So why am I writing about relationships in a magazine for riding instructors? Because we are more than just riding instructors. We have more relationships than just our professional ones. Relationships that help make up the totality of who we are. Because we are people with important relationships in our lives that we need to remember to value and nurture. The times we spend with each other throughout the year is often much more important than attending a prescribed day to be together. It is all of these times that truly build a relationship into what it is now and what it can become in the future. It is all the times over all the years that build the foundation of a relationship and determine how towering and important it will be. Special get togethers like holidays and birthdays, births and even funerals, and family reunions can be embellishments on the tower we build with others. For some, Thanksgiving and Christmas means that everyone makes a special effort to be together. That even if most of the year people are busy with separate lives, these two days are set aside to be with those who are special to us. That gives these holidays true importance to many. But we also know that, for some people, these large family gatherings are more misery than blessing. For them, the imperative is a burden. For them, we
The Importance of Relationships By Cameo Miller
Illustration by Bethany Caskey
are also reminded that the ‘families’ we create can be as, or even more, important that the ones we are born into. A thought to consider is that, perhaps, traveling during traditional get together holidays is not best right now—too many people crowding together, too much stress due to delays and high prices, too many expectations from whatever source. Perhaps we should reassess. What if instead of traveling now when society dictates for us to get together—we plan to go another time or other times
This article comes out sometime between Thanksgiving and
when everyone can truly enjoy the visit. After all, it should be
Christmas—times when family and friends usually get together.
actually being with those we value that is the truly important part.
Last year we were all told to severely limit contact with each
It’s not the feast of Thanksgiving nor the gifts of Christmas that is
other and many people did not celebrate these traditional coming
truly what is important, but the fact that we can be together with
together holidays as usual. This year we are told to still be cautious,
those we love. And gifts don’t have to be purchases. Thoughtful
but it seems that many families and friends are determined to be
gifts are good, but it can be just as special a gift to sit and listen to
together for this Thanksgiving and Christmas. Relationships are
someone who needs to vent, to cry with someone over a loss or a
important, and we have been reminded over the last two years that
fear, to rejoice with them over an accomplishment or a treasured
phone calls and video chats are not at all the same as a hug and
acquisition.
physically being together. There always seems to be stories on the news of tragic events with many lives lost. At the time I am writing
I am not advocating that we get rid of traditional holidays, or
this, the current death toll from covid is over 777,000 in the US
that we do or don’t observe them. I am suggesting that days that
alone. So we are also reminded that these relationships DO need
society has dictated as ‘special’ can be thought of as a decision
to have priority in our lives as those we care about could be lost to
rather than a mandate. That we need to make it more of a priority
us when we least expect it. We hear so often—to always give your
to be with those we love however and whenever that works best
loved ones a kiss and an ‘I love you’ when parting because you never
for us. That it is the being together that builds relationships rather
know if it may be the last time you see them alive.
than the predetermined day to do it.
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Winter 2021 | Riding Instructor
