I spent every night with my son’s new horse Piñon last week, while the kids were at their dad’s. I groomed, massaged, petted, stroked, sang to (scary thought), strolled with the homesick gal for miles (all while thinking good thoughts), and did everything else I could think of to help her feel at home. The results are good. (See grinning 8-year-old boy and rocking horse above.)

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone as proud of himself as C. sitting astride Piñon, neck reining the leggy quarter horse mare through the juniper and pine.

Do you ever look at your kid sometimes and wonder