Every kid ought to get to ride in the back of a pickup truck out in the middle of the woods. At least once in their lives.

We're driving slow on the dirt Forest service roads, looking for a good place to cut wood. So if you're cringing, there's truly nothing to cringe about. This is always an adventure for my kids, and they've been doing this for years. Dogs, mom, kids all pile into the back of the old GMC and we're off, scouting out trees as Dennis drives us all down the rutted roads. You should see us looking for the Christmas tree each year. Sometimes we see elk.

We don't cut these big ponderosas. Our permit is for the pinon and the juniper. By clearing those out, we're making room for the ponderosa to flourish.

I've just gone through the process of becoming a Mentor in the Santa Fe schools for a child at risk. During the training we were told that a lot of these kids are bored, angry, restless, have difficult family lives, are flunking out, in trouble at school, could be here illegally, may not speak much English, don't read, etc. We talked about resiliency and why some kids thrive even in difficult circumstances while others don't.

I think about the resiliency of these Ponderosas. I think they were almost gone on the mesa, and now there are groves.

I have this dream about bringing horses to kids one of these days. Kids who need them.

So I'll begin here. This small step in the public schools for one hour a week on school property. I'm anxious to meet the child they match me with and begin. I am hoping that I am up to the task. It's time to give back. Praxis.

Every kid should get to ride in the back of a pickup truck beneath the blue sky on a gorgeous late summer day and fill their lungs to the brim with all this fresh air and possibility. Every kid.