I come to Smiling Goat Ranch every week, and the first thing I do is go see Lester.
Lester is the original Smiling Goat, and feeding him has become part of my routine—something I can count on. Living with a traumatic brain injury means that a lot of things in my life don’t feel predictable or easy. But here, there’s a rhythm. There’s a reason to show up.
When I’m with Lester, things feel simpler. He doesn’t expect anything from me. He just meets me where I am. Some days that’s more important than I can explain.
Even though this month is about horses, the goats are part of my story too. Starting with Lester helped me feel comfortable being here. It gave me confidence to try more—to spend time around the horses, to trust myself, and to keep coming back.
Being at the ranch has given me something I didn’t realize I was missing: a sense of connection, and a sense that I’m capable of more than I thought.
Your support makes this possible—not just for me, but for others like me who are finding their way, one small step at a time.
