On Halloween night 1993 the history and future of Spring Farm CARES was changed forever in less than 30 minutes. A devastating fire, caused by a freak snowstorm that caused a car to hit a utility pole, sending a power surge down the line, hitting our refrigerator and microwave oven and instantly melting our electric panel box, took the lives of 27 of our animals and wiped out our offices and living quarters. By a miracle, the only thing left, was our horse barn a mere 12 feet away. We were able to evacuate the horses just minutes before the smoke would have killed them and made our loss even more hard to bear. By another miracle, Bonnie and I also survived. So needless to say, Halloween night holds many emotions for us.
But I am writing this memorial on November 1st, 33 years later for a reason. Because out of the enormous tragedy, came a new beginning. It was November 1st that Bonnie and I were faced with a major decision – stop now and fold up shop, or start over again and carry on. Neither of us had to think about that for long. We both knew we had to pick up and move forward with the mission of Spring Farm CARES.
That morning, as soon as the sun came up, we were able to see first-hand the devastation. At first glance, it seemed insurmountable. But then, a most amazing thing started to happen. Cars started pulling in our driveway. People stopping to say how sorry they were and hugging us. People bringing food and clothing – we had lost everything we had. People taking us shopping for everyday supplies, like tooth brushes. It was a never ending stream of people for over 2 days. We had no idea how much the community cared. And because of that community, we knew we had to carry on no matter how daunting the pain.
Within days, checks started arriving in the mail. Letters asking us not to quit. Envelopes with even just $1 bills. It made us cry. And it gave us the strength to carry on. At a time where we literally had nothing, we were blessed with the support it took to rebuild.
Tragedy has an interesting way of changing you. But it can also bring enormous opportunities. In our case, it gave us a second chance. We had to start all over again from square one. But this time, we were wiser. We learned from our mistakes. We knew how to build things better. And this time, we had our community beside us.
Your help and support got us through. Please never underestimate how much kindness can change the world. It changed ours. It’s not just financial support. It’s love and prayer and unity. That gives strength in ways money can’t even touch.
Many of you have been with us on this journey the whole trip. Some of you are newer. And maybe some of you don’t even know who we are at all yet. But all of you have the power to change the world – just by being kind.
Thank you – Bonnie Jones Reynolds and Dawn Hayman – Co-founders
You can read about our early years at the sanctuary by reading our book IF ONLY THEY COULD TALK, by Bonnie Jones Reynolds and Dawn E. Hayman.
Books are available here at the farm or on Amazon.
