Lyssia (front left) is both blind and deaf. Her friend Joel (back right) knows sign language, and interprets for her. Together, they overcame some pretty sizable challenges to meet their behavioral goals, so as a reward we headed to a ranch in Somis owned by brothers Jeff (front right) and Joe (not pictured.) In addition to feeding the miniature horses, we played with baby chickens and a brand new puppy, and peeked into a bluebird’s nest.

Lots of life springing forth, and no small measure of hope and inspiration.