I Wanted a Pony

When I was about 4 years old my family lived in San Antonio, Texas on a small plot of land.  I remember my dad had chickens and for a short time was doing bee keeping on the side.  I remember him dressed like an astronaut as he went about his beekeeping chores.  His main job was as an Air Traffic Controller at the San Antonio Airport. 

About that time we bought a TV which was rare in that time (about 1953).  I remember watching TV and seeing a horse rare up and down. I felt deeply that I wanted and would have a horse.

Not long afterward my mother woke me up and said I had to get dressed because I had won a pony.  She was very excited.  We went to the Handy Andy Grocery store and I found out that my name had been drawn in a drawing which took place in the back of a pick up.  The pony came complete with a saddle.  I remember thinking that this whole event should not be surprising because I had felt like I was going to have a pony.

Later in life I saw how that scenario fit into the visualizing that is done in athletics and other places.  You visualize intently that you are going to have something in life and then let go and it materializes. 

Below is a photo of me with Jumbo.