Yes, the Kentucky Derby was this weekend. It's a big deal around here in Kentucky. People have Derby parties, eat Derby food, drink mint juleps and wear big hats, even if they are not going to Louisville.
I live on a street named for Aristides, the horse that won the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875. That's a photo (above) of Aristides' statue at Churchill Downs. Every street in my development is named for a horse or a jockey.
I, however, have not been able to watch the Kentucky Derby since 2008, when Eight Belles had to be euthanized on the track. It was so heartbreaking that I can't watch it anymore. I don't ever want to witness something like that again.
Some people have told me that I am just too soft-hearted. I refuse to see a Disney movie because as a child I was traumatized by what happened to animals in Bambi, Dumbo and Old Yeller. People tell me they are just movies... but I was still traumatized.
I have even been known to feel bad for inanimate objects. There is a house near here that was bought by the county, marked for demolition so a road can be widened. It's a little house that was obviously well-loved. It was always freshly painted, with crisp white trim, flower beds, and a gazebo out back. The owners moved out before last Christmas, and when I drove past it on Christmas Eve I cried, because it sat dark and empty. I found myself feeling bad for a house! What's wrong with me? It's not always easy to live in this world with feelings like that.
4 comments:
I know what you mean, Judy; I'm sensitive about things like that too. My mother has also noticed how they always kill off the mother in Disney movies.
I know... why do they do that? I've been teased because I won't go to see a Disney movie.
I know we've talked about this before, but I do agree - it's hard being too 'feeling' sometimes. And Disney movies are so manipulative of kids' emotions - who doesn't remember the death of Bambi's mother, or the inherent cruelty in Dumbo?
Rachel, I was very young when I saw those and those emotions have stayed with me all these years. I don't know why they do that to little kids.
I appreciate that you understand.
Post a Comment