Horses, Hats, and Hamburgers
Many moons ago, Kathleen, Brent’s mom, used to run Covey Ridge Horse Farm. Brent grew up mucking stalls and helping his mom breed, train, and show horses. During our road trip to Michigan this year, Brent was reminiscing about driving through Lexington, KY and vising The Red Mile with his mom. Apparently, his mom would stop there when passing through Kentucky and would buy Brent’s dad hats from the shop when she would travel for shows or events. The Red Mile opened up back in 1875 and was known for its harness racing. According to the Google, Red Mile was reimagined - keeping horse racing, but also adding a casino in 2015.
On our way out of Lexington, Brent and I took a tour of downtown. Looking at the old buildings and the way the city is laid out, we were chatting about what a nice town it was and how we wouldn’t mind living there one day. We also talked about the old days with his mom and dad and how things were back on the farm. I was all up in my feels when I pulled into the Red Mile parking lot.
The property was very strange in that you could literally see the split of the old historic property with the barns and stables and the old clubhouse juxtaposed against the new and shiny gaming center. Since we weren’t even sure that there was a gift shop, Brent stayed in the car while I went in to inquire about the possibility of getting a hat or two for the Ryan boys.
I walked up to the counter and spoke with a very kind man…I looked at his name tag and made myself promise to remember so that I could thank him properly, but as I type this, I cannot remember to save my life. I explained to him that I was hoping to find a souvenir or pro shop where I could purchase memorabilia. I got a little misty eyed as I explained the connection with Brent’s mom and her tradition with buying hats at Red Mile. Seeing my emotion, the gentleman behind the counter reached out and touched my hand and I cried like someone stabbed me with a hot poker. I apologized and explained that Brent was now sick and we were here to try and relive this old memory with his mom. He grabbed by arm and looked me in the eyes and told me not to move. Another woman came over and handed me tissues and I stood in the lobby of this casino crying like I had just lost the family fortune. I felt crazy.
As I tried to pull myself together, I stood there looking out the window at Brent sitting in the van, hopeful that I would be able to help him get this piece of history for himself and his little brother. The gentleman came back a while later and he handed me two swag bags, a lanyard, a bracelet/keychain, and two Red Mile hats. He refused to take any money for them and he held my hand again and told me that even though it wasn’t, everything eventually would be okay.
I thanked him again, crying like a baby and went back out to the van. Brent was so excited and instantly put his hat on. He was teary eyed as we passed by the barns again and talked about his mom. He kept trying to figure out why I was so emotional (as if) but, in true Brent fashion, he says, “Wow, way to use my condition to get free stuff.” After he waits for a few more minutes, he says, “Do you think you can use your new power to get me some food? I really like Burger King.”
Joke was on him…we got Chik-Fil-A.
We paid.
I only use my powers for good.
Note: To the kind man at Red Mile, if you ever happen across this blog, please know that I don’t believe in chance encounters, and I will be forever changed by your kindness and the prayer you shared for my family that day. There is still hope for humanity.
