Xia’s Story

Dear HUGS Ranch Family,

Thanks for providing a safe space for my child, Xia. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude. To say that he has loved his experience would be a huge understatement.

Xia's HUGS Journey started in the fall of 2018. From what I remember, it was a very cold Michigan fall. Xia however, didn't seem bothered by the weather. In fact, he only seemed to have eyes for the gigantic horse in front of him. The volunteers were/are amazing, extremely patient and kind. But from the eyes of a 4 year old who had just spent the first year in a new country, home and family, this ginormous horse was one of the most unbelievable experiences of his life. 

If I remember the year correctly, Xia first started coming to HUGS Ranch in the fall of 2018. It was his first time interacting with horses. He had just come home to the United States after being adopted from China and had only been home for roughly a year.  Although he has got to be the most resilient kiddo you will ever meet, he most definitely experienced culture shock during this time as well as dealing with a large language barrier, let alone the physical hardships that come with living with a physical disability.  Cue Sante. Sante quickly became a safe and easy friend for Xia during a time in his life when everything was new, extremely difficult and unpredictable. 

Even today when I asked Xia why he loves Sante he said, he's friendly and he's my best friend. He's funny, how he eats, it's funny because he's the best. When I asked him how being with Sante made him feel he had a few things to say, "He makes me feel happy because he's the best horse in the world and when I was little I fell in love with him instantly. Since then any time I come he'll just know it's me and I know it's him and he likes my hugs and we have a good friendship together." I also asked Xia what would your life look like, if you never had the chance to meet Sante at HUGS. "If I never had a chance to go to HUGS ranch I would miss Sante. I look forward to every Tuesday. He knows who I am even if he's eating. He recognizes who I am and I recognize how happy he is."

Xia, who is now 10, has been able to participate in three sets of therapy programs through HUGS Ranch. Each time this has not only reaffirmed Xia's love for Sante and HUGS Ranch but has also given him time to be in a safe place where he doesn't need to explain anything to anyone. He is free to just be himself. He doesn't need to feel different or out of place because he is accepted and unconditionally loved by this horse that he thinks the world of. As an aside, he also gets the opportunity to talk about his love for Jesus and the Bible and meet other new friends (volunteers) who love Jesus too, which, if you know Xia, you know that he loves Jesus and his love for Him and the Bible is contagious.

HUGS has been a gift. Lisa, you are a gift. Volunteers, you are a gift. Thank you for all doing what you do so well. You are a city on a hill for these kiddos. Never stop shining. You guys shine so bright and bring the light of Jesus to so many hurting hearts. We love you HUGS Ranch and we love you Sante. 

Thanks for giving to so many of us in ways that can never be repaid.

With love,

Christy and Xia