Photo Megan Parks

"Learn the heartbreaking horror of mental illness through the detailed description of living with a manic depressive. Grow as a Christian through the constant inspiration of Elaine Hall's sustaining faith. Enjoy the development of the legendary Royal Blue Boon as she produces her family of superior performers in the cutting horse arena"

So Quickly and Completely in Love...

     For whatever reasons, Larry was enchanted by the spunky little Catholic Yankee with her flair for sensational style. She had gained his full attention, and  he instilled in her the confidence to continue wearing her wild combinations. He knew he had discovered a unique warm woman under all that dynamic apparel.
     Larry had fallen in love with more than her suspenders, and just as he intended from the very beginning, he married her.

     In July came the Derby at Will Rogers. Larry was on fire with enthusiasm as Peppys From Heaven was fully primed and ready. Invited to sit in a booth near the arena floor, Elaine had the rare privilege of being close to the action where she could clearly see the set of Larry's jaw, the determination in his eyes. She watched tensely, perched on the edge of her seat as Larry, armed with confidence and seeking perfection, sat tall in the saddle, poised and waiting for his turn to compete in round one of the non-pro competition.
     Peppys From Heaven was in rare form. Her red roan coat had been brushed to a glossy sheen; her recently unbraided tail fanned full and  flowing behind her; her eyes were alert; her ears were cocked; she was prepared, and it showed. Together Larry and his pride looked absolutely stunning as they approached and crossed the time line. Intently, they worked like seasoned pros-soft, safe and full of charisma. With clean cuts and no mistakes, both horse and rider appeared confident. At the buzzer Larry left the arena with a big smile on his face. A prudent score of two-seventeen kept them safely in the running.
     Elaine exhaled. Relief.
     The second round was much the same, safe and honest, with a beautiful deep cut and careful work in the center. Elaine held her breath and clutched her fluttering stomach. Was that a tiny miss? The score of two-fourteen advanced them again.
     Fans were hushed as Peppys From Heaven and her handsome rider in a hot pink shirt cautiously crossed the time line on the night of their final round. Calm and confident, in perfect sync, they entered the herd more aggressively than before. Their near perfect work in the middle of the pen had the crowd on its feet and cheering wildly when the leading score of two-twenty and a half was posted. Larry left the arena without smiling.
     As the remaining contenders worked their cattle, Elaine's concentration was blurred by nervous energy. Anticipation. Hopefulness. When the final buzzer sounded and the last score went up in lights, Peppys From Heaven was officially the Non-Pro Derby Champion. Joyful tears streamed down her cheeks as Elaine watched Larry accepting congratulations from his peers. He was surrounded; she couldn't see his face. She wanted to run to him, hug him and kiss him; she wanted to jump up and down with glee. But as always, she would wait for him to come to her.
     Much sooner than she expected - sooner than ever before -  he was standing behind the box beyond the crowd of people, motioning for her to come. Her face was aglow with victory and pride as she reached at last for Larry.
     "Honey, please take me home," he said "Right now."
     "Now?" she said, stunned at the lack of expression she saw on Larry's face. "Don't you want to stay for the awards?"
      Instead of the enthusiasm she had expected, Larry shrugged with indifference. She convinced him to stay, but as soon as the awards were presented they quickly made their exit.
     "I'm so happy for you. So proud. You did it Larry. You won!" Elaine said gently, lovingly, as she pulled into traffic heading west toward Weatherford.
     Larry said nothing.
     "Honey, what is wrong?" she pleaded
     "I can't explain it," was all he would say.
     "Larry...please try. Just tell me."
     Silence.
     When they reached home Larry went directly to bed. Without conversation. Without his ceremonial fried-egg sandwich.
     'Of course he's tired,' she reasoned as she undressed in the dark, ignoring a prickle of fear. 'He's worked so long and hard for this goal. He'll feel better tomorrow.
     But the next day was the same.
     And the next.
     And the day after that he was worse.
     Elaine's joy evaporated as Larry moved silently from the bedroom to the couch as though in a dense fog. He had no expression, no interest in the horses or what was happening outside - not even when Gary brought Peppys From Heaven home. He slept. He ate. He stared into space. He didn't even talk.
     This was not her Larry. He had been depressed before. Moody. Cantankerous. But never like this.

To learn more about Larry and his devastating illness, and how Elaine survived without him, how she single handedly brought Larry's dream to fruition, alone...click here.