Ringo's Gift

Sarah's story is that of a child born in 1948 with Cerebral Palsy. Mainstreaming disabled kids into public schools was not done in those days. Sarah was sent to private boarding schools, where she entered into a terribly harsh environment. As a child, she embraced nature. She became friends with a variety of animals, one in particular, a horse she named Ringo. He remained in her life for 30 years. His devotion and unconditional love helped her learn to help herself and others. It helped her to find her still small voice of truth. This is a story of courage, the quality of courage that comes from desperation. Sarah's story is that of a child born in 1948 with Cerebral Palsy. Mainstreaming disabled kids into public schools was not done in those days. Sarah was sent to private boarding schools, where she entered into a terribly harsh environment. As a child, she embraced nature. She became friends with a variety of animals, one in particular, a horse she named Ringo. He remained in her life for 30 years. His devotion and unconditional love helped her learn to help herself and others. It helped her to find her still small voice of truth. This is a story of courage, the quality of courage that comes from desperation.

Author Biography: Sarah Howell lives in Randolph, Vermont. She travels around New England telling her story and inspiring audiences. Her talks are about her life and the 30-year relationship she had with her horse, Ringo. The Playwright Maura Campbell wrote a play based on Sarah's story. The play continues to be produced by high school students throughout Vermont. Sarah has cerebral palsy.