GATHERING COURAGE
A Life-Changing Journey through Adoption,
Adversity, and a Reading Disability
by
T.A. McMullin
Genre: Inspirational Memoir
Publisher: Gathering Courage Media
Date of Publication: January 19, 2016
Number of Pages: 222
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Why do some people find success despite hardships and
others sink into a pit of despair?
Gathering Courage: A Life-Changing Journey through Adoption, Adversity, and a Reading Disability by T.A. “Terry” McMullin is the author's incredible, award-winning memoir meant to inspire hope and encouragement to those who are going through tough times.
Terry dusted off the hurt from abandonment, rejection by her adoptive parents, dyslexia, shock of placement in a foster home, and a life-altering accident. Her faith and tenacity along with the internal desire to overcome is thought provoking as Terry worked her way through Texas A&M
University. Terry’s life transformed from a broken-hearted child who could barely make out words in elementary school to a distinguished educator and writer who encourages young people to work hard and achieve their greatest aspirations.
University. Terry’s life transformed from a broken-hearted child who could barely make out words in elementary school to a distinguished educator and writer who encourages young people to work hard and achieve their greatest aspirations.
Any reader who loves a true story with a Christian focus should definitely read this book. Learn about the special love for rescued animals and how they played a part in healing hurts and encouraging success.
PRAISE FOR GATHERING COURAGE:
*North American Book Awards, 2015 Winner
"Gathering Courage is an American story filled with adversity, triumphs, heartbreaks, and great personal victory. . . I give this epic book five stars. I held my breath after every chapter and you will too! -- Charmaine Carraway, writer for the HUFFINGTON POST
"Overall, this memoir is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of emotional and physical pain. The author consistently notes the need for love and encouragement when dealing with both people and animals as well as the necessity of prayer and thankfulness; it's almost a rhythmic incantation in the text. Readers will feel as if they're walking alongside McMullin as she tells her story and advises readers how they, too, can survive setbacks. -- KIRKUS REVIEW
"Gathering Courage is a truly moving read that will touch many hearts and positively inspire them to touch the lives of others.” -- Faridah Nassozi, READERS' FAVORITE
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Terry was born in an orphanage, then adopted, and made a foster child by her parents. Because Terry struggled with reading, comprehension, and spelling, she was placed in a foster home at the age of nine. As a child in the 1960s, hardly
anyone recognized the learning issues related to dyslexia. The struggle to learn continued through high school.
From her deep faith in the Lord, Terry developed an internal desire to excel, no matter the obstacle, no matter the situation. Pushing adversity and a reading disability aside, Terry enrolled in college. While attending college and working full-time, Terry taught herself how to read and study. With pure grit and determination, Terry succeeded and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University.
At crucial points in her life, Terry found people who showed her unconditional love and encouragement. Terry gained gratification, emotional, and spiritual support from working with horses and dogs. The encouragement from others made Terry’s life better so she vowed to be a champion for others who needed help.
Terry lives on a small ranch in Texas, a forever home, with her horses, donkeys, and rescued border collie dogs.
My Ride to the Top of the Mountain
By T.A. “Terry” McMullin
Every once in a while, I take a vacation and visit my friends Kenneth and Sally in Wyoming. Sally and I share a common interest in horses and nature. I will share my ride to the top of the mountain with you.
On my last vacation, I had the unique opportunity for a horseback ride through the mountainside of Cody, Wyoming. This was not a normal horseback ride, as a group of archeologists, intern students, and my friend Sally were on the hunt for the remnants of a Native American wickiup and a sheep trap in that area.
A local archeologist, Mr. Edgar, from Cody, Wyoming rode with us. His knowledge of the mountains was invaluable in locating the remnants. Mr. Edgar’s quiet demeanor would not allow him to brag about the fact that he was an internationally acclaimed archeologist, historian, author, naturalist, conservationist, world-class sharpshooter, and hunting guide. Mr. Edgar even received national recognition from the Smithsonian Institution.
As Sally’s guest, I was simply looking forward to learning from this special group of people. The group gathered along the base of the South Fork of the Shoshone River, several miles West of Cody. We packed up our gear and met up with two cowboy outfitters and three trailer loads of horses. The outfitters were excellent horsemen and trainers as they matched horse to rider. They knew that most of the riders did not have the experience that Sally, Mr. Edgar, and I had with horses. Sally and Mr. Edgar were given Rocky Mountain horses to ride and I was given a mustang that the outfitters personally adopted and trained. My horse, Gus, was a tall dark gray gelding with a black mane and tail.
I remember how good it felt, swinging myself up in the saddle, collecting even reins, and just sitting in the saddle while the other riders mounted their horses. I was third in line behind the cowboys, as I knew there would be less dust towards the front of the line. The group fell in line behind me, and bringing up the rear were three large female mules. The mules carried the sawbuck, pack saddles, and canvas panniers loaded down with our gear and food. These strong mules were outstanding, never missed a step, and stayed in equal stride the entire time.
The solid black Rocky Mountain mare that led the mules wore a bell around her neck, and the sound provided a clue to the cowboys as to the location of the mare and the mules. The mules willingly followed two cowboys, ten riders, and the mare for miles and miles, round and round, up through the mountainside. We crossed several ice-cold water crossings and climbed switchback after switchback until we reached the mountain trail that led to the area of the sheep trap.
When we reached the top, the panniers were unloaded, giving those magnificent
animals a break from the heavy load. The cinches were loosened on the horses as they were tied to the trees. The view from the top of this mountain was breathtaking, and the glacier-formed valley down below created quite a memorable moment. I stood in silence to watch an eagle soar through the valley on the invisible updraft of the wind. The cowboys started a small cook fire and placed a handmade grill over the open flame to cook hamburgers. I stayed with the cowboys and enjoyed freshly brewed hot coffee while the others set out on foot to complete their mission.
In a clearing, using a global positioning system (GPS), the head archeologist was able to get a reading as he began the search for the remnants left behind by the Mountain Shoshone Indians, often called Sheep Eaters. A tiny arrowhead was spotted by one of the students and the specific location, pictures, and GPS coordinates were logged in for the records. There, located at the top of the gully, were the remains of trees placed in a specific pattern. These trees formed a narrow driveline leading to the catch pen that the Indians used for trapping bighorn sheep.
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