Preakness on Saturday

This week has been a hard week for fans of Barbaro. As the Preakness approaches, we remember the horrific injury he suffered as if it happened last week. Most of us have shed a few tears already.

However, the folks at Pimlico will this week honor the Jacksons, jockey Edgar Prado, and Dr. Richardson for their heroic efforts in trying to save Barbaro and to make the horse racing world a safer one.

What can you do to remember Barbaro on Saturday? There are several things. In last year's Preakness, Barbaro wore the number 6. Consider donating a multiple of $6 to one of the links posted on this web site. Your family can tie bows or ribbons in the blue and green colors of Lael Stables to a tree, on your front door, or perhaps on your car antenna. Make a Barbaro or "NO HORSE LEFT BEHIND" sign. When people ask if it's somebody's birthday, explain why you did this.

You can also click on the links I've posted and find out whom you can call and write to help wipe out the slaughter of innocent horses in this country. Just one call might save a horse.

When I taught introductory college journalism classes, I used the same activity each time on the first night of class. Since obituaries are the easiest type of article to write, I asked each student--most of whom were in their 30s and 40s--to take 15 minutes and write his or her own obituary. It was presented in a lighthearted way and not morbid. Some loved the class activity, while others were dumbstruck. They had never thought about how others would remember them.

How would you like your obituary to read? Would you like to be remembered for all the overtime you put in at work? Or would you like others to read that you volunteered your time and/or resources to make the world a better place? Think about it.