Geri’s “𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎”.

“Enjoy your life today, because yesterday has gone and tomorrow may never come.” - Alan Coren

Every little girl’s dream is to own a horse and ride off into the sunset without a care in the world. Geri Godina, our next Guiding Light Grant recipient, is no different. Her love of horses started at a young age riding her pony, Macaroni, and blossomed at age eleven, when she was able to purchase her first horse, Apache. She and Apache spent hours riding bareback through the cornfields on her family’s dairy farm in Pennsylvania, serenading the neighbors with the joyful songs she would sing!

As life took over, Geri took a step back from horses to pursue her career and family, her passion may have taken a backseat, but it was always there. The reentry with horses came around age thirty-five, and she didn’t just tiptoe, but leapt back in with both feet! Her birthday brought the purchase of a ten-year-old three-quarter Arabian stud. “Checkmate” was an amazing horse; he opened the door and Geri was back where she belonged- on the trails. From that point on, Geri’s love of trail riding exploded.  She explored the trails all over Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and West Virginia, camping multiple times a month, and making friends everywhere she went. If there is an exploration to be had, Geri wants all to be able to enjoy! Amongst her friends, she is referred to as the Social Director of Trail Rides, befriending everyone she meets, having a personality you can’t help but love and want to be around!

Life was moving along in all the right directions - a wonderful husband, two amazing stepsons, her horses and being able to enjoy her winters riding in Florida, doing what she loves. . .  until she was derailed with her diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer in September 2023.  Several bouts of Pancreatitis led to an early diagnosis. It knocked her back a bit, but once she found her footing, Geri’s good nature and uplifting attitude carried her through her surgery in November 2023, and is helping her while she counts down to her last of twelve chemo treatments! She’s planning her trail rides and camping trips while being grateful for all the wonderful memories she has been able to make through the years with the animals she loves. God’s presence is giving her strength, while reminding her to enjoy each day we are gifted, as she is very aware that tomorrow is not promised.