Reese Brudette Shows at Clarke County Fair

Friday, August 19th, 2016

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Photo by Laura Dufford Jackson

Over the last two years, 9-year-old Reese Burdette has endured surgeries, a 662-day hospital stay and intense physical therapy.

On Memorial Day 2014, thirty-five percent of Reese’s body was burned in a fire at her grandparents’ house. (Read more: PATRICIA STILES –DAIRY FARMER, GRANDMOTHER, HERO, FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE!)

Since she returned home in March, the only thing she’s been enduring is the smell of cow manure. (Read more: REESE BURDETTE: AN INSPIRATIONAL LITTLE GIRL AND A MEDICAL MIRACLE IS GOING HOME and LIFE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL FOR REESE BURDETTE)

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Photo by Laura Dufford Jackson

“This is as much as part of her therapy as any of the physical therapy she does or anything rehabilitating. You know, she does all kinds of therapy while she’s working with her animals and she doesn’t even realize she’s doing it because it’s fun,” said Justin Burdette, Reese’s father.

On Thursday, Reese showed some of her families prized dairy cattle at the Clarke County Fair.

“She’s a natural showman. She loves the cows and they love her. She’s so calm and relaxed with them. You can tell that she just kind of falls in suit,” said Debbie Hardesty, a Burdette family friend and 4-H leader that helped Reese’s family show cattle when they were younger.

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Photo by Laura Dufford Jackson

Going up against Reese isn’t easy. She’s seen more than a few blue ribbons.

“I was in a show called the pretty animal contest, and that’s just for fun – and I got first place,” Reese said.

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Photo by Laura Dufford Jackson

Those who know Reese best said they’re thrilled to see her back where she shines.

“Everybody sees how hard she’s working. They read it in the paper and they see different stories, but to see her out there in the middle of the ring leading a calf, it’s just unbelievable,” Hardesty said.

Although Reese and her family know she has a long road ahead, the small milestones keep them going.

“On Tuesday night, for the first time since I’ve been home, I got to ride rides,” Reese said.