Dear Readers,
If is with a heavy heart that I write this article, but it is a heartfelt one that commemorates a life worth remembering.
Due to complications relating to laminitis (a crippling, painful hoof disease), it was on February 08, 2010 that I had to send my dear, sweet Wind over the Rainbow Bridge. Her veterinarian and I exhausted all treatment options and efforts to help minimize her condition, but we both knew what needed to be done. I anguished over this gut-wrenching decision, but it was one that I knew that had to be done to end this poor horse's long-term pain and suffering. She was only sixteen years old.
I like to think that In the spiritual realm, the Almighty has Himself a good horse now and that my late grandmother has a wonderful horse to watch after. But in the real world, all I know is the sad truth of losing a good friend.
Wind's memory will forever be etched in my heart as I will always remember her kind demeanor, her large, angelic eyes, her intelligence, her exquisite beauty and that fiery, unbridled spirit that revealed her effortless energy. Seeing her toss that gorgeous head of hers and seeing her rear up in joyful playfulness was a sight to behold. I will miss the fun times we had riding on the trails of rural beauty or participating and winning ribbons at the local horseshows. Sadly, those wonderful memories can only remain as ones that I can hold so dear.
One of the things that I loved about co-writing the book 2 Lion-Hearted Groomers ... were the people and the animals that I was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with - some posthumously. In this regard, I am able to pay tribute by writing them and fondly remembering the passages as I re-read them in this book which includes the written words of Wind's memory as well. As my tribute to her, I would like to share an excerpt of those words in Chapter 4 in her honor:
Excerpt From 2 Lion-Hearted Groomers - Chapter 4
... Eileen thought about a line from a verse of a poem she'd written about her grandmother who provided her with her own horse and taught her how to ride at a young age. She knew about the pleasure she'd felt that was way beyond words when she cared for and rode her horse: When I ride the cantering stride, I feel so free, I feel so alive. In an instant, a childhood memory emerged, Eileen smiled broadly at the thought of it and brought her hand around the back of her head and pulled off her hair tie. Banding it around her wrist, Eileen swiped her fingers through her long flowing hair. Unhooking and securing the martingale so that Wind's head could move more freely, she gathered up the reins in her hands and leaned over slightly in anticipation. C'mon Wind lets go! Both of them took off at a lope in a slow poetic motion. The euphoria surrounded her mind as her hair flowed rhythmically behind her. Wind yielded to her exhilaration as they loped around in a slow moving imagination as they settled back down to a walk. Coming to a stop, Eileen loosened the reins and let them drop over Wind's neck. Leaning forward, Eileen smiled and wrapped both arms around Wind's neck and gave her an enduring hug.
Run free my dear friend and know that you live in my dreams forever.
Donna Smith, C. A. H., Co-author
2 Lion-Hearted Groomers ... Leigh & Eileen's Journey
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