One of the good ones is gone. Today, I sat down at the computer with my first cup of coffee and checked in with Linda at the 7MSN Ranch, as I do most mornings. In case you haven’t seen her blog, her dear red horse, Skippa Little Lyle, died. My heart goes out to her, and as the day progresses, I just get sadder and sadder.
First, I want to say that from Linda’s description of what happened, I think she was very brave, especially considering that she was all alone. I remember what a wreck I was last summer when my dog, Pepper, died, and I had my husband and daughter with me, to carry me home sobbing. There’s no doubt that Linda did everything right, but it doesn’t make it any easier when you lose a loved one. And while I never met Lyle face to face, after all these years of blogging, I feel like I know him really well. The Internet has made a such powerful connection for all of us to become good friends, but the one thing it can’t do is let me give Linda the big hug that I wish I could give her right now.
So all I can do is keep going out to my barn to be with Silk and Siete. These terrible things can happen so suddenly. One minute, everything is fine, and the next, it’s not and they’re gone. On this sunny day, as my horses enjoy some much needed warmth in the pasture, I can’t stop rubbing my face in Silk’s neck and putting my arms around Siete to appreciate every minute I have with them. I think about Linda and her other sweet boy, Hank, and the rest of her wonderful animals, and my heart keeps breaking over and over.
Our animals help us to learn how to love better, and in the end, isn’t that what counts? Let’s stop what we’re doing right now and take a moment to honor Lyle for all the love he gave.
7 comments:
Amen. When I saw that my heart just broke. He'd been "off his feed" and we were all worried. As if he was in our own barn.
Which, in a small way, he was. That's what amazing about this little community.
Favorite Lyle moment: He locked Linda in the feed room. Then, after a bit he let her out.
What a guy.
So sad. I was crying reading her post.
The great thing about Linda and about you, Victoria, is that your horses have known love and respect and lived a better life for it.
Victoria, reading this was a big hug. Thank you so very much for your kindness, concern, and - above all - your friendship. I might live by myself but I know I am never alone.
I read and wept over Linda's post yesterday afternoon and poured my heart out to her. Like you, I have also been there and know the seemingly bottomless pit of grief that swallows you up for awhile when someone you love and live with and for is suddenly gone.
I kept thinking of Linda and her Lyle...still cannot believe it. I hope all the sentiments going her way now will serve as a magic carpet of healing.
What a thoughtful post to a wonderful horse and an even more wonderful person, Linda...Ya made start crying all over again.
Oh no! I had no idea. I've not been checking blogs lately. That's too sad. As soon as I saw Lyle's name in your title, I just knew who you were referring, too.
I feel lucky to have met and petted handsome Lyle. What a playfuy boy he was while getting saddled up, just reaching out for the grooming bucket trying to play with anything his very dextrious lips could pick up. I really liked him.
He will be missed.
~Lisa
Sweet, thoughtful post, Victoria. I know it made my heart swell and my eyes weap. It is hard to lose a beloved pet. I know Linda has the strength of her animal crew, friends, and blogging buddies to help her get through this.
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