I wonder if you reviewed your life as you took that final walk, much as a person would. Or did you traverse that hill, winding around the fence posts certain in the knowledge of a life well-lived and well-loved?
Were there little girls’ laughter ringing in your furry ears and mischievous young horses dancing across your memory? Or were you in the present, the here and now, calmly embracing – even welcoming – the truth that this was your time, your time to go?
You left behind a grateful family, blessed to have you a part of it for so long. You gave two little girls their first of many shows and horse trials. You took them over jumps, around barrels and poles, and pranced in a sandbox. You let them dress you up for costume classes, play games that most kids only play on foot, and recreate rodeo tricks. You let them braid you, paint your toes and weave flowers through your mane – all the while reminding them it was only being done with your explicit permission.
You also left behind two strong young women. You taught them to never give up, to get back up no matter how far they fell, to wipe that bloody nose, to dry the tears from their eyes, and to get back at it.
You taught their parents the greatest lesson – that those qualities were always in their daughters. A true teacher brings out what they know is already inside of their students, even if the students doubted it.
As you took your last breaths and I stroked your face, you were peaceful. You didn’t suffer, never felt any pain because you chose your time to go. You laid down and waited. I imagined you hearing God calling you home to His pasture, which has no need for fences. I could see all the others who went before you, whinnying and nickering – telling you they’ve been waiting for you and were now ready to usher you to the beautiful green grass that never dies and the trees whose leaves flutter in the gentle breeze of your Creator’s glory, bathed in His warm golden light.
Your are home and I know we will see you and all our beloved creatures again. Until then, good-bye Macintosh and thank you. Thank you so much. We miss you and will always love you.
