The Death of MARS

Mars died today. He was a 29 year old warm blood horse who was brought to my sister's horse ranch about six months ago to finish out the rest of his days. Who knew the end would come so soon? With these horrendous heat waves we have been having lately it was just too much for him to bare and his body gave out on him.

I have never watched a horse being put down. I had the unfortunate task of putting my beloved wiener dog Waldo down in May. He was not very old, only 8, but something ravaged his body and there was just no way to save him. He loved to play, and his last moments were spent carrying toys around the doctor's office.

Horses don't have that option. They are so large that once they go down and can't get up their muscles start to deteriorate. I spent a lot of time in Mars' pen watering him down, sponging his face and neck and stroking his beautiful soft muzzle. I spoke softly to him, telling him that he had had a long wonderful life and that he was very gallant, but that it was OK to move on. I suppose the words were more for me, but he seemed to appreciate the company and he just would not give up. 

He had lots of company in his pen at various times, Karen, Bill, me and Teri. Finally the decision had to be made to call the vet. It was the most humane thing to do because he had been down too long.

You would think that vets are used to these kinds of things, but I overhead him whisper to the horse as he moved away "goodbye horse". We all tried to be brave for Mars but I saw Teri wiping tears away from behind her glasses, Bill walking away to find his peace and I myself needed to blow my nose from watching such a brave and gentle soul trying to fight away the black cloak of death.

Good Bye Mars. You were a grand horse.

Life and Death

Over the last 24 hours I have experienced both life and death.  On the eve of St. Patrick's Day, just before midnight my niece gave birth to a 9 & 1/2 pound little boy who they proudly named Mike JR. My niece's husband, Mike Senior was absolutely glowing while holding his newborn son. You could just see the love and pride in his eyes. It is the first grandchild for his side of the family. Now they have their own little "leprechaun" to hold and love!

Early in the morning on the day after St. Pat's, my friend since elementary school experienced the passing of her father. He would have been 97 in another week.  So in some ways, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Although I'm not exactly sure that that is the context in which it is used, it seems to be very fitting.

My love goes out to both. Love in happiness, love in grief. I hope that I live a long and fulfilling life that covers nearly a century, so that I can enjoy the mysteries that life holds.

Ta Ta for now....



Mike Sr with Mike JR, our little "leprechaun"!



When People Age

Aging isn't easy, and it is even harder as we see our parents and older loved ones struggling with their own passing into the golden years. Sometimes  it is even harder when they deny that there is a problem, or have no recollection of the things that they have said or done.

The main care and support of these beautiful and beloved people falls on many of our friends and family. They sometimes struggle with the extra burden of trying to maintain a normalcy in their lives, as the lives of their elders fall apart. I have a dear friend whose father is 94, blind and whose health is going downhill. I can tell from the tenure of her voice that the loss of her father is coming soon. Yet day by day she works, she comforts her mother and she assists with the care and comfort of her dad. 

I only hope that I have the strength and courage to face these things if need be. When it is thrust upon you, you deal with it the only way you know how. Deep within us is an inner strength that we sometimes don't even realize that we have, until we are called upon to use it.

This is for all of my friends who are currently in this situation. I pray that they have  continued strength to get themselves and their families through aging and sickness. I commend them for their spirit and giving nature, and I hope that I can be there for them if they need me.

Ta Ta for now...

Thinking of my Dad

Yesterday marked the 6th Anniversary of the passing of my Dad. It certainly doesn't feel that it could possibly be that long ago, yet there it is. My dad was not very healthy the last couple years of his life, and by today's standards he died relatively young. He died a week before his 77th birthday.

His service in the military took it's toll. Although the government would never admit it, we always felt that he had been exposed to Agent Orange during his tour in Vietnam which resulted in some of the deterioration and debilitation of his body over the years. That, coupled with his bad heart, which ultimately failed him was the ultimate cause of his death.

Hey Dad, I always take a moment to think of you and thank you for driving me around to all of my activities in my youth and for bringing me donuts you snagged at work! I Love you!

Ta Ta for now...