That is the overwhelming thought I hold right now. I suppose it's the planner in me. It's also the fact that I knew I'd never sell that horse and that he'd live out his long days with me. That we'd learn to drive and do proper lead changes and that someday he'd be the wonderful "old guy" in the barn. We were supposed to have years and years left together.
But we don't. And I'm not sure what to do now. What to to with this blog, what to do with the tack locker full of memories and plans that awaits me when I return home next week. What to do with this massive hole in my heart.
I take it a day at a time and some days are better than others. Christmas and it's flurry of activities such as baking and wrapping and reconnecting with family and friends has been helpful in suppressing reality, but I can tell that going home, back to reality, back to the life where I WAS a horse owner, where I planned my days, weeks, and seasons around Junebug, will be quite... well... different.
Since I like to plan - even though EVERYONE keeps saying "you don't have to think about that yet" - I'm trying to get some strategies in place so I don't just end up in a wailing puddle. So, in the spirit of The New Year, a time of renewal, I'm thinking of these things:
1. Take weekly lessons. Renew my confidence that I can ride horses and not just that I knew how to ride MY horse.
2. Ride all of my friends horses. See #1.
3. Get help from friends as I clean out my tack locker, do it when the barn/tack room isn't busy with lesson kids, bring Kleenex. Possibly wine. Consider donating something to a rescue.
4. Remind myself how lucky I was to have found my heart horse at all, a priviledge denied to so many, instead of the dwelling on the complete unfairness of his departure. ....this is a moment by moment struggle right now. It's exhausting.
I had some new decal designs in the pipeline before all this happened so I will be getting back to that eventually. After all, there's quite a big vet bill that still needs to be paid. And yes, it was worth it, even if it only gave me another 5 weeks with him.
I hope the New Year brings you peace and joy and an abundance of warm horse snuffles.
Hugs...I know it's a day-by-day sort of thing, but I totally "get" that need to make a list. Please make no. 5: come escape to TX and ride with Laura...
ReplyDeleteMany wishes of peace for you <3
I'm a planner too, so I get where you're coming from. And even though you don't have to think about all that stuff now, it's impossible not to. I think it's great that you've made some plans for when you return, but just remember that you don't have to rush into any of them.
ReplyDeleteHugs from me and Lilly. I hope the new year holds wonderful things for you.
Big hugs. All we can do is put one foot in front of the other. Will be thinking of you!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt really is a day by day process. Take the time to care for yourself. It's very important.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, and do what you need too in your own time. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you're going through this grief right now. It will get better, and I understand your steps because I'm a planner too. Keep your head up.
ReplyDeleteI think your goals are perfect. We are here for you too to help you get through this.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are going through all of this. :-( Don't be too hard on yourself to rush through your goals - take the time you need. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI think all of our hearts hurt for you. As lucky as you were to have found him, he was just as lucky to have had you.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you often over the holidays (especially when my own animal was ailing), and was hoping you would take some solace in the company of your family. Sounds like you have some good thoughts now and a good plan. Like others said, cut yourself a lot of slack, and let Father Time do his job. We will be here whenever you feel like writing!
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