Happenings

I want to send out my condolences also to the family of Mike Hoch of Minnesota. Mike came into my life in 2004 when he was searching for good, solid family horses. He had been battling cancer at that time, but he rebounded and was doing well. He adopted several horses from us over the years, his last being Never Smoother. In January he felt the urgency to find Never Smoother a new home. A home was found with a 17 year old young lady who could not be happier! Meanwhile, Mike was not feeling the best and, in January, mentioned to me that his cancer was back. By February or earlier he also had a hospice worker at his house. Now Mike was a young man. I felt like cheering him on and inspiring him throughout his cancer - wanted him to believe in the miracle of healing for his life. He kept in touch by email, joking around in his usual way. Then, I wasn't hearing from him. Heather, who adopted Never Smoother, was excited to update Mike on their relationship which was going so well. But Mike didn't respond to our email. Today I received an email from his nephew, sharing the news that Mike had passed on April 13. I am so very sorry. As usual, I HATE the cancer that takes so many, young and not so young, and leaves families behind to grieve. Mike's nephew believes that Mike is riding on heaven's grounds now. I want to believe that too! We have hope in eternity.

I'll try to send some updated photos of Miss Molly P, Chevie Silverado, and you'll see Timesareachanging and Taser Gun in a pose that shocked even me. Taser, who came to us in 2007, could literally NOT be in a herd with geldings in it. He had been, up until Times came to the farm, only with a mare or two in turnout. Well, Timesareachanging and Taser have become the bet of friends - you'll see them in a relaxed state, rubbing each other's necks, head to butt. They are so funny to watch together! Taser is learning to relax more, and Times seems to be teaching him how.

Meanwhile, my kids are keeping us busy with baseball and softball (ugh). Cherie, my oldest, comes home more often to just "hang out" - Jordan is currently in Ocala, Florida. Tonite he has been invited to a special event by his wrestling school where he is planning on meeting Vince and Stephanie Mc Mahon face to face! My son?
A professional wrestler? I didn't raise him that way!!! But, we are letting him chase his dreams, and all of us are entitled to chase them, aren't we? Jordan's girlfriend Sophie is coming from Germany to Chicago in early July. He will meet her there and spend a few weeks with her. They plan to travel together for three months next summer, unless he graduates from school, is hired by WWE, and goes on the road as "JDV STONE"?????? I am rubbing my head right now!

So here's some pictures to enjoy. Miss Molly P is coming along nicely and is learning to trust more and more. Chevie is still waiting for that forever home.

Susan

Condolences

My very special friend, mentor, mother-figure passed from this life yesterday around
noon. I got the call while Rachel and I were eating in La Crosse. I had planned on going over to see her right after we ate, but it was an hour too late. Maybe for the best, as family said she was not very responsive. For many, it may be a blessing not to see her suffer any longer in that nursing home bed, unable to walk.
She will no longer have to deal with the ruthless, unforgiving cancer and the aggressive chemo. Still, there was bittersweet comfort in knowing she was still with us. Now there is a very sick, empty feeling in my soul but it sparks a desire to sit and write every single thought and memory I have of her so it will never be lost and can only be shared. While I am sitting here prepared to do that, a three week old kitten is "mewing" loudly on my bed and my daughter is asking where things are in the bathroom so she can straighten her hair. Summer vacation has begun, new lives are being born, and life goes on. It somehow seems unfair, and it reminds me that in the circle of life there is a progression from birth to death - sometimes it is fair and sometimes it is untimely. It tests our faith, and brings us to the realization that we are part of it. Time is of essence. Today matters. There may only be today. Live life to the fullest. I have to chuckle when I think of one of the first things I noticed about D.'s house when I first met her back in the 80's was a banner on her living room wall. It read, "May you be in heaven thirty minutes before the devil knows you're dead". First impressions! She was quite the lady.
With D., I had my first taste of moonshine (she kept it in her hallway coat closet for 'special' occasions), mastered my first water skiing lesson on Kentucky Lake, had my first very fancy dinner of many at Jumer's Castle in Illinois, and watched Dr. Zhivago for the first time while talking about "covey of quail" (don't ask - it's embarassing!)..........LOL I'll write more as the memories come, but for D. nothing was impossible or unattainable. Circumstances could make her angry, but she always, always, always forgave, and expected others to do the same with her. She could NOT hold a grudge, always worked hard, but played just as hard. She is alive through her family and through me as long as we are blessed with life. I am most grieved to have lost one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for, and my heart is with her family. Born in October, 1933 - Died on June 7, 2009. Blessed be her memory.