Dear Ralphie....

It truly was a beautiful, warm Fall morning with a simple breeze when we said goodbye.  We made an agreement that if I felt you were suffering, I would make the call.  As soon as I saw you that morning, it was time.  The part about being human I dislike the most is having to make such a painful decision.  My selfish ego always goes to:  I wanted more time with you, I wanted you to feel better, I wanted you to stay, I wanted to fix you.  Sadly, that is not how this all works, is it.  
 
You came to be with Moon, Jax, Banjo, and I because we were looking at mini’s as a friend for Jax at Terolyn Horse Rescue, who had three super cute ones that mom and I went to check out.  As we were leaving, I thought I would just scan to see who was in the pastures.  As my eyes went from left to right…they bounced back to the center pasture, I pointed and asked Teri who you were.  That's Ralphie, she said.  She told me because you had Cushings and some laminitis issues, it was difficult to adopt you out.  Your heart called to me that day and I knew you had to be here with us.  Teri was so kind to let us foster you and brought you right over.  
 
The pasture has a name…ONCE IN A BLU MOON.  For the Love of Aria took in a horse named Blu, who had been neglected and had horrific laminitis issues.  He, too, went to join the Spirit Herd.  Because of his and Moon’s spirit and lifeforce to help those living and beyond, this pasture is dedicated in their honor.  You are now a member of those who left before you and were waiting to bring you in with open hearts.  
 
As broken-hearted as I am, there is great peace knowing the last months of your life were lived just being a horse.  No expectations…. just love.  For me and what I have learned from others around me, working with and living with horses…it is all about honoring and giving the horse a voice.  And I hope/sense this was accomplished in your short time here.  Whatever may have been resentful in your past was set free, allowing you to just be.
 
There was a connection we had that is hard to explain.  You were humble, beautiful inside and out and so brave, even though you didn’t think you were.   I truly wish you could have seen what I and everyone else saw.  And maybe that was your lesson to teach me, too.  
 
You are free my love…run.  

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