A number of my friends have recently lost loved ones - both human and animal. I am among them. It is always a struggle to know what to say to someone who is grieving. But, my dear friend, Lora Marsh, gave me this card yesterday. She's my riding buddy and fellow dressage competitor. Her card brought me a great deal of comfort. In it she wrote: "Carol, I struggle with what to write - your boy was an amazing and talented partner. He had a loving heart and a gentle soul. He will be greatly missed. I searched long and hard for a card that said what I feel - I think you will agree that this is perfect, and I hope that the words bring you comfort." - Lora & Bryce (her horse).
Comfort and love are all we can provide when a friend or loved one is grappling with the loss of a person or animal close to them. When I think back over the last 11 days since Aramis' passing, what stands out is the warm strength of those who surrounded me. My trainer, Pam Wangenheim Hawkins, who suffered the loss deeply but was a rock for me when he passed and has kept me riding, encouraging me not to lose my own strength or what Aramis taught me. My friend Betty Eichwald, who was there and made sure people were contacted and that I was protected from seeing what I did not need to see. She and her husband John filled his stall with flowers and love. The beautiful cards from friends Kate, Janell,and family members. My daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Donald coming to take me home and having a special memorial made to honor Aramis. My husband Mark's constant care and concern. The quiet strength and concern of my son Rett, my dear friends Debi, John, Andrea and Lee and Franny (my two nieces) reaching out to check on me every day. And the hundreds of friends who reached out to me on Facebook to express their prayers, support and love.
I asked a question the other day. "How do you mend a broken heart?" The past 11 days have given me the answer. You do so by allowing those who love and care about you to surround you with their warmth, strength and compassion. It's amazing how much sorrow brings out the humanity in human beings. It's something that we have all experienced at one time or another, and it brings out the compassion in all of us. I think it makes us realize how truly connected we really are.
I hope, together or apart, we will always be a part of each other's hearts.
Til Next Time,
Carol
Comfort and love are all we can provide when a friend or loved one is grappling with the loss of a person or animal close to them. When I think back over the last 11 days since Aramis' passing, what stands out is the warm strength of those who surrounded me. My trainer, Pam Wangenheim Hawkins, who suffered the loss deeply but was a rock for me when he passed and has kept me riding, encouraging me not to lose my own strength or what Aramis taught me. My friend Betty Eichwald, who was there and made sure people were contacted and that I was protected from seeing what I did not need to see. She and her husband John filled his stall with flowers and love. The beautiful cards from friends Kate, Janell,and family members. My daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Donald coming to take me home and having a special memorial made to honor Aramis. My husband Mark's constant care and concern. The quiet strength and concern of my son Rett, my dear friends Debi, John, Andrea and Lee and Franny (my two nieces) reaching out to check on me every day. And the hundreds of friends who reached out to me on Facebook to express their prayers, support and love.
I asked a question the other day. "How do you mend a broken heart?" The past 11 days have given me the answer. You do so by allowing those who love and care about you to surround you with their warmth, strength and compassion. It's amazing how much sorrow brings out the humanity in human beings. It's something that we have all experienced at one time or another, and it brings out the compassion in all of us. I think it makes us realize how truly connected we really are.
I hope, together or apart, we will always be a part of each other's hearts.
Til Next Time,
Carol
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