In Memory of LP Diamond Te (“
April 22, 1998 – April 6, 1999
Wasn’t it just the other day when I came home from college to see a new born foal, those big brown eyes of your peering inquisitively at me. You were all legs, such a big boy. What a comedy to see you keep up to your mom as you strode by her, such a task to keep those four legs moving at the same time in the same direction! So curious was the new baby of the humans that gathered around him.
Days went by and you gained confidence in yourself (and your legs). Oh how you loved to race around in circles and kick up your heels. It was quite the show! Sometimes you would even let out a little snort.
You grew and grew getting bigger each day. As we worked together, we slowly became a team. You never fought, just always listened. The lessons you learned came quickly, the lessons you taught me will stay with me for a lifetime.
In September you came to Crookston with me so I could work with you everyday in preparation of the big Futurity at the breed show in
We had so many good days working together that fall. We grew closer than ever. What a joy it was to hear you whinny each time I came to visit, usually three times a day. You learned so fast, and never even thought of acting up. You always took everything in stride, never getting upset or frightened.
As we travel home with an empty trailer in tow, I cannot grasp the reality of what has taken place. Wasn’t it just the other day when mom told me over the phone how you were galloping through the water, your graceful movements carrying you through the pasture and the echo of pounding hooves as they move swiftly. Your strong hind legs supporting your raised body as you paw in the air, mane tossing gallantly in the wind. So full of life!
How the tables did turn…
This morning as you lay on your side while the IV dripped fluid into you, your labored breathing was such a task for you. I knelt by your head gently stroking my beautiful friend for whom I had so many dreams for us, and so many memories behind us. I told you to be strong and to be a fighter. Your breathing relaxed and became calmer as you recognized my voice and the gentle touch of my hand that you knew so well.
All of our memories ran through my head, so many times we shared together, no one can ever take those memories away from me. They will never fully understand what our relationship was, as only you and I can know. It was love, trust, and admiration. Oh, the dreams I had for us as a team. I couldn’t wait for the day when you would be able to carry me on your back and we would be able to race through the fields without a care in the world. Those dreams will have to remain dreams. It is a way of me hanging onto you…forever.
So much pain you had been through, and you fought. You fought so hard to live…you gave it your all. As did the skilled hands that worked around you. They did the best they could and never gave up. It was just too much. There will never be another like you my baby
I will miss the beautiful sight of your magnificent outline against the blue sky. I will miss the soft nudge you give me for attention, your breath against my neck as you nuzzle me, the warmness of your silky coat, the kindness in your big eyes, the ripple of your muscles in motion. I will miss you my gentle friend. We’ve been through a great deal in a short time. Now it is time for me to climb back in the saddle, for I must not give up home. Yet I must learn from this. I will never give up. I will never forget…