My sweet Mia gave up her heroic fight for life Monday, August 30, 2005.
It has taken me all this time to be able to put her story into words - how
not only her life but her passing so greatly affected those fortunate enough
to have known and loved her.
Mia has been woven into
the tapestry of my day-to-day for the last 25 years. As a yearling she blossomed
under my novice efforts to train her. Her patience, intelligence and willingness
resulted in excellent performance, and she gave my shy daughter confidence
in the show ring, where together they beat national contenders. When my mother
died, Mia gave my Dad a reason to live, and she carried him for years. I
never had to worry, because I always knew she would keep him safe. Next to
my husband, Mia was my best friend.
Mia's last year was our
best year of all. There was such a trust level between us, I was never afraid
to pop her into her trailer for a ride at a local park - just the two of
us. We have watched lakefront sunsets, hand gliders against a pristine blue
sky. Once we even came across an elderly couple painting a canvas. She loved
small people and kittens, and always wanted to stop at a playground to visit
with the children. No one could believe this perky little mare was 26 years
old. Mia was remarkably healthy until August 6, 2005 when she went off her
feed. Then she developed mysterious spasms in her neck and
spine.
What started out just her
and me on August 6th became a virtual village of caring people. Mia was such
a gentle soul. She won the heart of everyone who cared for her. She would
nicker to anyone who entered her stall, even the vets who came daily for
three weeks. She was so grateful and she so wanted to get better. Her caretakers
once hooked could not resist coming back. On August 23rd, she laid down and
the spasms stopped, but then she needed 24/7 care. I can't believe the outpouring
of love and support to that little mare. It was truly inspiring. My
daughters and son-in-law, grandchildren, barn owners, boarders, a massage
therapist, a chiropractor and virtual strangers – we all struggled to
make her comfortable till her doctors could make her better.
Then came the night when
she refused to drink and we knew her valiant little heart was fading. Her
eyes were still bright and I know she heard us and felt us as we stroked
her one last time and told her how much we loved her and would miss her and
that it was okay to leave us if she needed to. I took one last look at this
gentle creature who was so much a part of me, and who I would never see again
in this life. With all the care she had received, she was still beautiful
and peaceful. It was just her time. My husband, who barely knew her before
this, knelt down, kissed her and cried. It helps to know that, because he
was there, he truly understands my loss.
Mia's passing has left me
heartbroken. I know that I've been greatly blessed to have had this wonderful
friend, and I know in time I will be able to look back and savor our times
together without pain. I'm just dealing with such a void right now. I understand
that such is the cost of loving with all your heart, and I have no
regrets.
