My darling Ruby, how my heart
still aches. Its been four months and seventeen days since I said: "Goodbye,
I love you...I'm sorry." You always took such good care of me and of yourself,
its just hard to believe that you made such a big mistake, and took that
bad step that broke your leg. You were always so careful, but that night
the storm frightened you, and that gelding frightened you. I just know that
you were looking for me. I didn't sleep at all, worrying about you in the
wind. I heard you calling me. I am sorry I didn't show up until six o'clock
in the morning. I prayed for God to keep you safe in the darkness, in the
wind up on that mountain.
Ruby, my love, you were the
mother I never had. You carried me and took care of me and spoiled me. You
gave me a bond that I have never had with any other horse in my life. I always
knew that our trust was an amazing gift, unlike any I have ever had. You
made me feel safe and loved. You must have been my mom in another life. You
didn't tuck me into bed at night or make me cookies, but you were the mother
I never had. I will never have a relationship like this again, I know this,
you were my once-in-a-lifetime horse. I will miss you for eternity, on this
earth.
I know that you will welcome me in your loving way when it's time for me
to leave and join you. Knowing we will be together in heaven does console
me. It will be so difficult to go on without you, but you know I will. I
am so grateful you found your way into my life. You gave me some beautiful
memories, on the tops of mountains, eating squished sandwiches out of the
saddlebags on your back. You loved the adventures we had together, and you
were always ready to "go see"....life will never be quite the same without
you.
I have a Ruby-shaped hole in my heart. I will miss your goofy smiles and
kisses and the way you liked to drink water out of the hose. I will miss
your dainty little whinny and your impatient knocking at the gate at feeding
time. Most of all I will miss the love we shared.
I am just so grateful to have had this relationship with my soulmate with
hooves. Wait for me over the bridge, my love, I will never forget
you.
Eternally grateful for your
love,
Lisa Burns
The Grandest Filly
I'll lend you for
a while,
My grandest filly, God said.
For you to love while she's alive,
And mourn for when she's dead.
It may be one or
twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But will you, til I take her back,
Take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms
to gladden you
And should her stay be brief,
You'll have those treasured memories,
As a solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she
will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught on earth
I want this filly to learn.
I've looked the wide
world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
With trust, I have selected you.
Now will you give her
all your love?
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I take her back again?
I know you'll give her tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known,
You will forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for her,
Much sooner than you'd planned.
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And maybe understand.
Author Unknown
Ruby 
