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American Quarter Horse, Palomino
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Passed February 28, 2011 due to upper leg injury
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Tumbleweed,
In the short year we were together, you brought me more joy than any other horse in my life. I sure hope you had more joy with me than with your previous owner. You had been mistreated and abandoned, and I sure knew how to relate to that. I could tell you were angry when we first met, as if you knew you had been cast aside. But I was determined to reach you, and show you a better life. What I didn't count on, was that you would do the same for me. You threw me into the world of horses again, which I hadn't planned on joining again for quite some time.
After a few months of working together, you made a complete turn-around. Before, you had been wary, but after lots of bonding (and carrots) you began to trust again. Watching your improvement made me so proud. You were more and more beautiful every day. I was so happy to have such a resilient soul in my life. My favorite memory of you will always be when you galloped through that big green pasture at your new home. For the first time, I knew for sure you were happy, and you looked so wonderful running through that field, all muscle, and so free.
When you were first injured, I was so frustrated. I did some yelling and some crying. It was a while before we knew how extensive your injury was. When the vet told me what our best option was, I was so angry. We had worked so hard and come so far, Tumbleweed. You were my one and only horse, and I had expected to have you with me for many years. I never even considered getting another horse, it was supposed to be me and you forever.
Tumbleweed, I don't ever want you to think that I gave up on you. I would have driven you across the country if it would have saved you. But I came to realize that my need to keep you here was selfish, and that your injury would eventually kill you spirit. You couldn't run through that green pasture anymore, and I knew that was all you really wanted to do. I had to let you go. On the day I realized what my decision would be, you put your nose to my face and blew warm horse breathe on my cheek, right where the tears had been falling. It was like you said, "It's okay. I'll always be with you. You can set me free."
Everyone came to visit you the day before. You ate a lot of carrots and gave a lot of kisses that day. Everybody loved you so much, and I hope you were able to see that. You were such a special boy.
The day the vet came, you put your face to my chest and looked in my eyes as if to ask, "Is it time?"
All I could do was cry and stroke you beautiful face. I stayed with you to the very end. I couldn't leave you to face anything alone, not after all you had been through. I wanted you to know that I would always be there for you, and I would always love you, even if you had to leave this place.
I have one of your horse shoes and a clipping of your tail. Tumbleweed, your spirit will live forever, because I will always carry you in my heart. I know you are running through an open field right now, your leg completely healed, galloping in all your splendor. I sure will miss that sight.
Have a kiss ready and waiting for me when I see you again.
Love,
Your Mom
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Tumbleweed 
