4.30.25
I’m struggling to find the words to describe my feelings this morning. My daughter lost one of her best friends yesterday, and my heart is breaking. I know that I can’t shield her from the grief and pain she is suffering, but there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do if it were possible.
When Kendall was 14, she formed an instant bond with Tyson, another horse boarded at the stables with her mare, Chevy. Chevy was also quick to make friends with Tyson, and it wasn’t long before Tyson’s owner noticed the connection and hired Kendall to care for him because she had a new baby at home and couldn’t spend as much time with him as he deserved.
And so, the two became three—three inseparable best friends. Kendall spent so much time with the horses that I worried about her. It wasn’t uncommon to find her napping in one of their stalls after a long day of training, exercising, grooming, and spoiling. Now, I will forever cherish those memories. After a short time, Tyson’s owner gave Kendall an amazing gift. She sold Tyson to Kendall for $.01, with only one stipulation. If there ever came a time when Kendall couldn’t keep Tyson, ownership would revert back to her.
I was packing up my laptop yesterday when Kendall called me from the Equine Hospital, and my heart sank. I didn’t know which horse, but I could tell she had been crying and knew it wasn’t good news. She told me that Tyson had colic again and there was nothing the Vet could do to prevent it from continuing to happen. It had come to a quality-of-life decision she had to make. Longest. Fucking. Drive. Ever. I needed to get there; I needed to be supportive and show her I was capable of being supportive. Kendall was so strong and brave while I cried like a baby. I helped with paperwork and said my goodbye to Tyson and then left her to spend the rest of his precious life with him.
It’s still surreal to me, I’m sure it is to her also. I know she will grieve soon, and all I can do is be here for her when she needs me. I am so grateful for my sobriety today. Strait Shootin-Jesse ‘Tyson’ 3/20/05 – 4/29/25. Rest in peace until we meet again. You will be missed greatly.
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