Still Thankful

Thanksgiving didn’t turn out how I’d hoped, but I’m still thankful.

Knight had another round of mild tummy ache/maybe colic, Mark flew over the handle bars on his mountain bike, and the turkey breast I threw in the slow cooker about 20 minutes before my friend texted to say Knight was down and groaning was a little too dry. (Flavorful with rosemary, sage, and thyme, but not what I was going for in the texture department.)

Spoiler Alert: After the colic scare drama subsided, I landed here for three minutes. It was amazing. Knight is on the far left.

Despite the stress, I am a grateful gal. Grateful for simple things like having clean water, a bed to sleep in, a warm home with food in my refrigerator, a great job. Grateful for my family, friends, and health. And in the aftermath of our holiday, here are some thank-yous I need to virtually hand out.

Thank you, barn friend, who noticed Knight was down and you did something about it. I appreciate the hand walking and I owe you one for taking Knight’s temperature. #IDodgedABullet

Thank you, lovely veterinarian, for allowing my interruption of your holiday and for over the phone, talking me through what to do to help my horse. I tried the apple juice in the water like you mentioned. It wasn’t as big of a hit as I’d hoped; nevertheless, the mostly full container is now in my refrigerator where it will be put to good use. I’ll try the shredded carrots or powdered Gatorade next time.

Thank you Banamine for being in the tack room fridge and unleashing your healing powers on my gelding. I have no idea what you’re made from and what else you’re good for (I saw from your label you’re commonly used on cows), but you’ve been a lifesaver the last week during this weird phase of colic weather. 

Thank you awesome trainer for having the Banamine in the first place and for texting me a picture of the triangle on a horse’s neck indicating where I needed to make the injection. Last year on Thanksgiving when Knight was really new to us and being his green self, you actually did a training ride (I have video somewhere to prove it). I haven’t forgotten your dedication and generosity.

Thank you doctors and nurses and vets and vet techs who do things like give shots. Thank you for not almost crying when you hurt us as you help us. I barely made it through inserting the needle without tears. You are all my heroes.

Thank you lady in the barn parking lot who talked to my husband and offered your Bute to him when you heard our horse was sick. Little did you know that my husband was about to fly over the handlebars of his bike a few minutes later and he could stand to use the painkiller himself.* I’m not sure how Bute helps a potentially colicking horse, but it was nice of you to be so concerned.

Cause for celebration! When you think your horse is colicking, there’s nothing as beautiful as this sight.

Thank you God for watching over my mountain biking husband when he chose a path to test his prowess by riding through a drainage ditch. . . as he hurtled over the handlebars (while I was dealing with a sick horse) you let him escape with only a sore left shoulder. I am grateful that I did not have to rush him to the ER.

Thank you horse husband, for going to the grocery store on Thanksgiving with a sore shoulder after your wipeout. I appreciate your act of love in buying the apple juice for Knight. You’re as sweet as pie! (Speaking of pie, shouldn’t we go to Costco and pick up another pumpkin pie?)

Thank you, dear blog readers for your ongoing support and friendship. It is an honor to share my journey with you. I hope you had a beautiful Thanksgiving and are still feeling the gratefulness in the midst of your life’s story too.

*I am not advocating Bute for human use.

Your Turn: What are you still thankful for? How did your turkey turn out?

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