One Year Ago

It is so hard to believe that one year has passed since I lost my Maverick. I can honestly say that I still miss him so very much. It is said that amount you mourn is directly related to the amount you loved. If that is true, I am still missing him and loving him.

I realized now just how much I counted on him to take care of me. When I am riding big blue Hank, I have to be aware of our position in the herd. I have to put Hank in the right spot and watch the calves. Hank gets impatient and starts to fuss if he isn't doing something all the time, just like a little kid in the grocery store. Hank was just more work. Maverick was just so easy.

While branding calves, Maverick always knew where to be and what to do. He never got upset with me when I would do something stupid like hit him in the head with my rope. Maverick was a gentleman, always polite, always kind to everyone, just a pleasure to be around.

I went to my first horse show of the year in September. It was the same show last year that I showed Maverick in last. I haven't been to a Versatility Ranch Horse show or shown at all for that matter since losing Maverick. I just lost that desire for a while. Anyway, it was nice to see all my friends and many asked why I wasn't showing. It was hard to repeat the story of how I lost Maverick. Most of the people were shocked to hear the news and all were very supportive. I am not the first person to lose an animal that meant so much to us. If you are an animal lover, you know the empty feeling of losing a friend.

Every little milestone is important on life's highway. Each tear is important, each birth is significant. Everyday I can ride is a good day. Somehow, being in the saddle makes you forget your troubles. I just know that Maverick is watching from above and waiting for me to bring him some cookies. I miss you, Maverick.

I had three dun stud colts were born this year. Three little Mav's to worry about, three little boys to watch grow into shadows of their daddy. I wish I had a crystal ball to look into the future to see what lies ahead for them. But I guess I'll just have to wait and see.