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I'm a children's author. Animals are a constant source of writing material for me. They are also my heart!

Doing the Best I Can....

>> Saturday, June 12, 2010

Frankly, when the doctor told me I couldn't ride anymore until I had surgery I went into a place I don't usually go. I was so depressed I didn't even want to talk to people. That's not the normal me. All I could think about was how much time and work Tango and I have done and the upcoming summer show season. I tried to keep it all in perspective and remember I'm not seriously ill, I just have a back that is falling apart. I felt guilty for feeling so sad and sorry for myself. A good friend told me, "You don't need to feel guilty. Your pain belongs to you. Your whole routine has been interrupted."
She was right. Not only can I not ride, I can't work or exercise. For a couple weeks I just sat around waiting to gain weight. Then two wonderful things happened.


Number 1. This is my friend Emilee on Tango. She's going to ride him, train him, and show him this summer for me. Next year when I'm better, we can do it together...Emilee and me. Em needed a horse and Tango needed a rider.







Number 2.
Sammy is still here and it looks like he's going to stay. I figure if I can clicker train Tango to do tricks, I can clicker train Sammy. The more I thought about it the more I thought about Sammy's past. The boy didn't have it so good, that's for sure. Since I can't ride Tango pony I can spend extra time with Sammy boy. In fact, if I want to, I can compete with him. Who says rescue dogs can't show? Rescue horse sure can!


So the long and short of it is that I'm smiling more now. In a minute I'm heading to the barn with my granddaughter and her friend. I'm going to watch them ride. Maybe I'll sit on Tango for a minute or two. Maybe I'll just groom him. I just needed time to figure things out. Luckily I don't stress out. I just get sad and move on to do other things. I'll keep you updated about when the surgery is scheduled. Meanwhile, prepare to see more photos of Em. I told her she was going to be the star of my blog this summer...right along with Maddie, Annabelle, and Sammy boy.






18 comments:

Unknown June 12, 2010 at 9:42 AM  

Keep your chin up, sounds like you got some wonderful answers to tough times.

In/With/Beyond PAIN June 12, 2010 at 11:07 AM  

Atta girl! When life gives you lemons, throw 'em back and say you want chocolate instead! And you KNOW I understand. OXOX

katie, Maizey and Magnus June 12, 2010 at 12:19 PM  

I haven't commented before, but have been following for a while now. Your positive attitude is very encouraging. One thing I have learned to appreciate w/ my 4 legged friends is that changes in my life's routine often open up new ways for me to interact and learn from them. Hope this proves true for you!

Tweedles -- that's me June 12, 2010 at 1:19 PM  

You are magical when it comes to animals.
Animals feel your love and trust you.
Anything is possible- so let it happen.
And let the door open WIDE as Sammy excells in the tricker training.
I cannot wait to see what Sammy learns to do.
Emily looks so sharp on Tango. I am glad you found her, and she wants to show Tango.
How awsome is this.
You will get better, and you will be back in the saddle again.
All your animal friends will go through this challenge with you.
You are corageous. Your looking it in the face- and ready to take it on.
That does not mean you have to be strong. When you fall, we will be here to pick you back up.
And me- well- I will plant Tweedles kises on your face
love
tweedles

Sandy June 12, 2010 at 3:13 PM  

Don't throw the lemons back use them to make a marquerita...who needs chocolate? lol

I didn't know you could compete with Sammy Boy. That's cool. I've already seen how much you've taught him a such a short period of time.

Clicker? Not up to speed on that; you'll have to show me.

Sandy

CATachresis June 12, 2010 at 4:14 PM  

Goodonya Jan, you're an inspiration! And good luck with Sammy; I'm sure he'll be great with you teaching him. Perhaps you could ride him, at least you won't have so far to climb! lol

Soggibottom June 12, 2010 at 4:52 PM  

It's fine for someone to say you have to get things in the right perspective. But you have to get YOUR WORLD in the right perspective.
Sounds like your heading on the right trail. :-) x x x

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! June 12, 2010 at 7:35 PM  

What a win win on so many levels!

Thanks fur sharing!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Two French Bulldogs June 12, 2010 at 10:59 PM  

Oh no...things do happen for a reason. Good luck and keep us updated. Looking forward to grandaughter pictures
Benny & Lily

Gail Wilson June 13, 2010 at 6:46 PM  

Jan, I am proud of your for the decision you have made. Em will benifit as well as you sweet Tango. Being a life long horseperson myself I can understand you feelings. I broke my thigh bone while racing my horse and it was a long grueling 2 years before I could climb back on that horse. Like you, I found friends who stepped right in and kept up with my horses training and daily activity. Getting back on him was as if I had never stopped. Friends...amazing people. Hugs, Gail

Lillian Robinson June 14, 2010 at 1:28 PM  

I can certainly relate...

I'm still having difficulties with my asthma and my knee, so haven't been able to work with Nekoda.

I've made a new friend at church that used to train and misses horses. She asked if she could come out and work my green-broke horse for me. I didn't have to think about that one!

I'm happy that Sammy has found a wonderful home! His training will certainly help to fill the void.

BeadedTail June 14, 2010 at 11:01 PM  

This is the true meaning of when one door closes, another one opens! It's wonderful that Em is able to ride Tango and that gives you more time to work with Sammy! Your positive attitude is contagious too!

TC June 15, 2010 at 12:35 AM  

You are a survivor. I love Newfoundlands too, I've only had one and he came to me but it was @ a time when I needed a friend.
Lovely post and keep us up to date about your surgery.

Sailor's Mom June 15, 2010 at 2:16 PM  

Let's hear it for CHOCOLATE COVERED LEMONS!!!!!!!!!!!! You are my hero, Jan; always finding a positive in adversity.

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life June 15, 2010 at 11:58 PM  

So glad you found some sunshine peeking out from behind the clouds that tried to settle.

Sandy June 16, 2010 at 10:48 AM  

Popping back in to see what you're up to. Got a few more pictures I'm hoping to get edited to send your way so you can use in your blog posts.

Hugs
Sandy

Sandy June 22, 2010 at 11:56 AM  

popping in for a quick hi, we saw a red tailed fox our first night here, it was right outside our villa/condo building; but I didn't have time to snatch my camera for a photo, bummer.

Ola

Sman June 22, 2010 at 5:52 PM  

You are so amazing. No wonder you connect so well with animals! They have a special sense of life most people don't have, but that I have always recognized in you.

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