I'm to touched that Nancy went to visit Willow. They hadn't see each other in five years, and I just know that Willow was comforted to see her again. Nancy has been heartbroken since she learned that the people she sold her Friesians to had neglected them so badly, and Nancy was planning to come to see Willow soon at our place. Nancy is such a lovely person and has been so supportive to me throughout Willow's rescue. As I've written before, she even sent me beautiful photographs and video of Willow (Leona) in her younger days of glory.
Anyway, this is how Nancy describes her visit with Willow (just shortly after her surgery):
To tell you the truth, I thought I would see a broken soul and when I
didn't I was so overjoyed, I hardly cried. Yes, her body has changed
and she has some gray hair over her eyes, but the Queen still lives. I
was so thrilled when she didn't NEED me to comfort her. She recognized
me and we cuddled for a few minutes and then the Queen said, "Don't be
sorry, don't be sad, I AM NOT TO BE PITIED, I AM THE QUEEN! It is
unbelievable to me, this horse has been through so much, and is still
queen of all her domain. I am thrilled beyond words...she is exactly
the same Leona. I know you have given her that strength, when she could
not have gone on...I am forever grateful. ♥
And more from Nancy:
She
is still so thin and fragile looking but the blaze in her eyes and the
queenly attitude are all still there and going strong. Many healthy
Friesians don't make it to age 18, and here is Willow, after all of
life's challenges, and now major surgery and she still hold her head up
high and know she is the Queen. Some one made the comment, "Willow is
lucky to be in the same hospital as Rachel Alexander". Shana and I both
agree, Willow thinks Rachel A is lucky to be in the same hospital as
she. This is truly one of
the most amazing animals I have ever met...she has more heart than one
can even imagine. I am sure that heart has been filled with so much
love, by Shana, and that is why she is still so strong.
It is true... Willow is so stoic, so strong and dignified and so proud. Nancy told me that she cried when she hugged Willow for a while, but then Willow looked at her as if to say, "Okay enough of that. Pull yourself together, I'll be just fine." And then Willow walked over to the other side of her hospital stall to look out the window. Yes, stoic is the perfect word to describe this amazing horse. She is so strong, and I still have so much to learn from her. I'm so happy she will still have the chance to teach me.
And this amazing story continues:) Thank you for letting us travel along:)
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for following and supporting, Pat!
DeleteQueen Willow and her last few tragic years and now you rescuing her and loving her so deeply and unconditionally has probably touched more lives than she or any Rachel A did as champions...
ReplyDeleteSometimes God uses the weakest among us to bring out the best in us.
Willow knows that now she will always be loved and cared for...She will hold her head high and be able to live the rest of her life with grace and dignity.
You must surely have God's favor to have been given these amazing life lessons first hand.
Hugs,
Robyn Bova
What a beautiful thing to say Robyn... thank you!
DeleteThis was a perfect update to read! How wonderful. Thankful that she is doing so well.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet... thank you so much for following along and for your support... xo
DeleteSo thankful for this update! So glad to hear that Nancy was able to visit. Her words were touching. Willow is - beautiful inside and out...she has proven to be the most amazing, courageous, forgiving, and steadfast horse I've ever read about. I liken her to Secretariat. {I just watched that movie} Nobody would have dreamed of what Secretariat could do. Until he did it. And, Willow is that kind of "all-heart" fighter. She is in control. She is strong enough. She is that piece of classical music that makes our hearts catch in our throats and tears burn the corners of our eyes...She is Vivaldi's Seasons...I pray for her continuously.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your words... thank you so much... I love how you describe her... And the funny thing is, I just got Secretariat in the mail yesterday... we are watching it tonight!! xoxo
DeleteFate I tell ya! Enjoy the movie and come away from it with renewed strength! xo
DeleteSo glad to hear Willow is doing well and still has her amazing Queenlike spirit! It will serve her well in her recuperation along with you Shana! I thank you for sharing her story and I look forward to updates. When I read of Willow's injury I stopped my work and said a prayer for you both. Looks like those prayers are being answered!
ReplyDeleteNancy's words are quite beautiful indeed, and keep the tears of joy for this beautiful soul running. I'm sure that when Willow walked over to gaze out the window, she was just making sure you were coming back for her, and I suspect she knows darn well you are, (even though she probably thinks she's strong enough now ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, Shana, and bring us along on the everyday making of THIS movie!!!
"bringing" ;)
Deletewondering what she means by few healthy Friesians live to 18 years? My Friesian friend is 14 and in his prime...I hope he lives well beyond 18!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear Willow came through surgery okay! I had a horse that broke her tibia and had to be on continuous stall rest for 6 months total with the 2 breaks. It is more work than if they have turn out but with a sweet horse, like Willow is (and my girl was too), it makes the whole process SO much easier!
ReplyDeleteHow old is willow? I'm confused my the 18 comment.
ReplyDeleteShe is 17... :)
Delete