February 21, 2013

She's out of surgery!

Just got the call I was waiting for!! Dr. Ruggles reports that Willow's surgery went well, and she is in recovery and UP on her feet!!!  I haven't heard from Nancy yet but I bet she is in with her now... I can't wait to hear from her! Thank you to Rood & Riddle for saving my precious girl!  And thank you to everyone for the amazing support (for me and Rood & Riddle... the PR guy there said their page has seen more action than ever  in 24 hours regarding Willow)!  My heart is warmed by all of the beautiful things everyone is saying...  and I am reminded that people are loving and good. ♥

Willow will probably be there for another week, and then she comes home and has to stay in her stall to recover for two months! Then another month in a very small paddock after that.   She has survived SO much, and I know she will survive this too.  As Nancy says, Willow is a fighter...  and she is the Queen.  In fact, everyone that has known Willow in the past describes her as "queenly".  There is something just divine about her..  Martha said that last night Willow walked into her hospital stall, broken leg and all, with her head held high... so very dignified as usual, like she owned the place.  Make way for the queen, because Willow has arrived... :).   Some have commented that Willow is lucky to be recovering with the famous race horse Rachel Alexandra...  but we say that Rachel is the lucky one.. lol...   I just  hope she doesn't get a good ear pinning from Queen Willow. ♥

Oh my am I tired... my face hurts from crying so much yesterday, and I need a hot bath and some tea.  I can breathe now... I am beyond relieved....

I love you, Willow!

And long, long live the Queen. ♥


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44 comments:

  1. Simone Howell2/21/13, 11:25 AM

    Your and Willow's story is so INCREDIBLE! I'm in love with both of you!! I thought about her all day yesterday and am SO HAPPY to hear she is still reigning queen! Go Willow!!

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  2. Dorothy2/21/13, 11:26 AM

    This gave me chills to read. How wonderful to hear you speak of Willow. You write so beautifully and transpose all of us to her and your world. It's no wonder we've all fallen in love with both of you.
    I'm going to guess that both Willow and Rachel Alexandra will be writing new chapters for their books while they are together. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to listen between them as they share their stories with eachother?
    For now, we will all be content with the news you have just brought. Rest well Shana and Willow. It is well deserved. Thank you doctors and staff at Rood & Riddle. Blessings to all.

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  3. Dionne Grubbs2/21/13, 11:28 AM

    That is amazing news!! I am so happy for you and for Willow! This made my day to see this update. <3 Now you can rest!

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  4. Anonymous2/21/13, 11:29 AM

    God is good! I'm just seeing Willow's story & I'm in love! Keep up the fight pretty girl!

    Take a nap momma, your baby is going to be just fine! =)

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  5. Sharon Meyer2/21/13, 11:29 AM

    So glad to hear that Willow is doing so well. She is one special horse. I have a love for all animals and I find myself looking forward to your posts about Willow. Thanks and keep us all posted please!

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  6. Claire Sale2/21/13, 11:30 AM

    Wow!! Yeah, God and yeah, Dr. Ruggles and all the staff at Rood & Riddle! Willow is winning her own kind of race with your help and the power of prayer! Shana, I can't imagine how relieved you are right now! REMEMBER I LIVE IN LEXINGTON and am a horse lover, too. I'd love to send you some pics of Willow as she recovers and some video, too, unless Nancy or the Rood & Riddle staff is doing that for you. Oh, I'm SO incredibly overjoyed for you and Willow... oh, sorry, I mean "Queen Willow." : )

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  7. Anonymous2/21/13, 11:31 AM

    This is such great news! SO happy to hear, as I've been waiting anxiously to find out how surgery went. :))

    My vet once said (with regards to my 19 year old cat who was battling diabetes and kidney failure for years), that the animals she's seen that live longest are the ones that are too stubborn and think they are supreme royalty... LOL It was so so true for my cat, and I don't know if Willow is stubborn, but if she is truly the Queen, that I think she sounds like ;), then you are in for a looong adventerous life together. :)

    Thank you for keeping all of us posted while we waited for news. I know you must be incredibly exhausted, and you didn't have to take the time to post. Much hugs to you and Willow, and everyone involved. SO happy to hear there are such wonderful people in the world that take great care of our beloved animals.
    ~claudia

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  8. jo2/21/13, 11:31 AM

    I have tears in my eyes and I don't know you or Willow. This is such a magnificent love story and I'm so happy it's having the happy ending it deserves. I'm so happy for you and I will keep you all in my prayers.

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  9. Unknown2/21/13, 11:33 AM

    God is good and our prayers were answered. She will fly through the next 3 months with your love and support. Get some much needed rest now. You'll have your baby home before you know it.

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  10. Meg2/21/13, 11:37 AM

    AMEN!

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  11. Anonymous2/21/13, 11:42 AM

    I can't tell you how relieved I am to read that it went well! Prayers for strength for Willow AND you!! ((hugs))

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  12. Anonymous2/21/13, 11:46 AM

    That is the best news of the day , am so glad for you and Willow but knew that she was with the best. Many years ago I worked with Dr Riddle as his vet nurse and it was wonderful.
    I can now go to bed as living in France the day has been very long while waiting for news! Recover slowly and safely Willow.

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  13. nicki2/21/13, 11:47 AM

    I am so happy for you and Willow ...

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  14. Anonymous2/21/13, 11:49 AM

    The power of prayer and love...it is simply amazing.

    So happy to read this great news.
    Pam

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  15. Christie2/21/13, 11:53 AM

    So happy for you and Willow! Will keep praying for her recovery!!

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  16. Arlene2/21/13, 11:57 AM

    Thank goodness! Thank Dr. Riddle! THANK GOD! Your latest post gave me chills. I am ecstatic to know that Willow's surgery went well, and I'm confident that she will recover. Think ahead to how sunny and warm and beautiful the world will be when she finally escapes confinement! What a glorious spring awaits you! And, Shana, you are to be commended for being such a thoughtful and caring person. May God bless you!

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  17. Unknown2/21/13, 12:03 PM

    Awww so wonderful sweet Willow and you are doing good. She is amazing. will keep the prayers heading your way.

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  18. Sierra Elegance Photography2/21/13, 12:34 PM

    I'm so thrilled for you! Yesterday, I was reliving when my show horse kicked at my other horse when they were playing and hit the metal fence panel. His back leg was completely shattered and there was nothing that could be done. I'm so thankful that Willow could be fixed, and that you will have her home again. Prayers were answered!!!

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    Replies
    1. Army Wife Ana2/21/13, 12:49 PM

      I've been following your blog silently through tears, never quite knowing what to say. I would want to say something, but in my head, the words always seemed so trivial and meaningless. I could offer no advice, as I own no horses. I've been around them all my life, yes, but never raised them nor cared for them on my own. I ride them as part of ever ongoing recovery (long story), but that's completely different. In the end these horses helped me overcome so much, rebuild my strength, learn to trust again, feel free again. Have HOPE again. What you are doing for Willow is all that and so much more.

      You are truly an amazing person. I admire so much about what you are doing here. May God continue to bless you and you family, and continue to strengthen Willow.

      Good luck on your amazing journey!
      <3 Jamie

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  19. Anonymous2/21/13, 12:43 PM

    What fantastic news. I just came up from my shop to check to see if there was any news. I am so happy for you and Willow. More prayers are being sent for a full recover and that someday you and Willow may even be able to ride off in the sunset together. I can go back to work now knowing that prayers have been answered for all of us. I'm sure everyone will fall in love with Willow over the course of the week as we all have. Thanks for keeping us posted! Warmly from Wisconsin, Jenny

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  20. Nancy Craig Hebert2/21/13, 12:45 PM

    Long live Queen Velvet Willow.....Queen of Florabella Farm! So happy for you Shana Rae!

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  21. Martha - Arkansas2/21/13, 1:02 PM

    Sounds like a great afternoon to express some more of your creativity through your beautiful photos!! If I lived closer, I would babysit you little ones so you could go visit the Queen. :)

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  22. Unknown2/21/13, 1:02 PM

    : )

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  23. Faith2/21/13, 1:10 PM

    So thankful to hear the great news. We love Willow too!

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  24. Beka Burke2/21/13, 1:34 PM

    Rood & Riddle is amazing and I'm certain that she'll get the absolute best care there! I'm glad the surgery was successful and will continue to keep your Queen in my thoughts. :)

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  25. Lynda2/21/13, 2:03 PM

    Wonderful news, Shana! Keeping you both in my prayers. xo

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  26. Anonymous2/21/13, 2:05 PM

    This is the best news of the day! Fantastic. I had no doubt she would pull through this. You can see the fight in her. I can't wait to see photos of her when she returns. Take a deep breath and try to relax. I know how it is when you are worrying over your horse. Such a large animal that is so dependent on us. . . it's hard. She made through and hopefully it's all uphill from here.

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  27. Unknown2/21/13, 2:14 PM

    I was thinking of her all day! Long live the Queen! Perfect sentiment.

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  28. Tina2/21/13, 2:21 PM

    In a world full of unspeakable malice ...you Shana and Willow have brought together thousands who's hearts are full with love we thank you

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  29. Tina2/21/13, 2:29 PM

    Can't wait to here the reaction when she sees Marsha update ASAP please We are waiting on pins a d needles

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  30. Anonymous2/21/13, 2:38 PM

    I don't know you personally, but I follow Willow's story (and yours too, of course.) At the risk of sounding strange, I think you're beautiful (inside and out), Willow is gorgeous and your pictures are amazing. I wish both you and Willow the best and keep on writing and taking pictures. You're very gifted and please know they make a difference in a very common persons life.

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  31. Anonymous2/21/13, 3:34 PM

    Willow's story is so touching and the heartbreak of yesterday was tragic...so very glad the situation is looking positive. Please keep writing about Willow and taking those gorgeous photos of her.

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  32. Anonymous2/21/13, 4:04 PM

    I forgot to ask... I also was wondering how Raven/Lucky Deluxe is? Was she ok as well? Will you keep Willow and Raven apart for now? I just wondered if she was hurt at all too. I was so busy worrying about Willow I had forgotten about Raven! They are both such sweet horses I am hoping everyone is ok.
    ~claudia

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  33. Anonymous2/21/13, 4:50 PM

    So very glad to here the wonderful news Shana - fingers crossed for the most speedy recovery for your gorgeous Willow xx

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  34. Unknown2/21/13, 8:15 PM

    Oh Shana, I was so happy to get home tonight and read that Willow is going to be ok. The Power of Pray is amazing, but your true love of Willow is so incredable. How could she not recover when she has you. Thank you for sharing this journey of Willow and you with so many thousands of people. You have touched all of us with your love and determination to save Willow. You are a wonderful amazing person and it gives us all hope knowing there are good people in this world of ours. I wish I lived near you so I could meet you and Willow. I also am an animal lover having 5 horses, 5 dogs and 2 cats. They do become a part of your family. I will continue to send Prayers for Willow's speedy recovery and for you and your family. You are wonderful and amazing and I think Willow thinks you are the Queen!! God Bless!! :) Cheryl

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  35. .E.2/22/13, 7:14 AM

    so so glad to hear this wonderful news about sweet Willow.. I have never met her.. but can tell by your words ( and love for her ) that she is quite the fighter and I know she will come through all these struggles so much stronger than ever before..

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  36. Anonymous2/22/13, 9:55 AM

    Any more updates?

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  37. Shona2/22/13, 11:18 AM

    I have been following your story silently for quite a while now...I just wanted to pop on and say how much you have both touched our hearts and wish a speedy recovery for sweet Willow :)

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  38. indaliadesign2/22/13, 12:42 PM

    Oooh I just knew her story would go on!!!!! Long live the Queen, indeed. So thrilled for you all!!!

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  39. Elliot Handy2/22/13, 5:26 PM

    It is really good to see Willow walking. I'm really happy for you and Willow. Love, Dad

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  40. Unknown3/19/13, 8:29 PM

    thanks for sharing, the pics are amazing!! True love, God bless you.

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