Val is fine, I am not (update pg 4)

[Silly Mommy]

I noticed shortly after feeding time that Val was laying down while the other three were grazing in their field. She wasn't in obvious discomfort, but after a short while, I trekked out to check on her. I got her up and immediately knew what the problem was when goo came pouring out of her nose.

Choke - brought her in, put her in a stall, gave her ace, then went and did some stuff. Came back - still choking but not frantic. Call the vet and was told to give her some Banamine as well, vet would be here in less than an hour to tube and flush.

Vet gets here and the choke was beyond the thoracic inlet and a HUGE mass. It took an hour of flushing and at one point the nasogastric tube retroflexed (bent back up and came out her mouth) and caused nasal bleeding on the way - a LOT of blood. We had to wait for her nose to clot before we could finish flushing.

Her lungs sound clear at this point, all vital signs are normal, she is wiped out and has really nasty clotty boogers.

and a head ache:(.

Vet left at 10:30, I just went out to give her antibiotics and she is alert, but depressed.

So much for getting sleep tonight - sleep is over rated anyway.

Please say a few prayers for my beautiful girl!!!

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Sending jingles and prayers. Give her hugs and keep us posted.

[spacely]

Major jingles!

[Dressage_Diva333]

Jingles!

[dbaygirl]

Awwee...poor baby. I feel her and your pain. I lost a colt to choke. You are so fortunate to have caught her in time. Big hug to your girl. I pray she will be more comfortable soon.

Jan

[Silly Mommy]

As of 3:30am:

She is much perkier and scrounging for food - too bad for her. Some time in the last hour she coughed up a big clot that made her bleed a little bit more, but it is stopped now.

She did voice her opinion about me not bringing her anything to eat, but the cough worries me. It sounds gutteral, like she is just getting rid of the crap from the choke, but every time she coughs, she risks blowing the clot from the damage the tube did when it went askew. I will take her temp in a few hours and hopefully she will be OK in that department.

[Proud To Be Spotted]

Oh no, not "my" baby Val. I remember her birth and perfect markings.

Big jingles.

[Fred]

Sabra, sending prayers, and huge jingles for Val, and hugs for you.

xoxoxox

[not again]

Oooo...I hate choke! Jingles for everyone!

[tntpony]

Jingle. Jingle, Jingle,,,and a prayer too!

[fish]

Jingles from NC.

[3Dogs]

more jingles from NC! Hopefully the cough just a reaction to the NG tube. Choke is so ugh!

[Sugarbrook]

Jingles from Sugarbrook and all the ponies. Hope she is doing better this am. Keep us updated.

[dray]

Jingles for Val!

[VirginiaBred]

SO scary! Prayers from Virginia to you and your girl.

[Fenway]

I hate choke. Augh!
Tons of jingles for beautiful Val!!!!

[witherbee]

Wow - sounds like a nasty choke episode. Poor Val. Sending jingles her (and your) way!

[goodmorning]

Oh no! Sending jingles & hoping everything turns out fine for beautiful Val :yes:

[TrueColours]

Oh no ... poor girl ... :(

Sabra - what did she choke on? Do you know?

The usual culprit is hay cubes but curious if something else caused it in her case ...

[Quinn]

Sabra, sending you many jingles and positive thoughts.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[shea'smom]

Jingles! My mare had a nasty choke episode with lots of blood. It took a while but she recovered fine.

[Tornado Run Farm]

Jingles your way! Hopefully the worst is behind you...

[nsm]

SM, I'm so sorry, that is so scary, sending lots and lots of jingles for Val, and for you--

Nancy

[can't re-]

Jingles Val is continuing to do better this AM.

[Rienzi]

Sending prayers out there for you guys.

[Mythology]

I am so so sorry:o- Fingers crossed for you and her...

[Dawn J-L]

Jingles for Val!

[Home Again Farm]

Sending a zillion jingles for Val!

[Silly Mommy]

The cough is from the clotting blood in the back of her throat where a vessel ruptured during the tubing. Every time it tickles, she coughs risking the clot/scab getting blown off. She only coughs occaisionally. She bled out about 4 litres last night - ick.

Her temp was 101.2 this morning before her Banamine. She is pissed at the world because she doesn't have food.

The vet is coming for ANOTHER sick horse any minute (possible potomic) and will listen to her again. She doesn't seem to be aspirating, just getting the crap out.

Thanks guys, I am going on no sleep and had the farrier here this morning.

Donna - she was being fed in the field Buckeye Growth(in pans on the ground) with the other yearlings. I think the competition got the best of her. The mass was almost at her stomach and very large.

[Louise]

Adding many jingles for Val.

[kookicat]

Sending more jingles!

[grayarabpony]

Poor Val! :( Jingling for her!

[JGHIRETIRE]

Poor girl - hope she's doing better!! Choke is just nasty!!!

[blackstallion]

More Virginia jingles for your gal Val!

[karin@dutchbreeders@aol.com]

Jingles on the way from Pennsylania! Poor girl!
Warmly,
Karin

[Linny]

Lots of jingles for the loverly Val. And hugs for her hu-mom who I'm sure is frantic with worry.

[genevieveg17]

Jingling for Val and the other sick one.
When it rains it pours!

[Silly Mommy]

No kidding Gen!!! Roz looks better now, and she looks to have recovered from monster Austin sucking her down!:lol: Why do the boys always eat her tail (Woody did too)???

To top it off, I pick up my husband from the hospital tomorrow. He has been there a week. It has been like a bad episode of "House" with him starting with an original diagnosis of walking pneumonia a month ago, to todays diagnosis of a bacterial infection in the lungs (which bacteria, they don't know as the lung biopsy results aren't in yet). He is coming home with an oxygen tank in tow and will be out of work for another month --- ugh, he is miserable when he is bored.

Then, my daughter has a stomach bug and was home from school today as well.

I a going to go take a shower and try to wash the bullseye off my back, not to mention that I found blood spray from Val sneezing on me last night, along my hairline just now.:eek:

[onetempies]

Geez louise girl! Here's hoping that things get better for you SOON! Hopefully Val heals up soon with no complications (pneumonia). Big (((HUGS)))

[Silly Mommy]

Oooohhh, forgot the update from the vet visit today.

She sounds really clear in the lung department!:cool:

[Carol Ames]

It's a frightening experience isn't?:eek:? Next time try some gentle massage on the muscles where the choke:yes: is;sometimes a gentle 'lift and release'" will allow it to move down where it belongs;also be sure she has warm water to drink , this time of year horses often drink:eek::no: less due to the temperature change

[Silly Mommy]

Thanks Carol - unfortunately I am familiar with choke, but this one was down in her chest - almost to the stomach.

[Equilibrium]

Silly Mommy and Val,

Many jingles from Ireland. I had one horse choke on me 4 years ago, an ex racehorse, and since then I have never fed another dry feed.

You have so much on your plate right now so extra jingles and hugs for you!

Terri

[Louise]

How's she doing this morning, Sabra?

[JGHIRETIRE]

Geez get rid of that bulls eye!! Take care of yourself too - sounds like you're run just a little ragged!!!

[Proud To Be Spotted]

Still jingling in Texas for Val and Silly Mommy.

[Rienzi]

Still sending out prayers for your whole clan.

[FLIPPED HER HALO]

How is she doing?

[VirginiaBred]

I was thinking about her earlier. Any news?

[Silly Mommy]

She's fine, the other one that got sick Monday had Potomac and we proactively treated for such. She is fine now - we got the results of the blood test on the last day of her treatments.

Thanks for asking.

I am a mess. My husband was in the hospital for a full week with pneumonia from a major bacterial infection in his lungs. It was like a bad episode of "House" until they did a lung biopsy to figure out WHICH bacteria they were dealing with. Long story short, he is an idiot. No really, he is asthmatic, had some issues and was originally diagnosed with walking pneumonia. Had an allergic reaction to the med, felt better though and went on a two day dove hunt in the swamps of GA. Came home, felt bad, went on another antibiotic, felt better, went hunting.... Rinse, repeat.

He came home Tuesday and is basically an invalid hooked to an O2 machine and on a zillion meds. I went out for an hour last night, leaving the child in charge, and came home to him on the floor of the bathroom. He is supposed to get better, but it is going to take a long time for his lungs to heal.

[FlashGordon]

SM, you've sure had your share of bad luck this week. :(

Remember to take care of yourself, in the midst of taking care of everyone else.

I will jingle for you all!!!

Hugs.

[VirginiaBred]

Dang! I'm sorry.

[TKR]

OMG! When it rains it just pours! Prayers and good thoughts and karma to you and yours. Hoping you get a rest and some peace -- maybe a spa treatment and some wine would be in your best interests!
Hoping for the best --
PennyG

[Blacklabs]

Sabra has posted on another BB that her husband died this morning.



I'm so sorry Sabra, sending many prayers to you and your daughter.

[Kenike]

Sabra, I am so very sorry. Seriously, there are no words to convey it to you. My prayers are with you and your little girl. Hugs from afar.....

[grayarabpony]

Oh no, Sabra, I am so very sorry. How terrible. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. :(

[spacely]

:cry: Sabra, I am so very, very sorry. Hugs to you & your daughter.

[HSGF]

Sabra.... I am so very sorry...you and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

OMG Sabra, my heart just breaks for you. :cry: You have my sincerest condolences. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending all of my hugs your way. I am so sorry.

[kookicat]

I'm so sorry. {{huge hugs}}

[fish]

I am also so sorry.

[Galileo1998]

I'm so sorry for your loss Sabra.

[VirginiaBred]

I don't have the right words to say. I'm so extremely sorry. I'll say prayers for you & your daughter.

[lauriep]

Oh, Sabra, my heart breaks for you. I hadn't checked this thread again after you said Val seemed to be on the mend and had no idea til now about your husband. You have my very deepest sympathy. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

[Fred]

dear Sabra,
I am heartbroken for you.
my words are completely inadequate. You are in my thoughts, my prayers and in my heart.
I am so very sorry for you and your incredible loss, and you know you have my heartfelt sympathy.

sending love,
Gail

[quicksilverponies]

Sincerest sympathies for your loss - there are no words to help, but many prayers and warm thoughts going your way. God bless you and your daughter.

[Laurierace]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know God doesn't give us more than we can handle but it sure feels like he overestimates us at times. Hugs to you.

[grayfox]

I'm so sorry for you and your daughter's loss.

[can't re-]

I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family.

[acottongim]

My deepest condolances Sabra. I know nothing will make you feel better during this time, but know that we are all here for you and are thinking/praying for you and your family.

[shea'smom]

I am sending prayers your way. I am so sorry.

[foxhavenfarm]

You have our deepest condolences. So sorry for your loss...

[Angela Freda]

Sabra has posted on another BB that her husband died this morning.

Oh no.
Sympathies from here as well.

[JB]

Oh Dear God Sabra, I cannot believe this news. Cannot. Emoticons be damned, they cannot do justice to the sorrow I feel for you.

[goodmorning]

I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

[CathyKb]

Sabra - I am so so sorry. Prayers for you and your family. My deepest condolences.

[Stacie]

Heartfelt condolences for your loss. You and your daughter are in our thoughts.

[blackstallion]

My deepest sympathy for your family.

[risingstarfarm]

Sabra, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

[Equine Reproduction]

I am so sorry, Sabra. Sometimes I truly hate the ones I love the most. They have the ability to make us hurt more than anyone or anything else... Heartfelt condolences to you and your's.... Godspeed to your husband.

Kathy St.Martin

[Tornado Run Farm]

My deepest sympathy to your and your family.

[Home Again Farm]

I am so very, very sorry. No words are adequate.

[M. O'Connor]

Prayers and sympathy, Sabra--I am so sorry.

[Horsecrazy27]

OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry to hear about this. God Bless your family. Hugs and love from AZ.

[citydog]

I am so very sorry for your loss.

[Dune]

I am SO sorry for your loss. As someone married to a husband with a health issue that doesn't typically follow doctors' orders, I can empathize with your feelings prior to losing him. May the comfort of his memories ease your pain with time. We're thinking and praying for you and your family. :cry::sadsmile:

[Equilibrium]

OMG,

Not the update you want to see. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Terri

[talloaks]

I am so so sorry. Prayers for you and your family. My deepest condolences.

[Quinn]

Sabra, I have no words. Quite simply, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Truly, very very sorry.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[Rienzi]

Oh, no...oh, I am so sorry. :cry: Prayers and tears for you and yours. Sending lots of big warm cyber-hugs.

[Astraled]

Holy cow, I am so sorry. :cry:

[hunt_jumpfl]

I'm so, so sorry...My thoughts are with you and your family.

[BelladonnaLily]

I am so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughter and the rest of your family and friends.

[Linny]

Sabra
You have my deepest sympathy. You and your family are in my prayers.

Jeanne

[Erin Pittman]

I am so sorry, Sabra!!! :cry: I can't imagine what you must be feeling. {{{{{{{{{{{Many warm thoughts and good wishes to you.}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Draygonfyne]

Sabra...my deepest condolences for your loss......:(

[Cinnybren]

Sabra, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. My heartfelt condolences.

[FlashGordon]

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss SM. :( My heart goes out to you and your daughter. My deepest condolences.

Hugs and prayers headed your way.

[ticofuzzy]

I am so very sorry for you and your family......

[Sugarbrook]

What terrible news.All I can say is to take care of yourself now. You are the mom and dad . As one who's husband died at a young age, with one child and pregnant with the next, I do know what you are going thru. Write us when you can.

[Blue Yonder]

May solace somehow find you and your family in such an impossibly sad time.

I'll keep you and your family in my prayers tonight. :-(

[Edgewood]

My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I am so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. My prayers are with you and your family.:sadsmile:

[libgrrl]

That is horrifying.

My thoughts and prayers for your family... :-(

[JanM]

Sabra-my deepest condolences to you and your family. You will be in my prayers.

[Louise]

Oh Sabra! I am so sorry to hear this. My most sincere condolences to you and your family.

[3Dogs]

I am sending all the healing thoughts I can conjure to you and your family, along with my deepest condolences. I am so sorry :cry:

[elizabeth Callahan]

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Elizabeth

[buschkn]

My thought are with you during this awful time. I wish there was something we could do to ease your suffering and that of your family. Just know that we are all thinking of you and are here for you. Jingles and prayers.

[arnika]

This was the first I had seen of this thread.

Sabra, please know you have my very deepest sympathy at this horrible time. I'll be praying for strength for you and your daughter to make it through this darkness and come out into the sun on the other side.

[TrueColours]

Oh Sabra I am so very very sorry ... :cry:

HUGE {{{HUGS}}}

[Silly Mommy]

Thank you all so much. Please NO MORE FOOD!!!! I had to bring in the fridge from the barn because I currently have 8 trays of lasagna, mac n' chz, Fettuccini alfredo, salads, crap I don't even know what is in some of them!

Coffee, choklit, and diet Pepsi don't require a fridge though! ;)

Jaime is still my biggest concern right now - she has her ups and downs, but is handling it with a maturity far beyond her years. She has her therapist on speed dial, the grief counselor has been wonderful, and she has been reaching out to her friends.

I have too much to do right now to not be OK, but I NEED to ride and haven't had a chance to. The farm is fine - I have excellent help and my boarders are great at stepping up and lunging a few here and there.

Tuesday are the services and then hopefully his family will clear out. His parents have been way more needy than I can deal with so I have been sending the grief counselor and the hospital chaplin to their hotel to help them out.

Toto, we aren't in Kansas anymore!!!

[Linny]

My heart breaks for you and Jaime. My brother in law passed at age 36 leaving a 4yo son. That was almost 6 years ago. In fact, my nephew is 10 tomorrow and while it's been very difficult he's a happy thriving young man. (In fact Dawn had more problems with Andy's famiy than her own grief.)

When I saw your post on the FLTAP thread, I had no idea how serious the situation was.

((((((HUGS with Chocolate))))))))

[Proud To Be Spotted]

I'm so sorry,


Please even with everything you have to do, take the time to take your favorite "pony" out for a little ride, to cry, be upset, be angry, and grieve.

[tullyleague]

I am so, so very sorry. :(

[EquineLVR]

What a terrible loss and tragedy.. its very difficult to make sense of things like this. I am so sorry, my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and your daughter. :(

[JB]

Sabra, you are such an amazingly strong person, it's just unbelievable :sadsmile: I've known you through a lot of tough times now, and you never cease to amaze me. I wish there were some words I could offer to Jaime, but I just don't have any. She has a great support group around her, and it sounds like, thankfully, she's not afraid to use it - bravo to her.

[LMH]

Sabra-I just learned of your loss and wanted to offer my support. Your family is in my prayers.

[in_the_zone]

What a terribly sad turn of events. I offer you my most sincere condolences. Bless you and your daughter.

[Peggy]

Many cyberhugs and condolences from the left coast.

Beg, borrow, or steal the time to go for the ride you need so much. A freezer is your friend. You can eventually eat all that food--think how handy it will be when you come home from a long day at the barn.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Hugs to your daughter! I hope she is able to get through this with strength and is able to continue on with her father in her memories to help her carry through.

You, Sabra, PLEASE don't forget to take care of yourself too, in order to be strong for Jamie, you have to take care of yourself as well.

Sending you both some much needed {{{hugs.}}}

We are here for you!

[LockeMeadows]

Sabra, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. After reading this thread, I just started to shake. Mine is not "well" and I woke him up in tears last night just to tell him I love him. I could not imagine what you are going through.

{{{{{Hugs from Virginia}}}}}

[Marydell]

Sabra,

Words cannot express how saddened I am for you.

{{{Hugs}}}

Maryanna Haymon
www.marydellfarm.com

[okggo]

I opened this going to look for your update and expected to see a sad story on another horse injury or something of the like. I just about choked when I read that you lost your husband and find myself with tears in my eyes just at the thought of it. I am so sorry, words just cannot express. Blessings with you and your daughter.

[Fenway]

I am so, so sorry. You and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers.

[WonderPony]

I am so very sorry.

WP

[M.K.Smith]

My condolences.

[AppJumpr08]

Oh I am so very sorry for your loss :(

Huge hugs to you and your daughter, and know that we are all think of you here.

[FriesianX]

Oh no, my condolences. Yikes, it brings so much into perspective, doesn't it. I will send positive thoughts toward healing time for you and your family - if positive thoughts can help, you realize you have many, many, many coming from the members of COTH.

[monstrpony]

OMG, what an awful turn of events! I am so very sorry for your loss; you are in my thoughts.

[msj]

Sabra, you and Jamie have my most sincere sympathy. :( You're a wonderful, strong person and can deal with this a bit easier than Jamie. I can understand what Jamie is going through as I lost my Father when I was 11. It's not easy but she's a good girl and will work through it with your help and that of others. I'm glad to hear the boarders are stepping up the to plate with helping with the horses. Good luck and may the sun shine soon on Wolfden Farms. :)

[MHM]

I just saw this thread. I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

If there is anything I can do for you, anything at all, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

[sixpoundfarm]

SM,
I am so, very sorry for your loss.
My sympathies to you , and your family.

[FairWeather]

there are no words. I'm so very sorry.

[nycjumper]

deepest sympathies Sabra.

[Everythingbutwings]

My heart is breaking for you and your daughter. I haven't the words to tell you how sorry I am to hear of all you are going through.

[sporthorsefilly]

OMG, I am so sorry for you and your daughter, what a terrible tragedy. So very sorry for your loss.

[Fred]

dear Sabra,
I just want you to know you and Jaime are in my heart and in my thoughts.
sending you huge hugs. Don't forget to take care of yourself dear girl.
love,
Gail

[dilligaff2]

Sabra--I just saw this on the new Boogerboard.

Please take care of yourself and do what you need to do.

Brenda (Aka Cajunblue)

[loshad]

I'm so terribly sorry to hear about your husband. Deepest condolences.

[amdfarm]

Sabra, I'm sooo so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I have been there w/ a non-compliant husband. I became a widow at 35, our son was 8 and step-daughter was 18 going on 19 living on her own w/ her boyfriend and gearing up to start a family of her own. We made it through and I was a grandma at 36. Fortunately I didn't have any inlaws to deal w/, as his parents died very young. But the support from family, friends and neighbors was overwhelming.

Thoughts and prayers are w/ you and Jaime.

Take care of yourself!!

(((HUGS)))

[Trixie]

I'm very very sorry to hear about this, my condolences to you and your family.

[Invite]

I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. Try to stay strong. You are in my prayers.

[JGHIRETIRE]

I'm so so sorry to hear about your husband. {{HUGS}} for you and your daughter.

[pintopiaffe]

Sabra, thoughts and prayers...

they are not nearly enough, but all we can do.

[cottagefarm]

My condolences to you and your daughter.

Hugs and prayers

[Dawn J-L]

My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you and your daughter.

[jodyb]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[onetempies]

OMG Sabra! I'm so sorry to hear about this! You guys are in my thoughts during this time.
(((HUGS)))

[ponygrl]

Sabra and Jamie, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

I wish the best for both of you.

[Fairview Horse Center]

Sabra, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter.

My husband lost his dad at 12, and I lost mine just a few years older. I couldn't seem to figure out why everyone else's life was marching on, when mine had come to a crashing halt. It is a rough time and sadness takes over you at very uinexpected situations for a long time. It sounds like you have a super group around you. You will need to draw on their help and strength until you know that he is still there for you, and if you listen very close, you will still be able to hear him answer.

[BasqueMom]

I am so sorry to hear this--much sympathy to you and your daughter.

[skatepixie]

Sabra and Jamie-

I'm so, so, so sorry to hear this horrible news. May God bless and keep you both.

-Rosie

[sa11yb]

Sabra, I am so sorry for your loss.

[BBowen]

Words cannot express how sorry I was to hear about your husband. I know that as you struggle to make sense of everything there is little comfort through your grief. Please know that you and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find strength and solice in family and friends including your cyber family from COTH.

[Iron Horse Farm]

Please know that you and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find strength and solice in family and friends including your cyber family from COTH.

Ditto. I can only add my condolences.

[copper bay farm]

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Many heartfelt {{{{hugs}}}}}. :(

[pcwertb]

I am so sorry to hear of your and your daughter's loss. Heartbreaking for you. I know you will be strong and pull through, you are living my worst nightmare. Hugs and prayers for you both.

[DMK]

Sabra, I'm so sorry, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones...

[Ride'emCO]

Oh SM I am so sorry for your loss. You and your daughter are in my prayers.

[MagicRoseFarm]

Sabra, it was quite a shock to come late to the thread and find this news. I am very sorry for your loss, many prayers for you and your daughter. Do not be afraid to reach out for anything you need.

[BeastieSlave]

I hadn't checked the thread in a while and wondered why there were suddenly so many posts......

Sabra, I'm so sorry. {{{{HUGS}}}} I wish there was something I could say that would help. Please know you and your daughter are in my thoughts. Hang in there :sadsmile:

[appaloosalady]

Deepest sympathy for you and your daughter.

[graystonefarm]

OMG. I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[ahf]

Sabra, Sabra my dear. I am blown apart by this news. All I can offer is a willing and sympathetic ear when you are alone with time to think.

I can all to well imagine everything you are going through. Please don't hesitate to call if you just want someone to listen while you rage against the injustice.

Truly - my thoughts are with you - and as the Quakers would say - "I am holding you in the light"

Kate

[clearound]

Sabra - I'm so sorry...My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

[Silly Mommy]

Rough day-

After the services, I sent my daughter with her cousins to their hotel to play in the pool and had a few friends come over to hang out. Once they were sure I was OK, they had to get back to their lives and left - I was pretty OK. Very overwhelmed by the number of people in attendance, my back was sore from standing in heels for so long, and was planning to take a nap.

I snuck down to the basement for a smoke, and found myself wishing Mandarin was still around - that was a bad place for me to go. Mandy was my solace when things were bad - I spent hundreds of hours in his stall when he was alive.. He always listened and understood.

My husband always said that when I lost Mandarin, I took it harder than when I would loose him. Not true, just as devastating, but a very different loss.

Jaime just got home and I need to go spend some time with her. I still have way too much to do to get my life in order to fall apart yet, but it started getting "real" much earlier tday before the services.

Thank you all for your support.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Bigs hugs Sabra, BBBIIIIGGGGG hugs.

[sprucie]

I am so sorry for your loss! I know exactly what you are going through having lost my husband suddenly about 16 months ago. If you need to talk, please feel free to email or pm me. ((((Sabra))))

[hansiska]

Be strong and lean on those horses when you need to. Big hugs to you from Connecticut.

How is your horse that was sick?

Kendra

[javma]

Sabra, I have been following your thread, and thinking of you and your daughter every day. Please know that there are many of us who have never met you, but are praying for you and your daughter during this very difficult time. My condolences, and wishes for healing for both of you.

[Daydream Believer]

I somehow missed this until now. I'm so sorry to read this. My condolences to both you and your daughter and my prayers also for you to get through this time. I cannot imagine what you are going through.

[ShowjumpersUSA]

I'm just catching up with this thread and am stunned at what has happened. Sabra, you and Jamie have my sincere condolences. I can only imagine the grief you and your precious daughter are experiencing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.


Bonnie

[ilikridn]

I just started reading this thread because I had a horse choke this weekend. I could not believe the terrible turn this thread took.

Silly Mommy, I am so sorry for your loss.

[clint]

I just caught up on this thread, and read your devastating news. I'm so, so sorry; my heart goes out to you and Jamie. I can't imagine how hard this would be. It is something I only allow myself to think about in the dark of night.

[Lesley Feakins]

Just checked in on this thread and didn't expect to read this....Silly Mommy, no words are adequate to express how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your husband. You and your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself.

[dray]

Sabre,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry. I know there are no words right now to express your feeling of loss.

May God pour his love upon you all at this time so that you will find grace and peace.

Donna Ray