Forever in our hearts...sweet Caramel!

It has taken me many, many days to find the words and through much prayer and sadness, deal with this loss as we continue to grieve.

In the midst of our first fall storm, winds sustained at 25mph with gusts up to 40mph, winds that quickly carried our beloved Caramel to heaven. It was with much unexpected sadness that we found her having passed and deep sorrow and agonizing tears, we laid her to rest. The days that followed brought us cold rain turning to snow and gloomy skies that matched the pain of our loss.

Sweet Caramel came to us fresh off the Navajo reservation in March of this year along with another mare we named Kiotai. Caramel was heavy in foal and Kiotai had a foal born that morning at her side. Both mares underweight and needing extra care. We named her Caramel because of the beautiful golden coloring around her muzzle and tummy.

Caramel and I spent a lot of time together before she foaled.  She put on weight both from good food and a growing baby yet to be born.  One of my favorite pleasures and hers too, was daily massages to ease her discomfort. It got to the point where I would start rubbing and she would just move her body under my hands to the area she wanted massaged. The two of us had a very loving and special bond.

It was exciting and nerve racking as we waited for her to give birth. Checking all the signs of impending birth throughout the days and nights.  Finally the early morning of April 26th, during our worst spring storm she quietly gave birth to a colt that looked exactly like her. We named him Avery and now we had two moms with healthy babies only 6 weeks apart. So blessed.

Caramel was a good mom, if a little over protective.  We recently started weaning the boys from their moms on a gradual basis.  Separating them for longer and longer periods of time a rather stress free way to have them all take the next step in growing up. The picture below shows them sleeping while the colts are in the other pasture with Liam to keep them company.

Caramel and Kiotai sleeping

No interest in carrots, apples or other treats. Probably so foreign from the grasses they grazed out on the reservation. Caramel had put on good weight and was very healthy not to mention beautiful. What joy to watch the moms and foals run across the pastures with their tails and heads up high, whinnying all the way.  Poetry in motion.

God has his own plans for all of us and each day we get is a gift to be treasured. Caramel was truly a gift...a gentle soul with a humble heart. Our hearts ache with her loss.

Caramel, I look to the heavens and see your beams shining down and know you are at peace. I miss you so much already and tears continue to fall.

You are in my heart forever.