I logged in today to make an addition to the blog that weighs very heavy on my heart and mind, Less than 2 hours ago we received a call from a friend that CG Colonel Jac (Howie) had passed away last night from a brain aneurysm. I can't even describe the feeling of grief that I have for the loss. If you recall I had made a post about him almost a year ago to this day. Howie was a bigger part of who I am than most people know.
He taught me most everything I know about riding. I learned all the basics while on the back of the "Big Yellow Bus" walk, trot, canter, stops, turns, and spins. He taught me about balance and posture and how not to hold the reins. While I can tell you I don't think he was ever real happy to be a part of my learning experiences. I can also say he never grumbled, buck, snorted, or caused a fuss. Howard just went through the motions telling you when you did something wrong and never getting out of hand. He was one of the favorites in the barn and everyone knew him as a gentle giant with a somewhat sour attitude. He always had a half cocked head due to an injury and he would greet anyone at his stall door with his head tilted and his ears laid back. Sort of the look a grumpy old granfather gives his grandkids before he picks them up and throws them in the air to catch them in gleeful play.
For as much as I learned while riding Howie, he taught me one lesson in my life that is more important than anything I ever have or ever will learn.
He taught me that if you find something that you want out of your life then you should go for it balls out and don't hold back.
It may be a struggle to get what you want, it may not be easy, and there will be days that you don't want to do it. But you don't have to like it you just have to do it.
Howie also helped pave the way for a wonderful future that I will have with my bride to be Jennifer. Howie provided a common ground that we both enjoy and that has helped bring Jen and I together, helping mend us together as a family. He gave us a place to stop and step back from the everyday chaos, a place to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend on a Saturday morning. For that alone I will be in debt to him for all of my life.
Wherever you are Howie
I will miss you!
3 comments:
So sad for your great loss. Reiki sent for Howie's journey over the Rainbow Bridge. {{{HUGS}}}
It's never easy, but that was a good way to go..fast. Farewell, Howie. He sounds like a couple of my favourite old horses here.
He will be missed... sorely missed.
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