Friendships - the very best kind of gift

     Many years ago I bought a young miniature horse from a lovely woman who became a dear friend. We spent years together driving our horses in carts through the woods in Old Lyme near her farm, and visiting nursing homes and rehab facilities from time to time with our mini's. It was very uplifting to be in the presence of "C", she was and is at 90 still a force to be reckoned with, a real spitfire, a hardy New Englander, and as honest and compassionate as they come.

     When the time came for C and her beloved husband to retire from their horse farm, she gifted me with her beautiful black and white paint driving mare, Lacey. It was a heartbreaking thing, letting go of that part of the life she loved, and as usual she did it with stoic grace. Lacey has been with me (and her side kick Coady) ever since. C's journey continued to the sunshine state, and then back here to be near family, where she and her husband moved into an assisted living community to get the care he needed.  He passed recently, and the loss has been particularly hard on her.  C is an example of nine decades of a life full of adventure and love and hard work and compassion and caring for people, animals and for the environment. One of those people you know you're lucky to call "friend".

     Last weekend two other people I am lucky to call friends took time out of their busy schedule to haul my mini horses, and help me reunite C with her beloved horse, Lacey, for a visit. It was chilly outside but our hearts were warmed by the big smiles and happy tears to witness the reunion.

     Thank you  to my two dear friends for your big hearts, your generosity of time and effort and caring - a Christmas Wish granted. And Thank you, C, for teaching valuable life lessons without ever intending it, leading the way in all our "mini" adventures, and showing us all what a life well lived looks like.