A Christmas Prayer - To Annie: may you now run free in the pastures of Heaven

This Horse of Mine

"I'll lend you, for a while, a horse of Mine," God said, "for you to love while she lives, and mourn when she is dead.

It may be six or seven years, or maybe twenty-three, but will you, till I call her back, take care of her for Me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief, you'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, as all from Earth return, but there are lessons taught down there, I want this horse to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true, from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I've selected you.

Now will you give her all your love - not think this labor vain?

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, thy will be done. For all the joy this horse shall bring, the risk of grief I'll run. I'll shower her with tenderness and love while I may, and for the happiness I've known, forever grateful stay.

And should the angels call for her much sooner than I planned,

I'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand."

~Author unknown~

Me and Annie at Pilchuck Vet Hospital -

She was only 5 years old when God called her home