One last post for this morning. Thought since Black had two, I should give you all another Cochise. Fair is fair (except when it isn’t!) This post was originally published May 4, 2010. Sweet little Jayna survived her surgery and is thriving.
I think you’d agree this is a pretty special way to start our 2010 season. Here, a post from a Caring Bridge website used to keep family and friends updated on the upcoming heart surgery of Jayna, a precious little girl. (I’m sure hoping mom Kristi is fine with me using this. I think she believes the more prayers, the better.)
Jayna and her siblings went to Galloping Grace Youth Ranch this morning. They were able to ride horses, help scoop horse poop, and play around a while. Jayna was also able to spend some time visting with her “Heart Friend,” Cowboy Max.
Last Fall, when Jayna was going through a series of medical tests to prove to her doctors that it was time for her next surgery, Jayna told me she was praying for a “Heart Friend.” She wanted to know that there was someone else in the world who understood what she was going through. My first thought was to contact the heart clinic to see about meeting another patient…..
Max Wade, and his wife, Michelle, are the owners of Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. We first met them at their pumpkin stand fundraiser for the ranch. They had horses there, and Max was able to win Jayna’s trust and help her overcome her fear of heights to be able to sit in the saddle on a horse. We later learned that Max has gone through open-heart surgery to replace a valve, just over a year ago. I was able to show Jayna some pictures of his experience, that Michelle has posted on her blog. Jayna is thrilled to know someone who has walked in her shoes before.
Jayna has a “Heart Friend” now….and he has horses! How cool is that?! Jayna even enjoyed scooping the horse poop. She said it was a dream come true. She then said that all of her dreams always come true. The ranch volunteer told Jayna that she must have some pretty realistic dreams.
Big Sister Alexiah begs for a horse of her own, but did not enjoy the poop scooping near as much. She has now decided that if she ever gets a horse, she will hire Jayna to scoop its poop.
I am so thankful that Galloping Grace Youth Ranch was willing to fit Jayna into their schedule, so that she could ride a horse before her surgery. Recovery may prevent her from riding any more this season, but later this summer, she will be able to go out and visit the ranch, the horses, and her “Heart Friend,” Cowboy Max.
Pretty precious, huh?
A few pictures I snapped of Max, Jayna, and Cochise bonding.
Max showing her the ropes.
Cochise needed a little drink off the barrel.
Jayna has surgery May 14. Pray away–she’s a precious little girl.
I remember that day. Thats how I will remember Cochise. I’m so very sad..
Its been so very hard to lose so many wonderful and beautiful creatures this year alone at the ranch..Especially the ones considered as favorites..I know all to well the loss you are all feeling. I feel for your sadness, especially the kids..It is the most unselfish and hardest decision for one to make…Thank you Max and Michelle for the grace you showed for doing the right thing and not having them live in bodies that were in so much pain..Because that is not living at all..I know Serenity will be so happy to see Cochise again..Heaven is a much better place with them there..Continued prayers and blessings to your family.
Oh! Wow! This post was so beautiful and so sweet, and really takes me back. That Cochise—what a horse!
As I mentioned in Black’s post, there is a special place in heaven for horses and I know Cochise is running wild and free – chasing all the mares in heaven.
Dan