John and I were walking home from school. The snow banks beside the road had dwindled down to sad dirty piles. The melting snow created a creek in what was usually an empty ditch. As we dawdled along watching the water and floating twigs in the stream we heard a horse and buggy approaching.
When we looked up we were surprised to see Mom driving Jim. She stopped beside us and we climbed on the buggy wondering where we were going to, since a ride home from school was unheard of unless it was raining.
It didn't take long for us to notice that Mom seemed sad. When we asked her what was wrong she said a man was coming by that evening to buy Jim, and that she had wanted to drive him for one last time yet before he left us.
John and I weren't happy to hear that we would have to sell Jim. Mom assured us he was going to go to a good home and that he deserved to spend the rest of his life in a nice place where he would no longer have to pull our heavy buggy up and down those long hills.
Once we got home Daddy came out of the shop to unhitch Jim. Mom stood there stroking Jim and talking to him for a long time and then turned to go to the house. Her cheeks looked wet from tears and that was the last straw for me. The sobs I had been trying to choke back came. I went to pat Jim's velvety nose and tell him good-bye. He had been our faithful horse ever since I could remember and the thought that he would no longer be in the barn or out in his pasture to welcome us with his gentle whinny was almost more than I could bear to think about.
I went to the house to help Mom prepare supper. After we had eaten we heard a truck and trailer pull into the driveway. Daddy went outside to help load Jim. When he came back inside we got ready for bed.
The following days seemed a little sad when ever we went to the barn and saw Jim's stall with out Jim there waiting for us. Several weeks later we got a picture in the mail of Jim in a nice green pasture. He looked happy and it made me feel a lot better to know that he really was doing fine.
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I know how hard it is to say good-bye to a pet, even if they don't die. We had a little dog our first year of marriage and my husband's allergies were awful with it. We had to give the pup away and we had had her since she was itty bitty. I kept thinking she would be confused and think we didn't love her ~ of course I know animals don't think like we do, but it's still hard not to think that way. We had a lot of tears, too. I'm glad Jim was happy!! That makes me happy ~ ♥
ReplyDeleteOh, how sad. Animals do have acute feelings, and I'm sure Jim missed you, too. But at least he was going to have an easier life at his new place. I bet he was a handsome horse.
ReplyDeleteyour stories are so captivating!
ReplyDeleteThat was a bit sad...but with a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteIt's always so sad to loose an animal be it they move to another home or die. Glad he was enjoying his new green pastures. So sweet they sent a picture of him to you.
ReplyDeleteyou brought tears to my eyes...I love God's creatures that he has made so special for us...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Jim went to a Happy and restful place...But so sad to know his place is empty in the stall...what a good life he had with you all and you have those wonderful memories.
Thank you for stopping by...
Blessings..
HOPE
What a wonderful sad story. It is hard to let go of our friends whether they are pets or people. Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us!
ReplyDeleteUntil next time... nel
I like the stories with the happy endings. How nice that the new owner sent a picture of happy Jim.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Life By George and leaving a comment!
I look forward to visiting your blog often!
Happy day to you.
Liesa
What a delightful break you've given me during my (previously covered in vasoline) babe's naptime! I've bookmarked your blog and will be certain to come back.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my madness :)
apryl
Dear Mary Ann I'm deeply moved by your story. It helped me remember when our cow has been sold too, and brought in a big truck (a big pick up by these days) when I was about seven years old. And it was only a cow! You tell this memory with so much tenderness for your old Jim, I'm even glad with you when you've seen a picture of him, happy in a green field so many years ago :)
ReplyDeleteI remember Minnie, our faithful driving horse. After her years of service, she could no longer take us on buggy rides. None of us could part with her so she spent her last year or days in the pasture or barn, until one morning Dad came in and told us Minnie had died during the night. It was hard to part with her.
ReplyDeleteI feel the sorrow of saying goodbye to a friend in this one. Thanks for this story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog! I really have enjoyed reading and checking yours out too! I am very fond of Amish foods, and visit Lancaster, PA at least 5-10 times a year. I have been going since I was a young girl. I love all your recipes too...looking forward to reading more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness!! You nearly had me crying while I read this story. I can't imagine having to go through that as a child. Several years ago I had to let a little dog go that I dearly loved and I still miss her. I made sure she had a good home but I truly wish I had been able to keep her.
ReplyDeleteIt was so kind of Jim's new owners to send you a picture of him in the pasture.
Thanks for stopping by.Glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how hard this must have been! It was so good of Jim's new owner to send you this photo! Did you ever get to visit him?
ReplyDeleteReminiscent of a favorite James Herriot story of old John Skipton and his retired carthorses Bonnie and Dolly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful shaping story of your past!
Such a sweet, tender story. Thank you for sharing it. Your writing makes me feel like I am there. Beautiful. Thank you for stopping by to visit my blog.
ReplyDeletesmiles,
Wendy
When I was 9, we sold my pony "Velvet" to get my big horse "Mollie". At the time, I was just excited to be getting a real horse, but now when I think back and see pictures, I miss her more than I did then. That pony put up with a lot from us! Thanks for visiting my blog - come back again!
ReplyDeleteGreat little story.
ReplyDeleteCome back when you can.
I am so fond of animals. Can't help feeling a little sad then happy from your story.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on my chocolate giveaway.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the contest. :) I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through your wonderful stories!
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like the love of an animal. It's always sad seeing them go, whether they're going to pearly gates or greener pastures, but it's a comfort to know that they are in good hands.
ReplyDeleteYour stories always pluck my heartstrings. I would like to give you a shout out on my blog. I'll let you know when it's ready for viewing. Take care!
I'm all done now. Please come over when you get a moment.
ReplyDeleteI came to visit from Miti's site. I'm glad I did. This was a very good post. I remember when we moved into town and we had to give away a dog we all loved so much. But she was miserable having to stay in a pen after roaming free in the country all her life. My dad found a home not far from where we had lived and gave her to the owners there. It was hard, but it was the best thing for her.
ReplyDeleteSad but yet very nice to get a picture and see that Jim is happy. I enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks for stopping by mine!
ReplyDeleteHow nice of the new owner to send your family a picture of Jim's green pasture. That would make me feel better, too.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a horse we had and his name was Peanut. He was a strongbuilt horse,and a good horse but some times very self willed. But he went to a good home .Every so often we get to see pictures of him.
ReplyDelete