Reality Check

Karissa has been taking riding lessons for years.  We started at the big red barn, followed to Whispering Meadows and now in Veneta.  We've graduated from Mariah, the world's greatest Shetland pony (may she rest in peace) to Tiera, and now on to the big horses.  Lori and Aimee were there every step of the way.  At first, Aimee was mostly in the back ground, mucking stalls or training other horses, but over time, she became more involved with lessons.  Karissa would have a great lesson whether it was Aimee or Lori, or both together-- a bonus.

The Monday before my surgery at lessons we OOOHHHed and AAAHHHed over Aimee's engagement ring.  We talked about the wedding venues they had looked at.  Excitement radiated all around.

While I was hospitalized, and even after I was home, Lori made two 30 mile round trips every Monday. She picked Karissa up from school,  drove her to their house, gave her a snack, taught her lesson, found something productive for her to do during the next lesson, fed her dinner, did her homework, and delivered her back to either Angie or I. Lori, Stan, and Aimee are the kind of friends anyone would be blessed to have.

This morning there was a text that there were no lessons because Aimee had been in an accident.  When I went to Facebook, the news was already there.  Aimee, beautiful Aimee who had such a way with horses, was gone.  The fatal accident on the 126 this morning, that was her.

I can scarcely imagine anyone deserving this, but I also can not think of anyone who deserves this less than this family.  In addition to all of the other wonderful things they do, they run HALO.   Lori lost her father as a young teen and HALO helps girls who have lost a parent deal with their grief.  I have no idea how Stan and Lori will process this grief.

When the police brought Aimee's belongings from her car, there was the book she was reading, Heaven is for Real.  It sucks the wind right out of you.

Sore feeding tube sites and difficulties talking are irrelevant.  Take this as a powerful reminder to hug your loved ones an extra time and don't keep love for special occasions.  I have no doubts that Aimee is in a heaven filled with horses, but a prayer or thought for her family and friends grieving for her here on Earth would be greatly appreciated.