Message from Gail Sharp
January 2024
On Christmas Eve, my miniature horse, Flicka, had emergency surgery to remove a basketball sized impaction in her colon due to colic. Obviously not the way I had hoped to celebrate the joys of the holidays, it was terrible for her, frightening for me and for all who love her (and that's a lot of folks!), and not so much fun for the surgical team that was called in to work at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
While these talented, dedicated veterinarians worked, I was reminded of the many other people who give their holidays, nights, birthdays, anniversaries to serve the rest of us by keeping hospitals running, streets and cities safe, planes flying, even movie theaters open to entertain us on Christmas day. How easy it is to take them for granted. And, not having had an "ideal" holiday personally, I was able to reflect and give prayers of support for those thousands of people like me who were not
enjoying a holiday of delight. On Christmas Eve, my miniature horse, Flicka, had emergency surgery to remove a basketball sized impaction in her colon due to colic. Obviously not the way I had hoped to celebrate the joys of the holidays, it was terrible for her, frightening for me and for all who love her (and that's a lot of folks!), and not so much fun for the surgical team that was called in to work at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
While these talented, dedicated veterinarians worked, I was reminded of the many other people who give their holidays, nights, birthdays, anniversaries to serve the rest of us by keeping hospitals running, streets and cities safe, planes flying, even movie theaters open to entertain us on Christmas day. How easy it is to take them for granted. And, not having had an "ideal" holiday personally, I was able to reflect and give prayers of support for those thousands of people like me who were not
enjoying a holiday of delight. Hopefully, the experience of tough times comes with the gift of compassion for others' struggling.
I am hoping that by the time you read this, Flicka will be home. For those of you who have experienced having a horse in the hospital, I'm sure you can relate. She's been getting round-the-clock care in an ICU for the past week and I'll be working and working for many, many years to pay my bill!! 😊
As 2023 ends, with its joys and heartaches, I thank the universe for my blessings and even for my challenges, as it's through them that I grow and learn. I hope you were gifted with a joyful, peaceful holiday season, and if not, that you can grieve, and then move on to a hopeful, healthy, peaceful 2024. Thank you for your friendship!
Gail Sharp is the owner of TallGrass Spa and Salon. Email her at sharpgail@aol.com .
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