Cenizo Journal Fall 2013 | Page 27

My part of their journey was over and I was passing the baton to Connie. It was time for them to fly and grow and feel love from her. Bittersweet is an understatement, with all the nights we spent with headlights on, pulling them up as their frail bodies wanted to give up, volunteers helping day and night, getting their heads together and their bodies, moving toward the moment when we could hug them and they would hug back, it was a journey, one I will never forget, nor will anyone who has been along for this wild ride since day one. Willow and Jules now live in my home state of Iowa, where rainbows bend over their pic- turesque red barn and green grass blows gen- tly in the wind. Where the wind is explained, nickers are loud and proud, and hearts are still being healed. Most of all, horses found their heads, their hearts, and peace on this path from our barn to hers. For that, we are forev- er grateful. Our work here is daily and endless, but worth it. This past spring we gathered togeth- er and made prayer ties to honor the ones who had died. Their bones are under an old oak tree here at our ranch. Children, volunteers, and neighbors joined us to honor the little souls who lost the fight but died here in love. There is a swing in the tree now and I often find myself sitting in the morning and just swinging. I swing for them; I swing for me, always with a view of a herd that made it. Since their deaths in September of 2011, every September yellow wild flowers spring up under the old oak tree where they are laid to rest and make a run to the little mountain and over the hills here. I like to think it is the babies running free. This year I will swing in yellow wildflowers and remember them all, like I will every year and for the rest of my life. Much love goes to Joanna Barnett, Georgia Waller and Carla Lowry who were my strength, help, and always had my back. From day one they came and helped me with the herd. Both are amazing women whom I couldn’t have done this without. To date we have found homes for all but six of the 19 horses. Jules is named after a dear friend, Juliana Johnson, whose spirit and love of life is a blessed gift to the herd. To learn more about the horses at Firelight South Ranch or to adopt /sponsor one of our beautiful horses in need, email Wallerrachael@yahoo.com or visit our Facebook page: Firelight South Ranch. Rachael’s fine art photography can be found at: RachaelWallerPhotography. smugmug.com and at Kiowa Gallery in Alpine Texas. All proceeds from sales go to the horses in need at her ranch. Radio f or a Wide Range Serving F ar W es t T e x as a t 9 3.5 FM Bec ome a member a t www . marf apublicr adio . or g or 1-800-90 3-KR T S D AVIS M OUNTAINS N UT C OMPANY Needleworks, Etc. Roasted and Dipped Pecans Ladies Fine Clothing You can taste the difference care makes! Peggy Walker, Owner Please stop in for FREE SAMPLES Hwy 17 in Fort Davis • Open: Mon. - Sat. 9 to 5 Great handmade gourmet gifts! Visit us on the web: www.allpecans.com Flax ˜ Brighton ˜ Tribal ˜ Double D And other speciality brands 121 West Holland • Alpine • 432/837-3085 120 South Cedar • Pecos • 432/445-9313 M-F 10 am ‘til 6 pm • Sat. 10 am ‘til 4 pm 800-895-2101 • 432-426-2101 dmnc@allpecans.com Cenizo Fourth Quarter 2013 27