Zac volunteered with us several years ago. He came with his sister and his mother.  It wasn’t his thing at first but he jumped into it like he did everything else in life, with everything he had.

He was so small his first day here, he struggled to lift the heavy water buckets. But he put his all into it; making quite sure each bucket was properly scrubbed and filled. We joked about the day he would become “farm strong.”

And he did. It wasn’t long before he could hoist a bucket like a pro. He would complete the assigned chores and ask for more.

Eventually, he brought a friend to the farm. I watched as he showed his buddy the merits of barn work. I watched as he explained, in a soft voice, that horses are sensitive and have the ability to understand when a human heart needs to be touched with love. I did not know his friend’s circumstance but could easily see that Zac wanted his friend to feel the power of love. And I watched as he touched one of the ladies, with awe in his eyes, with so much compassion that my heart burst. Each horse he spoke to or touched responded with love.

I remembered being amazed at his tender soul.

Years passed and we didn’t see Zac very often. But, as life in a small community goes, we are all connected. My son in law, Jake, is and has been very close with Zac’s family most of his life. His sister, Jo, is Zac’s best friend.  We saw Zac’s parents often in and about our social lives. They are friends we may not see daily but it’s always good when we get together.

So, it wasn’t difficult to keep up with Zac. He loved his time in the Jr ROTC. He kept friends and family laughing. His beaming smile at Prom and his positive energy were plastered all over Facebook. He graduated from high school with pride and had plans for an adventurous life.

Then, in a moment of utter despair,  a single moment, he took his own life.

We wish we had one more moment. We wish so much we had known Zac needed us… because he was there when we needed him. But we didn’t know. No one knew.

So many wishes. None of which matter now.

I will always remember Zac’s voice, talking quietly to the mares. I can still see Arc Bar Miss lean into his soft hands as he reassured her that all was well in her world. I will remember his brilliant smile as he lifted a water bucket with ease and the way he explained to his friend that each horse has her own personality.

I know our heavenly herd greeted Zac. And I know he was carried into Heaven with true horse power.

I bet he has already scrubbed the water buckets and whispered our love to them.

Some souls are too kind for this world; some hearts are just too tender and simply can not survive.

Zac was like that. Kind, compassionate and  unbelievably sensitive.

I am again reminded of the words from Mims in the dream that changed my life: “The veil between this world and the next is very thin…”

Godspeed, Zac. Fly on the wind. Your time on the Earth was only short because you already earned your wings.

Prayers for the broken hearts left behind, including my own.

We are grateful for our many friends.

Blue Viking is especially thankful for the kindness each of you bestow.

Missy White Oak is grateful for that, too, because as long as Blue is happy, the barn is happy.

Elmhurst says the cool weather makes him extra joyful! He is so happy he is unable to contain himself. (And apologizes in advance for any trouble this might cause)

Jo Jo is grateful for life. She reminds us all to never give up. No matter how bad things may seem, love is just around the corner.

Dogwood Patty and Exciting Bucket are thankful for their families. Nothing matters more than knowing you are loved.

Ms. Royal Flagship is thankful for her new pretty blanket. It fits just right and just the style she was hoping for.

Trail Guide is thankful for friends. She understands the power of love can bring someone out of darkness and make them want to celebrate.

Play Book can’t believe she is so lucky! Happiness abounds!

Braggin Rights looks back at the last year in awe. She wants you to know you are cherished.

We are all still on cloud nine over our film, ONE DAY and all the incredible people who worked so hard to make it happen.

We hope each of you have a wonderful day.

If you're reading this blog (and, obviously, you are), we'd like to know about it.

Is it important for Jeanne to let you know some of the day-to-day stories of the horses and people involved with the Haven? Would you like to hear more? Hear less? Find out something different about us?

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A lady with attitude

Taba died yesterday. She was 32 years old, and had lived at my friend Jeanne Mirabito's farm since late last fall. Taba was champion 2 year old filly in her native Argentina. She was the dam of 1986 Champion Older Male Turkoman, and the grand-dam of 2001 Horse of the Year Point Given.

I met Taba on a gray day in late November at the Our Mims Retirement Haven, Jeanne's farm for retired broodmares. She was very much a grande dame. Imperious. Elegant. And she knew very much her own mind, and didn't mind giving you a piece of it. The most striking instance came when the name Point Given came up in conversation.

Taba's ears went back. Her head jutted forward. And if you weren't careful, she came damn closing to taking a chunk out of you for even mentioning that name in her presence.

Why? Who knows? It could be because she felt that Point Given was undeservedly more famous than she. It could be that she had not forgiven him for not winning the Kentucky Derby in 2001. Sorry, Taba, but nobody was going to beat Monarchos that day. All we know for sure is that you did not mention Point Given in her presence… or, more precisely, within striking distance. Because she would do her level best to nail you.

Taba even knew when you were _thinking_ the name Point Given.

Taba was donated to the Our Mims Retirement Haven by Olin Gentry. But she was owned by Gaines-Gentry Thoroughbreds. And Taba died on the same day as John Gaines.

Jeanne is one of those people whom it is a privilege to know. Her farm is basically a hospice for elderly broodmares. She takes them in, cares for them, loves them, knowing her heart will be broken. That is a kind of courage, of gallantry, we don't see all that often.

Taba was a fortunate lady, as are the other mares residing at Our Mims Retirement Haven. To learn more about OMRH, about Our Mims, the mare who started it all, about Jeanne Mirabito, and to learn how you can help, visit www.ourmims.org.