Factor Is Gone Now, Too ...

Mark and Factor, just after Mark recovered from s stroke in 2017

For those who haven't heard yet, we had to emergency-call the vet for Mark's horse, Far Factor ("Factor"), and have him put down.  

When Mark fed him at 5, he appeared weak. He came home and asked the couple that took care of him when we went away for the weekend, to call us when they arrived at 6 to let us know how he was doing.

They sent us a video, because at this point, he began strangely spinning around and falling.

The vet said he had progressive neurological issues that would only get worse. We'd noticed he'd been weaker the past couple of days, today seemingly worse, and then an hour later, he was spinning and falling.

Factor was 27 years old, a good long happy life for a horse - and Mark took excellent, excellent care of him.

God, he was an absolute beauty with the gentlest eyes and a playful soul.

I know it's probably just coincidence, but with the timing, you have to wonder, did he know Brookie was gone?

They had been the best of friends, running in the fields together, and she suddenly just wasn't there anymore. 

I know that's stupid and trying to find meaning when there is none.

Regardless, I like to imagine them running together again in green fields, with Snuggy in tow, all pain-free, young, strong and beautiful again.

I had never seen a horse put down and was absolutely terrified, as the vet warned us how this could go, but was determined to be brave for my husband - as this is two major losses now for him in a month - Brookie and Factor, both of whom he's had longer than me.

However, Factor just quietly laid down, Mark put Factor's head in his lap, I looked directly in Factor's eyes and gently sang to him, as he always liked, petting him and thanking him for being such a good boy - and then he just peacefully went to sleep.

Please keep sending those thoughts and prayers to Mark, he needs them now more than ever - they are much appreciated.

Thank you to all who have already.

God, if you're there, and if you care, hold him up, Lord, please. Hold him up ,,,