Apr. 10, 2009 - The Phone Call
It was a normal spring day. The sun was shining and the my brother and sisters had ridden the horses over to a neighbor's house to play for the afternoon.
I had been reading and had gone into another room to do something when music started blaring from our phone. Now our phone has a very distinct ring my dad had programed a couple of our favorite songs into it and when it rings after playing a few bars of music, it will say the name of who ever is showing up on the caller ID. Today it started playing the music and then it said our neighbors' last name (the very neighbors my siblings were playing at).
I thought "Oh no, they 're calling because they want to eat over or something....and Mom will say no because she has dinner pretty much made already"
I walked into the living room where Mom was standing holding the phone.
"Go tell Dad to get the trailer. He's going to have to get Jet. They said that he can't walk."
Immediately my heart sunk.
"O.k." I said as I started toward the door.
As I ran out to where Dad was my mind was racing with the worst possible scenario. Jet broke his leg and we can't afford to pay the bills to fix that so we are going to have to put him down. I envisioned him laying on the ground unable to get up.
Dad was coming around the corner of the barn on his Case tractor with the garden tractor.
"Turn it off!" I yelled, making a turning motion as if I was turning a key.
"Why?"
"Just turn it off! Because Jet got hurt and you are going to have to get the trailer and pick him up!"
He turn off the tractor. I turned and started running toward the house. I ran to my room, grabbed a pair of socks. Then ran to the garage to get my boots. I brought my boots inside and as I was lacing them up, Mom said "Maybe its just a sprain or a torn ligament or something"
I said what I feared the most.
"I am afraid he broke his leg and then we will have to put him down"
As I said that suddenly it seemed more real and tangible. It was like because I said what I feared, it would happen. Reality hit me, so to speak. I really didn't want to put this horse down, but I was willing if that was what God willed.
I ran outside. Dad was in the garage that is connected to our barn. "Go drive the suburban over to the trailer" he called to me.
"Are the keys in it?" I asked
"No, you are going to have to drive with your fingernails"
I took that phrase to mean that the keys were in there. I was surprised that he could still joke at a time like this.
I drove the suburban over and by obeying Dad's directions backed the vehicle up to the trailer. Dad hooked everything up and while he was doing that I saw Mom coming towards us. She was wearing two different shoes. Apparently in her rush she couldn't find a matching pair.
"Sarah just called and asked if Dad had left yet. She said that he was walking" She told me as I leaned out the window.
Dad straighten up and came over.
"Does that mean I don't need to go over there?"
"I think we probably should so he doesn't strain himself more" I said.
"Yeah....you probably should" Mom said. Mom is the animal doctor in our house, with her degree in animal science she usually has the last word in decisions like this.
I scooted over and Dad got in the car. He put the vehicle into drive and we got on the road.
It took us about 2-3 minutes to get to their house. Dad drove into their back yard and turned around. As he was doing this I looked around for Jet. Ah...there he was. He didn't look to bad.
As soon as Dad stopped I was out of the car and running toward Jet.
"Which foot was it?" I asked I came up.
"The black one" they said.
I ran my hand down his leg and felt the leg near the fetlock. It didn't look to bad maybe a little swollen and he had a little cut on the back.
I felt relief wash over me. I had overreacted. No. I hadn't overreacted. I did just as was expected of me. I just over assumed.
"How did it happen?" I asked
"We tied Jet and Addie to a long rope and Jet got tangled up and freaked out" they said.
"Oh...that's why" I said. I had learned from tying Addie to a long line and she getting hurt just about the same manner as Jet that it wasn't a good idea.
"You can't tie the horses to a long line like that....the ponies are trained and can untangle themselves but the horses can't" I said.
We got Jet and the ponies loaded up with some trouble. Because there wasn't any more room for another horse Sarah started riding Addie home.
We got home without any accidents. We unloaded our cargo and I put some Wound Kot on Jet's scraped ankle.
I was so glad that nothing serious had happened to Jet. Maybe God sent this little incident to show me to not take the horses for granted.
So hopefully I have learned my lesson and become more thankful for the horses!
Thanks for reading!
~Jess
Comments
Apr. 10, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by godsdaughter
Ohh, I'm so sorry for you, Jess!
Poor Horsie! Aww, I hope that doesna happen ageen! =) =( =0
~Ariel~*~*
Apr. 10, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by alizona
Wow, that's an awesome story! I'm glad your horse is okay!!
But you know, that sounds like something you would read about in a book. Do you like to write fictional stories? I have a feeling you would be a really good writer. That was excellent! I really enjoy your writing style.
Apr. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Eyebright
Oooh, I bet that was scary! I'm glad that it was not as bad as you thought it was.
Yes, Louisa May Alcott's books are wonderful. Yes, I have read Jack and Jill, and it is actually my favorite of her books. I haven't read all of her books, though!
Have a very bright, very cheerful day!
Miss Eyebright
Apr. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by BookLover
Sounds like quite the afternoon! Glad everything was fine!
Yes, I play the flute, piano, and sometimes I'll play the organ that we have at our church. At of those three, I don't think I have a favorite...
Apr. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Dracula95
Hows your horse?
Apr. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by hbfroggy
Good story jess
~Hannah~
Apr. 11, 2009 - You make me sound so mean:)
Posted by Dad
Sorry I didn't show more sympathy yesterday...I guess I figured that he was probably fine.
I love you!
Apr. 11, 2009 - FUNNNN-E!!!
Posted by mnhmslmom
This had me laughing out loud!!! Seriously! I so heard your dad say what he said about starting the vehicle.....I think it's a new line for him!! And did you have to tell the world I was wearing two different shoes??? Oh well...I thought that was funny too!! HUGS! Mom
Apr. 12, 2009 - Hi
Posted by CowboyKing
No I don't really have a favorite yet. As far as the entry it look three days to wirte!
CowboyKing
Apr. 12, 2009 - Phew!!!
Posted by BookwormMN
Oh boy, I'm sure glad that turned out ok!!! It's soooo sad just to think of something happening to our horses!! But very true - I think I take to many things for granted too!!
Happy Resurrection Sunday!! Hope you had a great one! Sorry - I don't like banana pudding though.. :o)
Yep, sorry, just had to joke a little about your quilt. It's amazingly done!!
Love,
Amber
Apr. 13, 2009 - In reply to your comment
Posted by alizona
Yes, I LOVE to write!!! I've been writing for years.
Well, I enjoy your "taking little incidents that happen in my life and bring them to life for my readers", as you put it. :o)
