I’m not sure how to begin this, or how to bring it to an end. The raw emotion of the morning is making my heart muddle my brain and words seem too hollow; a sieve that won’t allow me to capture Lisa’s Ride. And Kerby, an English teacher! How can I ever measure up with words that are just perfect?
- Kerby, Lisa and Anne with Heather in the big field
Lisa was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor over a year ago. She and her husband Kerby have fought the good fight, given every option a shot, held out hope for time. It is coming to an end. She has entered the Hospice stage of her journey. Her wish was to have a final trail ride on her mare Bridget with a few of her equestrian friends. The list of potential attendees was long as she has spent her life in the company of horses and students. It was an honor to find myself among those she chose.
- Lisa with former riding students; Donnie, Anne and Lauren. Bridget’s butt in the background.
Perhaps I should start with the animals and the day. By 7am it was close to 80 degrees for the third straight day. The nights have not cooled off much and it is that quintessential 5 days of summer in NH when you really could use air conditioning, even on my side of the mountain. I slept poorly, getting up every few hours, sitting outside with a cool drink to look at the stars. This ride was planned a month or so ago when the doctors said time was short. Weather conditions and Lisa’s physical state couldn’t be accurately predicted.
Lauren (Blessings “mom” from earlier posts) and Heather’s team at Mountain Lane Farm, had already set up the picnic in the big field when I strolled into the barnyard. There was a flurry of tacking up horses before the rest of the group arrived and calculating who to pair with which animal. Twelve horses were saddled and dozing the shade from the blistering mid-day sun when Lisa and Kerby arrived. The drive from home had been difficult, the heat wasn’t helping, but she rallied and insisted she would ride. We were all mounted and ready to go when she stepped out of the indoor arena on Bridget, slightly shaky but determined.
Lisa on Bridget with Heather. Photo credit: Lauren Riccio.
From there, it was onward and upward!
- Lisa and Bridget
Lisa’s horse is a stout mustang. She can be opinionated and stubborn, making her transformation with Lisa, even more remarkable. I have watched her from behind as she sets each foot down with care, never tripping or bobbling over roots and rocks. If Lisa begins to lose her balance, the little mare side-steps instinctively to steady her. Perhaps Bridget knew this was a special day for she and Lisa. Usually a slow-poke, buried far back on the line, she marched to the front, settling in near the lead as if it were her right. Night, my “dancey-pants mount”, stepped aside to let her pass and followed at a respectful distance. (This is the horse who always leads the trail rides and makes her displeasure known if she is asked follow behind anyone.) Today, the brush closed in around us as we meandered up the wooded trails in perfect harmony. Lisa was happy and all was right with the world.
The picnic spread was spectacular and though it was obvious a huge toll had been taken on her energy, she sat for photos with her former students, giddily acquiesced to a request of a shot of she and Kerby kissing, and joked about the past. The horses were loosely tied and stood in compatible clusters, probably also discussing the ride.
- Oddly, Night didn’t eat, but stood watching us…
The demon was never far away. At one point we all wandered off to busy ourselves with unnecessary horse-related tasks, giving Kerby and the nurse privacy with Lisa. Dying is a delicate affair and one should know when to withdraw. When she recovered from the hell that persists in her head, we mounted and headed back down the trail. She and Kerby rode side-by-side ahead of me and I felt like an intruder overhearing their quiet joy.
Yes there is concern for safety, an ever watchful eye trained on the slightest imbalance, but those brief glimpses in between, when you know there is nothing but this moment, makes the risk worth taking.
Therapeutic Misadventures 
Awesome….. what a post. What a great group. I don’t care what anyone says, horse-people rally, are unerringly sensitive to man and beast, unselfishly step up to support a compatriot or beast in need and wordlessly close the ranks in protection. For those of us who can relate to the life on horseback, the comraderie of being with a companion 10 times our size, the sacrifices we make to keep them healthy, the joy we get out of silent communication with them, and, finally the “sistership” of others just like us is immeasurable. You all did something really special. Wish I were there.
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Thank you Doppleganger. I was honored to be a part of this celebration of Lisa’s life. The animals seemed to know it was a special ride and the calm atmosphere that pervaded was so comforting.
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Great blog! I am glad you were able to be part of this very important time in your friends life!
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Thank you Annie. She is an inspiration to me and many others.
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You can clearly see that she enjoyed every moment of her ride! Very special. I wish her well with safety and comfort in her journey/transition. Difficult to witness but it’s clear she has kind, caring, loving people in her life. It’s a reflection of Lisa’s personality-no doubt.
Though it’s not the same because you guys were able to make it happen-our local Home Hospice tries to accommodate their clients in their last journey as well. Tries to fulfill one last special moment-be it seeing the sun rise on the beach or going to their local favorite shop, etc. The hospice company works with the local EMS to make it happen and there has been good feedback.
Again, sending good thoughts on a comfort journey in the transition.
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Thank you Paula. I too do hospice work and I have to say, even finding the small daily joys for clients is so important at the end of life. And yes, Lisa’s personality is one of giving. Hopefully, some of us have attempted to repay that with our ride.
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Beautiful, Martha. What an honor for you to have been a part of this.
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Indeed Julie. It puts everything in perspective for a moment at least…
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At least you’ll all have good memories of this time with your friend. So much better to look back on than other situations might be.
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So True!
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This is beautiful.
Mustangs are remarkable horses – sturdy, surefooted and smart. Bridget is a dream horse – just lovely – she very much knew.
The ride a true gift for a friend. (and for those who ride along)
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Thanks Phil. So blessed to be surrounded by noble beasts and loving humans.
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Next week, our discussion group is focusing on dying with dignity, and I am so glad to have your wonderful commentary to help me contribute to a difficult topic. Thanks.
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How interesting Susan. What other topics does your discussion group cover? Death is a tough topic but one we should all find a comfort level with…
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We’ve covered the lofty (caring economies) and the personal (how to relax). It’s interesting to have lunch with a group and try to stick with a topic.
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So interesting! Thanks for sharing Susan, it sounds like an interesting group.
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It’s truly wonderful you were all able to get together for such an important ride for Lisa and Kerby. Warmth and love must have filled the air.
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Indeed Laura. Not one person checked a cell phone and everyone was focused on the moment.
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Such a bittersweet post Martha. I’m glad she got her last ride and that it was so perfect but sad it will be her last, even though I don’t know her.
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Thank you Marie. It was an honor to be with her and the animals. It was her last ride…
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How lovely to be able to share it 🙂
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