Welcome to Fern Valley

Here in central Alberta prime farm country,my husband Martin and I work together raising beef cattle and Appaloosa horses. Fern valley appaloosas have long been known for their quality of temperament conformation and color.I have recently rediscovered a love of writing and have published 2 collections of poetry. "Telling Tails" and Tails Trails and Campfire stories" . I look forward to a future spreading my wings as an author and as a horse woman .

Thursday 26 November 2015

For my broken heart

"Last night I prayed the lord my soul to keep, 
then I cried myself to sleep,
so sure life wouldn't go on without you .
 But now the sun is breaking through as it wakes me from the dark.
I guess the world aint gonna stop,
for my broken heart " Reba McEntire 

This has been a hard post to write, and one I was never sure I would be ready for . 
I have posted on FB about it but this place is where I have the opportunity to share a bit more. First of all this is what I wrote to honor my mother who passed away on Saturday November 21,she had been ill for many years and was a hero to many in the way she faced her illness and pain;

When we think of warriors we think of the strong giants who have battled throughout our history. Valiance is defined as: courage and determination. Not all valiant warriors are giants. Remember David was small and overcame. A great warrior in our world was my mother, in the face of pain and illness she overcame again and again with grace courage and determination. When a warrior lays down their arms it is not necessarily concession of defeat. Sometimes the battle ends because it is simply time to do so. Saturday night our great warrior, Patricia Alice Horricks completed her battle of 32 years and has gone on to rest in the arms of the father.A beloved wife, mother ,grandmother and so much more.We will miss you but remain ever proud.

The only way I could think of to describe and salute such a strong and inspiring woman. 
I have not written a poem for her, I seem unable at present to do so. I was worried and upset about this feeling like I should and that by not doing so I was letting her down, but it is what it is, and maybe someday when the hurt is less I will be able to.The eulogy is prepared and I spent the last couple of days gathering photos for the slideshow that will be shown at the service.
Mom, like me had fairly eclectic taste in music, from rock to Opera and all in between. But one of my favorite memories of her was her cleaning house to "Joy to the world" by Three dog Night, windows flung wide open and volume on high. That was my mom.








And then,on Sunday, while we were still only beginning to process the loss of my mom. Winston collapsed in the barn,and with me sitting holding him on my lap , he also took his rest.
It was quick and very peaceful. Goldens are like that, they are fine until they are not. Someone commented that Mom needed a friend with her. What better friend to have than my big golden boy.I guess he did what he was meant to do here, and having raised up little Henry right and saved my heart so many times, it was time for him to go. 12 and a half years of unconditional love and joy, I would be selfish to ask for more. 
And I am, I wanted forever.






Stay safe and well my friends

18 comments:

4RRanch said...

So sorry for your losses. Prayers for comfort.

Ami said...

I'm sorry that you've lost your mom and your Winston. There are never words to say exactly the right thing, but I'm sending you hugs from Oregon. Thank you for sharing Winston with us and for the lovely tribute to your mom, too. She was truly amazing, I can tell.

Crystal said...

Im so sorry Sherry. Hugs to you. Love the video of your Mom she looks like an awesome person.

And then Winston, glad he didn't suffer, but boy I'll miss seeing him in your posts though.

Country Gal said...

I am soo sorry for your losses ! Our hearts , thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family !

The Dancing Donkey said...

I am so very, very sorry.

Shirley said...

Your mom was a beautiful lady, and I think you inherited her grit. May God rest her soul in eternal peace.
Winston- such a beautiful soul too, you were blessed to have him in your life.
Such sad times for you, my dear, prayers for strength for you and your family.

Cut-N-Jump said...

So sorry to hear this. They both won their race in life though. The race is done and they've crossed crossed their finish line.

IanH said...

Very sorry for your loss!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry.

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

Hugs to you. I wish I could say something that would ease the pain.

Janice Grinyer said...

Oh Sherry...! Hugs to ((((you)))) xoxo

kden said...

You have your Mom's smile. I am so sorry for your losses. I will also miss Winston's pictures and stories. You made a beautiful tribute for both of your Loves.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your losses. I hope the good memories you have will provide some consolation.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. I may have replied personally to some , more than once, and others I may have missed,but please know I so appreciate each and every one

Mrs Shoes said...

My sincere condolences to your & your family.

C-ingspots said...

Oh Sherry, I'm so very sorry. It hurts so much to lose the ones we love! But...your mom looked like such a lovely lady and so full of life! Obviously, she was loved and had a wonderful life. I think whatever feelings you're having, are alright. Don't let anybody, or even your grieving mind tell you otherwise. Wish I could be there to offer you hugs and feelings of understanding. And dear, sweet Winston! The wonderful, the wise and the kind. He too, will be sorely missed. So very sorry for these huge losses, and so close together. Just give yourself time to grieve.

C-ingspots said...

Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. You've had some life-changing losses and it can't help but rock your entire world. Please know that you're in my thoughts and my prayers. Big hugs Sherry.

aurora said...

I am just seeing this today, and watched both of your well-done beautiful video's for two very special souls...sending hugs & heartfelt condolences for your losses.