My life endured a major upheaval last December when my husband of 32 years suffered a massive stroke. While we never appreciate these events, I must say I have learned more in the last couple of months than I’ve learned in years. I have been humbled in so many ways and newly aware of just how kind people really are.
Here’s what I’ve learned: 1) Life can change in an instant; 2) What seems important rarely is most important; 3) People really do want to help; 4) It’s a gift to let others give; 5) It’s hard to ask for help; 6) Tragedy brings courage; 7) Life is hard; 8) There is good in every situation; 9) Tragedy brings family and friends closer; 10) This experience has been a blessing.
As days pass and new challenges arise, I’ve also learned that sometimes you just have to let go and let God work. I couldn’t possibly have gone through this without a relationship with Jesus, along with the love and support of family and friends throughout the journey. I can never repay all the generous donations, help and kindness showered on us both. All we can say is a heartfelt “Thank you.”
As Mark slowly regains his strength, speech and abilities I’m forever grateful for the time we’ve spent working through this process together. It’s difficult to explain the feelings of loss over his inability to be my rock; he’s been my “go to” guy when something breaks or needs figuring out. Now the tables have turned and it has given me a new appreciation for how much he really does.
As I write this, we are planning to attend the Northwest Horse Fair & Expo in Albany, Oregon and there will be many more equine events in the months to come. I hope to see many of you. For now, please take a moment and read this month’s cover story on Bickford Trailers— one of the best companies we have here in the Pacific Northwest to help you find your dream horse trailer. Lastly, I hope to see many of you on the trail this summer; it will be good to be back in the saddle.
Quote: “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.”
John Wayne
Published in April 2015 Issue
Owner/Publisher Karen’s lifelong love of horses began at a very early age when she wore out a couple of rocking horses before convincing her parents to get her the real thing. That ill-tempered bay gelding, Brandy, was a challenge for the young horsewoman, but it drove her ambition to become a horse trainer. After attending Canyonview Equestrian College’s Horsemanship Program, Karen realized she needed work that was a little more lucrative than training, so she took a job with Customs Brokerage to pay the bills. There, she discovered an affinity for computers and a talent for creating informative, entertaining newsletters. The Northwest Horse Source began as such a letter in December 1995, with a distribution of 1000 copies for its 12 black and white pages. Now 29 years later, it’s an online magazine and website with a reach of over 10,000 per month and growing! Not bad for the results of one woman’s dream to work with horses!
Today, Karen remains involved with every aspect of the magazine and treasures the community of thousands who share a common passion.
