Respite

A little over three months ago, Seth and his brother, Jason, moved their parents out of their house in Texas and into a senior living community in Denver.

We didn't expect it to be an easy transition, but it has been so much harder than we could have ever anticipated. 

So, so, so much harder.

In particular, the last week has been exceedingly difficult. I honestly don't know how I would be getting through it without my daily dose of Olive.

On days that I don't work, I go to the barn mid-morning, meet up with a friend (usually Karen) and go for a ride.

When I am working, I go earlier. It's usually cold, but I stay warm cleaning Olive's stall, picking her feet, brushing her body and scratching her butt.

Somedays we tack up and go for a short ride in the ring...

or around the retention pond.

Other days we go for a walk...

usually accompanied by a cat...

or I put Olive in the field and spend time watching her interact with her friends.

It doesn't sound like much, but I've come to love these short, cold mornings.

They are an oasis of peace in an ocean of chaos.

Good girl, Olive. I'll see you again tomorrow.