This past Sunday Erin, founder of Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary (A.G.E.S) and I, finally had our schedules both open that we could go horseback riding. With the summer heat and so much going on in both our busy lives it was such a treat to be able to finally make this happen.
Just the day before, Erin shared with me the sizable donation she received from a woman named Sue whom she has never met. Sue found A.G.E.S and Erin’s story via the sanctuary’s website. Sue’s place of employment wanted to do something special for Sue in memory of her daughter who passed away 4-years ago at the age of nineteen. Sue and her daughter loved to ride horses together. When she found A.G.E.S. she called Erin to tell her about the donation.
Erin was astounded and so grateful. Just before she hung up the phone with Sue she said, “May I ask what your daughter’s name was?” Sue said, “Her name was Erin.” Erin was left with goosebumps. When she told me, I said, “Wow!” I then looked up to the sky and said, “There truly is something bigger than us.”
Though I was a bit apprehensive and nervous because it has been years since I have been on a horse, I was excited. Sapphire was very gentle and kind with me as I mounted her. As we began to get to know each other Sapphire tested me, as Erin said that is what horses will do to see what you know. Though scared at first, I began to relax into the experience and grateful for the opportunity to be with these magnificent animals and in nature. It just does not get any better than that.
We rode out into the open fields and the clouds that had chilled the air, parted and let the sun out to only make our ride even more enjoyable. As we rode I began to feel a bit more at ease with Sapphire, and she with me.
Unbeknownst to me one of the volunteer’s at the sanctuary snapped a photo of Erin and I riding. When Erin sent me the photo I gasped when I saw the butterfly in the upper right hand corner, clear as a bell.
I believe our spirits come back to the places that bring us joy and peace… so I believe that Erin, the young woman who passed at the sweet young age of 19 and who loved horses, was riding along with Erin and I. What an absolute gift to have been a part of this magical moment.
The name of the woman who I call Sue has been changed to protect her privacy.
