Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Finding the words


I can not begin to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who has stopped by to convey your condolences. I am simply stunned by the outpouring of support. That you all took the time to tell me how much you care means more to me than I can ever explain.

Now let's all agree to stop being sad, ok? Starting right now, I hereby declare an indefinite moratorium on sadness as it relates to Lyle and/or me. If you want to be sad about something else, that's ok, but just don't be sad about us. We've all shed enough tears, and I've got to start smiling again. Work with me on this, all right?


I mean it...don't make me come over there.


Are you smiling yet?




How about now?


Good. That's what I like to see.

65 comments:

  1. I wasn't sure what was coming, so I immediately put my coffee cup down, and good thing because I got a good early morning laugh over those pictures! Thanks Carson.

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  2. Made me smile. Lyle wouldn't want us to be sad! Have a happy day Carson.

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  3. I'm playing catch-up this week and just read your post about Lyle. I am so sorry to hear about his passing but you did the right thing for him, no matter how hard it was for you. I had a very similar situation happen in July of 2008 and I held my Diego while he took his last breath. One of the hardest things I have ever done but I'm glad that I was there. My heart goes out to you and your animal family.

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  4. Big smile. Keep the memories and move forward.

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  5. Awwww. I've been busy and missing my normal blogs, so I just saw this and went back to read your last post. I sit here and cry for your horse who I only met through this blog, but whose picture has graced my office wall in your calender and who brought me so many smiles. May dear Lyle and you both find peace. Sweet sweet horse!

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  6. How on earth did I get first post? Is Pat in East Tenn sleeping in today? :D Good morning critters!!!

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  7. O.K. (You know, you really should win some sort of an award for your writing - you'll really good at saying things just so. And your pictures too.....)
    ~Curious Calamity in Idaho

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  8. Yes, I'm smiling now. You're the best.

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  9. With that image - just so easy to smile.

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  10. Got the message. Spring is coming. Blue skies. Cry then smile. That is what we should do in life.
    I also smiled at Sue's post. I am an early riser so I have almost wrote something but didn't want to be ahead of Pat. Funny the things us "rule people" go by.

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  11. Okay, am I the only tender heart who started crying again when I saw Lyle's tongue sticking out at me?

    But I did smile at your effort to rally you and all of us forward... :)

    I hope all at 7MSN are getting on with daily routine - the beauty of life on a farm is that the routine never stops, so in sad times you have to keep going. It helps!

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  12. That's it. I'm sticking my tongue out at people today in honor of Lyle!

    Okay, maybe not since I'm at this big national meeting. But I'll be doing it inside.

    :P


    :)

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  13. That's it. I'm sticking my tongue out at people today in honor of Lyle!

    Okay, maybe not since I'm at this big national meeting. But I'll be doing it inside.

    :P


    :)

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  14. Works for me. :) You were right when you said together you and the rest of your gang will get through this. They will carry you along!

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  15. Well, okay, as long as that's what Lyle and you want me to do :)

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  16. I agree with Colleen, Lyle wouldn't want us to be sad!
    So lovely photos!

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  17. I'm glad you are doing ok with this!!!!

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  18. It's impossible not to smile seeing this pictures:)) Thank you!

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  19. Carlyce in WI2/23/10, 7:02 AM

    One cannot spend time with your animals and NOT smile! Getting out with your barnyard crew will definitely put a smile back on your face. And ours. Thanks for the daily pictures. I come here first thing every morning to see the 7MSN antics! :)

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  20. Yay for lives lived to their fullest, caring deeply, greeting sorrow with a smile, and being resiliant!
    I find that the purring of a sweet kitty helps in times like these. :)

    Hope you have a good day!

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  21. Carson, Came to your Sunday post late, so didn't have a chance to express my sorrow for you and your critters. But have been told it was no longer acceptable, so I shall wish you and your herd a happy day and an early spring. You are right to focus on the blessings (and laughs) that Lyle brought you.

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  22. Okay, smiling.

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  23. I had to keep myself from actually laughing out loud in my office! That is a priceless pair of pictures. Thanks for the smile!

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  24. You have the uplifting attitude of a pet owner and a livestock raiser. We can't even have them if we can't lose them. We cry and we never forget them but we go on because it's the only way we could have them at all. Thank you for saying it so succinctly and beautifully. I had felt so sad about this, thought about it off and on yesterday and you uplifted me this morning. It would be you to do it too.

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  25. Yes Ma'am.

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  26. Ok, Hank. We get the idea!! LOL Where are those cohorts-George and Alan? Better days are coming, Linda. Hang in there.

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  27. Heart of a cowgirl referenced you in her post and I'm glad she did. Your photo's made me smile! I look forward to following.

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  28. Have to admit I was a little hesitant to check your blog this morning. Glad I did. What a great pic of Lyle! Glad I have learned to put the coffee cup down before reading your blog! And your post is beautiful. :)

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  29. What great pictures of Lyle. Love the tongue sticking out at all of us to remind us to be happy and smile. He seems to be saying life goes on and to remember the happy times and how privileged we were to have him in our lives.

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  30. Not just a smile, a chuckle.

    More snow headed your way? Sometimes I watch the big weather channel and not just the local one :>)

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  31. Isn't it a beautiful day? I'm smiling!

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  32. Your a tough cookie, Linda. I'm glad you are able to move forward with such great heart and positivity.

    Hopefully Hank can do the same.

    Sharon

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  33. Gordy has his 7MSN hat on and I'm smiling. Thanks for the wonderful post and photos.

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  34. i don't understand why but those two pics of lyle made me cry.

    i've been thinking about you all day, worrying, and hoping hank can find solace in his other friends.

    ~lytha in germany

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  35. You have such strength. Thanks for sharing it with us!

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  36. Colleen From NC2/23/10, 10:08 AM

    Like I said yesterday..he made alot of us smile and that is a good thing. So I'm gonna keep on smiling because of him :) thanks for sharing.

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  37. You are much braver and tougher than I. I admire your strength, Linda. I think what I will remember most fondly about Lyle was when he locked you in the feed room. Now that was funny.

    A horse with such a unique, playful personality like Lyle, will never be forgotten.

    Have a beautiful day, Linda. How's the Porcine Princess today?

    ~Lisa

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  38. That's right! Sometimes we think that the longer we cry and mourn, the more we loved the animal. But, we all know that's not necessarily true. We've got to hold our heads up again, and carry on with life (and remember to feed the remaining ones!). I'm glad you have all your photos of that big goober to remember him by!

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  39. I couldn't leave a comment yesterday...but I'm smiling today!

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  40. OK, I smiled throughout the entire reading - your blog, your commenters smiling comments. But I still want to send special cyber hugs to the boys....

    Nancy in Iowa

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  41. We have had horses for most of our lives and for many of them.....all of THEIR lives. Going on is so hard because everything you see and do reminds you of the one who is missing. The only thing that really helps is time and happy memories. Lyle's picture is definitely a happy memory!

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  42. I was over at GHM and saw that someone gave her the heads up for your loss...
    I am not a regular here, but am pretty happy to read that your heart felt friends here have made a difference to yours. Supportive, Loving and understanding. I am sad for the loss of you equine love, but realize that his memories with you, will live forever
    Your Lyle looked to be a real sweet joker!
    I am so happy that he was yours and made life even sweeter for you.

    Be well, and keep smiling..those pics really made me chuckle!
    KK

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  43. Yea, smiles in Central, TX----at least those who work at Ft. Hood (and some other places). Sent home from work with some of that snow 'yall sent our way finally. We report tomorrow @ 10 a.m. Sleet on the way to work then snow started as I arrived just before7 then we were sent home @ 11. It took more than twice as long to get home than usual. Most drivers were being courteous---thank goodness. Belton Belle

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  44. Find peace in knowing you did the right thing. You Unselfishly chose to stop his suffering. You did what you knew was best for him. I know he's thanking for you that.

    Sending possitive vibes your way.
    :)

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  45. Carson,

    Thank you for the pictures. I will save them. I have stalked this blog a long time and love Lyle and all the other 7MSN creatures.
    I am never sad when a good "friend" leaves the pain behind.

    Thanks for being you.
    I do think we should have a stick out your tongue for Lyle day, though, it sounds fun.

    Peace.

    Reamus

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  46. Okay, I'll stop being sad for Lyle, who is surely in Horse Heaven munching on celestial clover. So let's look ahead to the next denizen of The 7MSN Ranch. Will he/she be given a country star's name, or a name from Lonesome Dove?

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  47. Well, I'm not smiling yet...but I will be soon. And you. How are you, my dear Linda....I mean really?
    I am so very very sorry that dear Lyle is gone...I know he will be in your heart forever and ever.
    And how is Hank doing? It has to be very very hard for him.
    Such sweet sweet dear friends, they were....
    HUGS to One & All, but especially to you and to Hank.

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  48. Ok.

    Sun is shining here in Scotland & I am smiling with you & for you.

    No hugs, coz they make me cry, just a strong pat on the back.

    XX

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  49. I cannot convey the words to help your loss, I shall send good wishes because he is still in each and every one there.

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  50. Thanks. I needed that.

    BTW, that photo of Lyle from the previous post...? Could be my favourite.

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  51. :)

    George & Alan Fan

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  52. Just caught up on your last few blogs. I respect your wish for no more sadness - you are a remarkable person. So I'm smiling, really I am... through my tears.

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  53. Ok...no more sadness...now will you put the tongue away? :)

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  54. snort,giggle :-) (((hugs)))
    signed
    Theresa in ALberta

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  55. Linda, I sure admire your attitude! That's encouraging to have good memories, but still be able to move forward. Hang in there. :)

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  56. As my late Border collie Tucker would say: kisses on the cheek and a big "high four" to keep ya smilin!!
    The "high four" was like a "high five" but dogs only have 4 toes up front and Tucker got confused after the number 4; so we made it our "own"!! It's been a year now since Tuck has left us; not a day goes by that I don't wish he was still here to greet me with an ice cold nose!!

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  57. Okay...I'll play on one condition-- I will still remember Skippa Little Lyle while smiling!
    Always.

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  58. How do I get the second picture on a coffee mug or hat? Seriously....3 hour staff meetings would breeze right by!

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  59. OK Boss...everyone two and four- legged here is smiling and meanin' it!

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  60. just think of all the great pets that are running around together now. my cat Speed and Chim...They are having a wonderful time without us.....

    just greatful my kleenex box was close and I've got to stop reading blogs at work. especially when they make me cry.

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