It's Complicated...or Is it??

I am the oldest daughter of three. I have one sister that is 15 months younger and one that is 6 years younger. I am close with both sisters but in very different ways. My two sisters haven't spoken with each other in 3 years. I am not sure why, and frankly I don't want to get involved because I don't want to be coerced into taking sides or being the peacemaker. I find it very sad.

My father's health has been in decline since last year. At 79 years of age, his 6'1" frame is no longer robust. He has had a few emergency trips to the hospital over the last month. As his "#1", I am primary contact when it comes to doctors, nurses, etc. I kept my sisters informed of what's going at the hospital via email, so they both have exactly the same information. He's home now, but doctor appointments are now going to be part of the norm. I have asked for my sisters' assistance when needed and have received it. However, they will not coordinate with each other....only through me via email. Why does it have to be so complicated? Sigh.

Needless to say, I have been a bit stressed lately. Recently, I have had to cancel outings with friends and beg off of work fun functions due to my current situation and the running back and forth that is involved. One thing I have not canceled, though, is my riding.

I can't honestly tell you how my lesson was last week. It's a bit of a blur. I guess my brain was full. :-) I remember that I couldn't wait to get to Gem. I remember that I listened to Santana, Michael Jackson and Sarah McLachlan on my IPod Shuffle as I groomed Gem. I remember that he walked nicely to the arena and I was able to mount him without a problem. I remember that I loped a small circle. I remember I felt better as I left the stables.

I was unable to see Gem on Friday. I had my usual date with CA to ride Sunday morning. I was tired and once again my brain was full of family drama. But as I got closer to the stables, I started to feel better. Gem and I greeted each other in our usual way. I took my time grooming him. Once we were in the arena, I could tell he was feeling frisky. But, I wasn't. He accommodated me. :-) Most of our session was done at a jog, but we also did some tracking work at a walk...apparently Gem needs some work in this area...he's a lazy walker. I cleared my mind and relaxed. I could feel the tension leaving my neck. His jog has improved SO much. Towards the end of our session, I loped him a bit. He loved the opportunity to burn off some energy. My confidence is improving each time we lope. It may not have been a fantastic session physically, but it was mentally. Our time together was so uncomplicated.

I hung around the stables most of the afternoon. I watched some of the riders participating in a games clinic. I swept the barn. I filled water buckets. I took Gem out of his stall and walked him to a little grassy patch so he could have a nibble. We stood in the sun, listening to the birds. I got home around 4:00 p.m., dirty and tired. However, my mind was clear and quiet. I slept well last night.

So, if you know someone who is considering seeing a therapist or feels that a good massage is not doing the trick in alleviating tension and stress, tell them to save their money and send them to your stables. Have them groom, walk, bathe, even smell a horse. Have them walk in mud and step in manure. Have them watch horses at play or simply grazing. Have them wrap their arms around a horse's neck and look into those liquid eyes. Spending time around horses has got to be the best therapy....EVER.

What was I thinking.....?