My Apologies

[Dream Horse Canadians]

I sincerely apologize to everyone for not making it to the show. As some of you may know my father had emergency open heart surgery on May 21. He has been in intensive care going on six weeks now. He has been touch and go. He now has a trach- which is hooked up to a breathing machine and a feeding tube so he can eat. This has been tremendously stressful on myself and my family. As his health care proxy, I am in a position to make decisions on his behalf that are also difficult.
I have very strong faith that he is going to get through this.

In addition to this, I had to unexpectedly move my 8 horses and 25 years worth of equine equipment this past weekend as well.

I had only one contact number available. I thought I would still be able to make it, but it was just too much for me.

I did pay $50.00 for the table and I was unfortunately unable to contact anyone to run it for me at the last minute. I was very upset about not being able to be there. The Canadian horse and this association are both very important to me. This show is also very important to us. Please let me know how the show went.

I hope you all understand and forgive me for not being able to attend. I had the best of intentions.

Christine

[Susan Drover]

Hi Christine,

Life happens. Don't worry about it. If I'd known, I might have been able to get a small table over there, but it would have been empty, lol!

Sue

[Susan]

Christine, unfortunately during at times we least expect, life presents us with challenges so overwelming we must decide to the order in which to address them as best we can. Family always comes first and the opportunity to be by the side of a parent at their most difficult hours is where our hearts most certainly will direct us. You carry a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, with your full time job, your horse business and your young son. I know you always do have the best of intentions, and a heart of gold, and I am sure no one could possibly misunderstand your absence. We were also unable to attend due to the scheduling of the show during the same time as two major USDF dressage shows that we promote the breed at by competing. I hope that your dad improves and you are able to take care of your personal challenges and have your life return to a normal balance soon. Take care my friend!

[Laurie Maus]

Christine,

No apology was necessary. Of course your father takes priority over a horse show. It sounds like you have more than enough on your plate with him and the move. Take care of yourself and best hopes for your father.

Each of us has to adjust our priorities on a daily basis. While I love my horses, health and family take priority over them always.

Laurie
Hawk Hill Canadians

[Norman MacLeod]

C

The show very went well. Hope all gets better for you.

[Karen]

Hi Christine: No apology necessary, you have way too much going on right now. The show was fun and I did meet some nice people and I'm just sorry it wasn't you. But maybe some other time when your life gets back to normal (which sounds pretty full to me)! Take care of yourself also. Karen

[Debby Muise]

Hi,
There was a small but enthusiastic bunch of Canadien owners at the show and, as always, a lot of interest in our awesome horses. Sorry about your dad and I hope all goes well.
DEBBY MUISE

[Patti Bosken]

Dear Christine,
Family always comes first. Life seems to thow a lot at us at one time and somehow we manage. Wishing your father a speedy recovery.
Patti

[Pam Tenaglia]

Christine,

I agree with the rest of the group. Family comes first, above all else! I hope your Dad, has a speedy recovery.

-Pam

[Margo at Three Fold Farm]

PLEASE! No apology necessary! Sometimes life makes us prioritize what's really important. We missed you and Playboy, but there will be other times and other shows. Take care of you and your Dad and we'll see you when life allows!

The show was quiet on Friday, crazy on Saturday and kinda dibbled out on Sunday. Pru did well, but mostly because Sue Heath had to leave on Saturday (thanks Sue! LOL!) I met Debby and Karl + crew and a family from Keene, NH (whose names I now forget) but they had the cutest chocolate brown Canadian! I'll post some pictures.

Be well and do what you have to do. Things will shake out eventually!

Margo

[Cheryl]

Christine,
Although I also did not make the show and can't really speak for anyone else, I'm sure everyone understands your difficult situation. I'm a nurse and can understand the weight of your situation. So many family members don't help out, I applaud you for sticking by your dad.
Cheryl

[Jeanne Clark]

Christine:

While I was certainly looking forwards to meeting you in person, and perhaps seeing Playboy as well, everyone certainly understands why you could not be there. I cannot imagine what you must be going through right now, but want you to know that all of your friends in this association, even the ones you haven't actually "met" yet, are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. Sometimes, it takes tremendous challenges for us to realise how strong we really are, and it sounds as if you are having to draw on all your reserves right now. But one thing I've found over the years is that horse people know how to "pull in teams". If there's anything I can do, please let me know. And while this is thinking considerably far ahead, I do want to let you know that I live about five miles south of the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA, so if there are any plans afoot for us to have a presence at Equine Affaire in November, I can actually help a good deal. Please know that I am thinking about you, and wish you and your family all the best as your father begins the long process of recovery. Take Care.

[Mara Johnson]

Hi Christine,
I'm sorry to hear about your dad - I know how tough that is - I went thru that with my dad a number of years ago. Hang in there!!! We missed you at the show, but we certainly understand why you weren't there. I hope things go smoothly for you and everything works out with your horses too.
Take care
Mara