Honey Bandit and the loss of a loved one.

I am sorry it has been so long since my last update.  However, last Saturday, our beloved Lyman (Matt's step father) left this earth in the arms of angels, his pain and suffering gone forever.  He is now safely enfolded in the arms of our Lord, free from all the worldly anguish.  Although he was ill and we knew we would lose him soon, it was a big shock for it to happen so fast.  We were lucky enough to get to visit him and  spend some time with him, letting him know how much he was loved.  We had been in the process of planning another visit when we got the news.  I am so happy for him to be at peace, and out of the horrible pain, but even knowing that it is a blessing for him, it  leaves a huge hole in our hearts.

It makes you stop and think though.  I wonder if I have said thank you to everyone I need to thank.  Do all my friends and family know how much I love them?  I think so, but I need to be sure.  Lyman knew how I felt about him, and we talked about what the future held, and how when he found his peace, my sadness would come.  Why is something that is a "good thing", so hard on everyone left behind?  So I am taking this opportunity to make sure that I say THANK YOU to ya'll.  My life is blessed because I have such a wonderful family (extended family included).  We live in such a caring community and together we can and do accomplish so much.  Honey Bandit was also a blessing, and ya'll know that he is all of ours, as he wouldn't have survived without the support, whether it be emotional, financial or physical.  Ya'll done good!  :)

Speaking of Honey Bandit, I had an opportunity to observe him the other night where it clearly showed that his neurological issues are a little more prominent than I realized.  I am glad I saw it clearly, because it made me realize that he was't quite as far along as I thought.

Travis was leaning over the half wall between the stalls, picking up some hay.  He ended up kind of crouched over the wall, and Honey Bandit became quite panicked.  He ran up to the wall and you could see he planned to jump over.  I told Travis to get down quick, but I noticed at the same time that Honey Bandit could not figure out how to accomplish the 'jump'.   His legs tucked like he was going to jump, but he couldn't actually do it.  He would tuck his legs under and then put them back down.  He did that about 5 or 6 times before I calmed him down.  His poor little brain simply could not finish the action.  This is not really a big deal, we just have to give him more time.  But between that and the last time he went out to play, it is clear that he still needs more "rehab time" until his brain figures out how to complete what he is trying to do.  His wires just aren't quite all hooked up.   When he wanted to jump, he had that first instinct, but was not capable of following through.  I was pretty happy on one hand, as I don't really want him trying to jump a wall.  He also still stumbles and falls a lot, and that also shows he is not quite finished recovering.

I am glad that we are aware of this, as it makes it easier to keep him safe and not let him get "ahead of himself" in his therapy.  It makes me sad when I see him not being able to do what he should easily do, but he is such a happy guy and has come so far that it makes me feel better.  I honestly thought he had progressed a little more, but I guess we just have to be patient.   For now he is just slightly "slow", but growing, happy and beautiful. 

Don't forget to come and visit him at the RAIN event on Saturday May 14, 2011.   530 474 5885 is their number if you need a booth.  Thank you and much love to ya'll.

Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang
30027 Highway 44 East
Shingletown, CA 96088
530 474 5197   530 339 1458