update

Originally posted Tuesday 3/26/13:

back at miles home 3 days for mule rx. all ok.

Updating the update now, with photos:

Ended up being 7 days! On advise of Dr. Debbie of MissLou clinic in Vidalia - remember Dr. Debbie, who was so phenomenally helpful back then? Tuesday morning discovered Walter had developed hot swollen sore spots where his neoprene cinch rubbed (called "cinch galls" or "girth galls"). Another day riding would not only be painful for him, but risked creating open sores which could take months to heal.

Several frantic phone calls later, the Miles' generously and with great compassion offered to put up me and Walter for "as long as necessary." Sea had her schedule to keep and had to leave. I had prayed for a simple and clear solution to the dilemma of how, when and where Sea and I would part ways. As so often happens when prayers are so swiftly answered, never in a million years would I have foreseen the decision being made for us in this way. It was a shock but I think in hindsight, has turned out to be for the best for us both.

A friend of the Miles's, Rodney Brown, came to pick us up in his trailer (and later in the week brought hay!). At the Miles', I was once again ensconced in the man cave, complete with bedroom, kitchen, full bath and office. I stayed over Easter weekend. In Yaqui tradition, the Deer is most sacred and embodies many blessings, gift of resurrection among them. I felt safe and watched over at night, under the protection of the deer.

Terry and Patti helped me in more ways than I have time to describe right now... from making a tether, to putting up second, stronger electric fence after Walter busted out in a panic when wild pigs came in the night, to helping catch the escaped mule, to many delicious homecooked meals and coffee and and and... and to Patti's friend Kathy donating travel help, if she's reading this thank you again... most of all what I needed was quiet emotional support while doctoring Walter and adjusting to changed plans, and they understood and provided it unconditionally. Such good folks... what more can I say?