Thanks again to one and all of you, dear Mudcatters, who have helped me bear these sad days. I will hold your kind words and thoughts in my heart forever.

And to repay your kindness, I want to share a happy story from Hell of a beloved four-legged friend:

Yesterday, the local paper carried the sad news that Persia, the 18 year old Arabian horse and companion of 15 year old Shanda who suffers from cerebral palsy, was missing from her pasture in Azle, Texas. The family feared that Persia had been stolen when they were unable to find her after a search of their property. They also feared for the foal that Persia was carrying. Shanda and Persia have won more than a dozen Special Olympic medals in riding competitions and Shanda dreamed of qualifying for the international Special Olympics in 2002 in Germany.

The local community answered the family's call for help and mounted search parties set out on the hunt for Persia. Late yesterday afternoon, Persia was located trapped in a 10 foot gully, entangled in brambles and barbed wire, by a volunteer from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. With the help of two Tarrant County sheriff's deputies, Persia was cut free from the wire and brush and returned to Shanda. Persia suffered cuts, a gash in one knee and dehydration, but she is expected to recover with no residual effects, and the foal is fine as well. Although Shanda's family cannot afford all the injections that Persia needs to complete her recovery, the neighbors are already pitching in to make sure the expenses will be covered.

So there's a tale to put smiles on your faces, and to lift up your hearts. Thanks to all once again, and keep yourselves and your furry friends safe and well.

-- Áine