A LETTER TO SHADOW: Sept 8,1974-April 8,2001 Words cannot begin to express how lost I feel without you. You helped raise me and you taught Mom so many lessons about love and life, and you are still taaching me. I know I told you this everyday but you were the best horse in the world, and I was so blessed to be able to share most of my life with you. You gave my life a purpose and filled it with great joy. Where do I go from here? Will I ever feel happiness again? I need you to comfort me now in my grieving, and you are the reason I am grieving, isn't that ironic. I need you to get me through each day like you used to. I hope you hear Mom talking to you and I hope you know how much I miss and love you. I do feel you around me at times. Most of all I hope you are not mad at Mom for what I did. I live with this guilt everyday, Honey I couldn't see you suffer anymore. I hope you know it was because I love you so much. I hope you are galloping in the meadow with Missy. You haven't been able to even trot in such a long time, that always broke my heart. But I know you were so happy in your last years of life. I know it deep down within my heart because you showed me that. I miss all of your sweet ways, the way you used to rub your head on me constantly just to say Hi, or to get me moving. I loved the way you would hug me everyday when I got to the barn, you would take your head and bury me in your chest. I loved how you begged constantly for treats by pawing the ground. I loved how you would say yes, shake your head up and down when you wanted something. I loved our walks especially and I know you did too. I loved spending your last days with you in your stall with your head on my lap, and Mom sleeping next to you. I know you liked Mom singing to you. Your last days were the sweetest and saddest days of my life and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Honey I miss you so so much, and I can't wait to see you again at the Rainbow Bridge. Please wait for Mom and don't ever forget me. You will always be a part of me, the day you died a part of me died with you. That is your part forever. I Love you deep within my heart and soul forever.