It is often hard to believe that Hootie is gone when I look in my pasture and at web sites from our friends and customers who have his offspring. They are all stamped with Hootie's long hip, his head, and most with his grullo/grullo roan color. It warms my heart to see them, and yet within seconds brings on the melancoly feeling of knowing he is gone.
God Blessed Us with Hootie
"I'll lend you, for a little while,
My grandest foal," He said.
"For you to love while he's alive
And mourn for when he's dead.
"It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months, you see.
But, will you, till I take him back,
Take care of him for me?
"He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have treasured memories
To bring solace in your grief.
"I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But, there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.
"I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
With trust, I have selected you.
"Now will you give him your total love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come
To take him back again?
"I know you'll give him tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known
Forever grateful stay.
"But should I come and call for him
Much sooner than you'd planned,
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday understand."
