Gabby

Sunday, August 06, 2023

Sometimes in the Hardware Department aisles, I meet folks from the past who were good friends and somehow have gone missing from my life. Yesterday, that happened.

I was helping a couple to find special nails when suddenly the young woman gasped, “Diana!” At my blank stare, she said, “We used to ride horseback together! and I love Pimmy, your donkey. Diana, it’s me, Gabby!”

Of course, dear Gabby! My young friend–now all grown up. Back when she was in college, we rode horseback together. Gabby was an excellent rider and without a horse, so a mutual friend, Kali Kiger, put us in touch. Gabby occasionally got a “horse fix” by riding my pony, Sunni. I’d be on my other mare. Pimmy, my donkey, would be following us loosely. The dogs would be along, too.

While completing her schooling, Gabby and her boyfriend created a closer relationship. That’s when she began having less time and interest in riding. We started to lose touch.

Through the years, I’ve missed Gabby’s friendly companionship, skilled ridership, and good handling of my horse. Now she’s back, thanks to my part-time hardware gig.

In the aisle, she introduced her boyfriend. Their relationship is good, and Gabby wants to ride again. We will link up soon. I’ll love that her rein-handling skills will refresh my horse’s responsiveness. She’ll be an excellent trail companion, and hopefully, explain how her path is evolving.

Dear Friends: Appreciating animals is universal and creates lasting bonds. Diana