Thursday, July 13, 2017
To Gerry's Family: I cannot put into words what Gerry did for me in my youth. She took me and my young horse under her wing, and introduced me to and opened me to a world that others, young girls especially, only dream of. Words cheapen the experience of all our rides together over hill and dale in Waldo County--amazing, amazing experiences, from beautiful woods trails to the summit of Fletchers Hill overlooking all of Penobscot Bay, to the carriage trails of Acadia. We lost touch after a while, but I do believe I showed and shared my appreciation to her for all she brought to me, a teen living in the isolated town of Prospect. These experiences stayed with me for life. I brought my horse Snowdrop, whom she trained (while being trained myself) to Cape Elizabeth with me--our rides on the beach were epic. I saw Gerry and Dick years later on a shuttle bus to the Portland Garden Show--it was wonderful to see them. My husband and I got horses together, and had many great experiences, only leaving that world when our children became more active. I will never forget how Gerry kept her home and barn so clean, how well she treated her animals (her Scotty terrier was hysterical--made me laugh so very hard so often--he would cover himself in blueberry twine or sawdust or what have you--I'm laughing now). Gerry was enormously generous with her time and finances, charging little. She was happy to have someone to ride with and to keep her beautiful Reny in shape. Oh I could write on and on. We all have regrets in life--one of mine would to be that I don't think I ever told her to what extent I was so very thankful for what she gave me. However, as a teacher myself--both academic and as a volunteer in Sunday School and as a Big Sister and as a sewing teacher, one "thank you" from a young student goes a long way. I know I did that--each and every time, and to have gone on and gotten horses again (which she knew about) surely was a compliment of no little significance. My deepest sympathies. God Bless you all. I will most definitely be making a donation to a local animal shelter--a favorite charity of mine anyway. It will be an honor to have my next donation made in Gerry's name.
