Transitions

This comes after much reflection after the death of a horse on the farm. Sugar belonged to my mother in law and lived a happy 32 years. Kathy and I were getting two other horses ready to go ride when it came to Kathy's attention that Sugar was passing away. There in the beautiful sunny afternoon, with Kathy and I by her side and surrounded by her other horses, Sugar transitioned to her next life.

I know Kathy is grieving and she is supported by her animals, family, and friends. I was left with questions. Why did I have to be there? Why did she pass away like that? How were the other animals affected by her passing? Shouldn't I feel something more like sadness?

After much reflection and intuitively working with all the animals here in this life I have a better understanding. I was enlightened after I truly understood that death really is just a transition. The soul that embodied the physical is still here but just not in the physical form we grew so accustomed to. We are still connected with the transitioned soul whether we know or not. It is never easy to have a loved one transition, it hurts deeply and can never be replaced. But there is peace in knowing we are all still connected on our soul level.

I was there because I was supposed to be. I was able to be of loving support and assistance in the process. I was grounded and able to focus on what needed to be taken care of with compassion. After feeling upset by the 'why me?' question, I feel thankful that I was there. I personally would not have wanted to be alone and I am glad to be able to have been by Kathy's side. It wasn't about me, it was about what I could do for them.

The beautiful thing we were gifted with is that just before death our Higher Self/Spirit leaves the body. The Spirit no longer feels the pain or fear. There is no suffering in death. I became enlightened to this with the passing of my beloved cat, Jynx. She died unexpectedly while I was gone. I was very connected to her and after her death I had a vision and knowing of the series of events that lead to her death. She was chased by a coyote, who caught her, shook her, and it was over. I was also became very aware that she was unafraid and was not in any pain. After working with a communicator she confirmed my belief about her death.  The gift that we don't experience that kind of suffering brings me much peace about the transition process. The last thing Sugar remembers conciously doing was getting Kathy's attention.

The animals that were present were very aware and knew what was happening. It was beautiful to see them pay their respects to Sugar and the life she led. Sugar brought many gifts with her in this lifetime. She was very self-assured, she knew who she was, she knew her place in the herd, and she was a just leader. I saw the confidence in her and everyone else did too. Lacey, the only mare in the herd other than Sugar, was with Sugar to the very end. Her unwavering support and love brings tears to my eyes. The barns cats paid homage to her and sat by her for awhile after she transitioned. Molly, our dog, felt it was her job to make sure everyone had their 'time' with Sugar. It is amazing how connected we all are. The herd she left behind is not sure what to do without their leader. As a herd, the members rely on each other for direction about when to eat, move, sleep, and so forth. Sugar confidently made the decisions and no one questioned her, ever. I see the remaining herd trying to figure out how to work together now. Lady, my elder mare, is stepping up to provide soft loving, reassuring supportive energy to Kathy's herd. She is helping them to make decisions as a new herd.

I write this with tears in my eyes. Not tears of sadness but of joy and reverence for life. Sugar reminded me that life is precious and through energy we are all connected. I thank Sugar for the opportunity for me to explore these inevitable transitions. She wasn't just an old horse, she is a wise Spirit that continues to confidently support from afar.