Geronimo – 1986 to 2005

June 3, 2005

GERONIMO – ‘Mitch’s Geronimo’
March 25, 1986 – April 13, 2005
by owner, Ildy ven De Putte

Geronimo!  He bore a famous warrior’s name, and his beauty and mind to please were truly fit for a king.

But to me, he was ‘Gerimo’…my big, affectionate, baby horse who refused to grow up into the harsh realities of adulthood.  With his 19 years he was still the most foal-like and playful horse I had ever encountered.  He loved to love and be loved-whether it be other horses, or people…
He always wanted to invite them into his playful, happy world.  Many times, his playmates, more ‘grown up’ than him, would turn his invitations down and then he would stand back, wondering-but never discouraged,always ready to try again.

I was allowed to care for him for only one and a half years, but how he enriched my life during that precious time!  Maybe one of the most treasured lessons he taught me was that life-no matter what, can always be a happy and playful experience, if we just keep ourselves open to it.

I feel the Lord Jesus called him back, though so much sooner than I thought, meeting Geronimo’s greatest need…to finally be re-united with a horse he never ceased to miss…his beloved grandmother.  I know with all my heart that he now is happily frolicking on beautiful meadows with her, together once again, always playful!

He is so greatly missed, not just by me, but by everyone who was touched by his oh-so childlike spirit and came to experience his wonderful gaits, which he offered so willingly at all times.

He left us on a sunny, but very stormy day.  The forceful winds whirling the sand, whipping through the trees with mournful howls, carrying him home, paying him a tribute all their own in honor of his famous and great name – Geronimo!

Beloved in my heart forever,
Ildy
April 14, 2005