Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday May 22, 2006

I have been waiting word on Barbaro and the prospects do not look good at this writing, Sunday 3:43 PM, 05-21-06. The surgeon flown in from vacation in Florida said injuries of this extent usually result in immediate euthanasia at the track. I, as are multitudes say a prayer for the great horse's recovery.

The only reason I do not have horses is due to the fact that I am responsible for two rescued cash cows, canines, Max and Mollie and a high maintenance Blonde going on forty two years of marriage. Blondes do not get cheaper as the years go by.

I was talking with a friend who attends our church yesterday just after the terrible accident at Pimlico. We talked about why we both love horses and we both acknowledged that we had never bet on a horse, as we learn from horses that they have never bet on a man. Watching the horses go all out is a sight to stir the soul. I asked him what he admired most about race horses and he responded quick as a flash of lightening, "Why, their courage to go on in spite of pain."

We then talked about a few races we have seen on TV over the years and how several horses had injured a leg and though fatally crippled, kept on trying to run. I weep when I recall those exquisite specimens. Barbaro was no exception as he fought the jockey with all he had to keep running.

The conversation drifted to some humans we know or have known who have kept fighting for their head in spite of fiery darts from Satan and how such people inspired us to fight on, to run with patience the race of life. He reminded me of Churchill’s famous speech to a group of college students after the war. Sir Winnie remarked, "Never! Never! Never, give up." Great speech.

I told my friend that I have been to Fair Hill, MD many times as I grew up in Elkton, MD only a few miles from Fair Hill where Barbaro trains. I have worked on farms in the area during hay bailing season. Back in those days Fair Hill was the place where the DuPont's and other filthy rich people hunted foxes and ran steeple chase.

I missed my friend at church, and of course Barbaro was mentioned and yes, I did ask for prayer for the creature. I am not a member of PETA, but that's mostly due to The Great Blonde having a conniption over some of the PETA ladies protesting in the nude. Several folks remarked that they too, are praying for Barbaro. One little blue haired soul forgot she was in church and remarked, "I put my $2 dollars on Barbaro!" Good Baptist girl who knows her horses.

I called my buddy after church and he said that while he really admired a courageous horse that would keep on no matter what, he had missed due to a headache and besides rain is in the forecast for Wednesday. Such is life.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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