In Memoriam - Simon

–April 18th 2008

He died quickly, in love and in my arms, for which I shall be ever grateful.

I know there will be many tears in California and even beyond, for this macho feral man who stole the hearts of sooo many ladies. Simon lived with us almost all his life, after appearing in our barn with the horses almost 14 years ago, and had an incredible journey through the circle of his life.

When we met him, as a young macho buck, Simon was already suffering asthma, which developed into rhinitis and, although his life was filled with illness, he bore it well and so very easily, although many times it seemed to us that he would die.

In the early years he was accepted eagerly by the BrightHaven “rat pack” of tough guys—as their junior member. Even without the experience of years he had a natural gift of leadership and, led by the charismatic Derek he soon began his reign of wickedness and charm as the BH bad boy, beloved by all women and tolerated with a smile by the elders.

Our very own Dr Chris eagerly volunteered to take on the sick Simon, and in the early days achieved great healing—a remission which came and went as time flew by. Simon's life was struggle—crisis after crisis.

The team of Chris's expert homeopathic care and Simon's sheer determination proved formidable and, against all odds the years marched on by, and this boy bounced back again and again. How well he taught us, for no matter how badly he felt, he always believed himself well. In his mind, and ours, he was invincible. No small wonder he and Gingi remained fast friends in life and death.

With the passage of time, the dashing Simon became legend as he shed his feral ways, but somehow managed to retain that cunning, charming wild streak that many humans simply cannot resist. There were few to meet this handsome guy who did not fall victim to his charisma—even the men, and I wish I could make mention of all the members of his huge fan club!

The summer of last year brought his darkest days but, against all odds, Simon once more survived to become another BH miracle. We knew then time was short, but Simon cared not, and continued on with his easy ways, dispensing fatal charm to his adoring audience. Towards the end of his life, as so many before him have demonstrated, Simon turned his attention to the care and comfort of others and the photographs shown here document some memorable moments: Simon looking after Flame towards the end of his life. 2nd down—the familiar sight of cats taking care of Ollie the invincible 23yr old Dachshund, as he lay dying. Here shown are Beau and Barney, with Simon—all napping on the job!

Below is Simon cuddled close with good friend, and yet another wild man, Gary. Friends for so very long—and below that, a rarely seen picture of me on the couch with SuzyQ, Mr. Woody and Simon - in pole position of course!! Lastly you see dear Barney with our boy— just days before they both left.

My last memory of Simon must be the beautiful tale of the day of his death. After breakfast in the kitchen, Simon sauntered, as was his fashion, out to the garden, where Gingi had been spending his days as he was winding down to die. We were all so focused and attentive to Gingi; amazed he could still be with us, when suddenly Simon collapsed, gasping, and lay dying before our eyes.

What followed next will be etched upon our memories forever and a day, as we watched Gingi struggle to his friend's side, where he remained all day long. The long time friends lay close—barely a foot apart and lying beside the fountain that had been Gingi's chosen place for the last two short weeks. There was much conversation, and although we understood it not—the meaning was clear as one supported the other, surrounded in our love and tears. They were both close to the end and the love and care shown for each the other will be etched in my memory and remembered for the rest of my life.

I am so grateful to have pictures of those special moments. Simon spent the entire day close to his dear friend, and, as dusk approached we brought them both indoors. This somehow heralded the time for Simon to leave, which he did, so very suddenly, and quickly. It was time, and he left with the very same ease and speed with which he lived his life. Gingi died the very next day.

When you were born ~
you cried and the world rejoiced
Live your life so that when you die ~
The world cries and you rejoice.

~ old Indian proverb

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