With a tear in my eye and my heart in my throat, I rubbed those long beautiful ears one last time.  The look in his eyes told me how much he loved me and to say it will be alright.  GOD’s in control.  There was nothing that could be done.  The accident resulted in a spinal injury, affecting both front legs.  He tried with such determination to get up, but my friend of 19 years could not walk.

I saw Lightening for the first time as a weanling, a white mule with his mother, a large Belgium..  I knew at once he was special and Lightening became part of our family.  Lightening grew to be a beautiful large white mammoth mule standing 16.2 hands high and full of personality.  We named him White Lightening.  He taught me more than I taught him with much patience, love, tolerance and how to laugh.  I learned that a mule is very smart and has an unbelievable memory.  You can fool him once and he won't forget.

Lightening became the best baby sitter you could ask for.  Once a foal was brave enough to leave his mom, Lightening would take over.  He would get down on his knees and play with the foal.  He got along with all horses and the mares would trust him with their babies.

So many memories, so much love, the strong bond we shared can never be matched.  As I sit at the barn and look down where we laid him to rest, I can still feel him here with us.  God has blessed us with Lightening and now we give him back to God.