The Halter (2)
Days and weeks bled into months and years. It seemed everyone except Jake was taken by surprise when graduation day came. The class of 1971 wore deep blue caps and gowns. On that sunny and breezy, late May afternoon, one hundred and fifty-six students received diplomas on the makeshift stage.
Jake’s parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin Jeremy applauded as Jake smiled at the Principal, shook his hand, and accepted his diploma. Later, as the graduates and their families milled about on the football field grass, the common refrain of ‘“Where did the time go?” was voiced by many.
When the family arrived home, the Polaroid spat out instant photos of Jake with everyone; including Ranger, a litter of new kittens and — of course, Star. Jake would be home with the family, two and four legged, until August twenty fourth. He looked forward to moving into the dormitory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His course of study was set — veterinary medicine.
The summer was hot and dry. Sometimes in the early morning or late evening, Jake would lead Star to the stream in the marsh for a drink. Star had become lame on her right rear leg. She was no longer able to carry a rider, but seemed to enjoy the slow quarter mile walk through the field to the marsh. Jake remembered how long that walk seemed when he was young. He often thought about the times he and Jeremy walked back to the slow moving current of water, hoping to catch trout.
One July morning, at sunrise, Jake wanted to take Star to the stream before he headed off on rounds with the local veterinarian. He could not find her halter hanging on its peg. His time was short and so he grabbed the fraying teal halter he had bought with his Christmas and birthday money years ago. Star was gentle and knew her way. “The old halter will be fine,” he thought.
And, it was fine — until Star was spooked by a wild turkey. The turkey was just as frightened by Star. It took flight with such intense flapping that Star reared slightly — just enough to snap the halter where it was most frayed.
Jake took the halter off so that the loose end was not dangling in Star’s eye. Not thinking too much about it, he hung it on the sign marking the invisible line dividing the marsh from his family’s private property. He looped the reins gently around Stars long neck and led her home.
The summer was bittersweet. Everyone was on their best behavior with each other, in anticipation of Jake’s upcoming departure. Sure, Madison was close and he’d be home for visits, but everyone understood life would never be quite the same.
Star suffered a mighty bout of colic in October. Mom, dad and even Uncle Brad came over to take turns walking her around the paddock. Unfortunately, her time had come. Jake was heartbroken to not have had the chance to say good-bye. He found a little solace in knowing his mom and dad loved Star as much as he did. He knew she left this world surrounded by caring hands and hearts.
Jake went on to receive his credentials as a Doctor of Veterinary medicine. He chose equine medicine as his specialty. His first job found him at the racehorse track in Arlington Illinois. Although the proximity to his parents was kind of nice, he eventually moved west to Montana. He liked the open spaces, the ranch animals and — there was the call of a young lady named Jess. They had attended high school together, graduating just two years apart. Jess lived in Billings. The two returned to Wisconsin to wed and celebrate with family and friends, but Billings was now their home.
Jake and Jess started a family of their own. The family of four made a January and July visit home each year. One July, the visit became a permanent change of address.
To be continued……
