SCOUT

Written by Leona Nielsen
Published on February 2013

The ice fog was slowly creeping over the mountain covering every branch in its path with a shiny silvery coat. Winter had finally arrived.
Annie woke up rubbing her nose.
“My nose is coldâ€â€¦..silence…..â€Did anyone hear ME? My Nose is COLD!!!!!!!â€
Baby and Joseph were just waking up themselves and were also feeling the chill in the air. After all, it was December.
“Yes, Annie, we heard you and our noses are the same as yours.†Baby answered.
Just then Annie came bouncing over to Baby, gently putting her nose under Baby’s mane where it was warm.
“Thanks Baby.â€
“Anytime Annie.â€
“It feels good to be there when someone needs you.†Baby thought.
“Yep, I have to say, that is one thing donkeys don't have - a long mane†Joseph added.
“It’s not often, Joseph, that I have one up on you.†Smiled Baby as he said it.
“What are we going to do today to keep warm?†Annie wanted to know.
“I don't know about the rest of you but I am having my breakfast first to get my belly warm and full.†Joseph replied.
After a few minutes of eating, Baby realized that TC and Scout hadn't arrived for their breakfast.
“I wonder where TC and Scout could be? It’s not like them to be late for a meal.†Baby said.
“Want me to see where they are?†Annie piped up.
“All the same, Annie, I think I'll go over myself and see what is going on. Don't eat my food before I get back, Annie.†Baby yelled.
Annie laughed as she resumed eating hers.
Baby saw TC pass by Scout’s bed.
“You are missing breakfast TC and Scout.â€
“I'll be there in a minute Baby. You go and finish yours.†TC answered.
“Ok, TC.â€
On his way back Baby couldn’t erase the way TC looked at him.
“Where are they?†Annie asked.
“They will be here soon Annie.â€
“Everything alright Baby?†asked Joseph.
“To be truthful Joseph, I don't know.â€
“What do you mean, Baby?â€
“Well, it was the way that TC looked at me Joseph.†Baby answered.
Joseph could see the worried look on Baby’s face.
They were just about finished eating when TC came to join them.
“Come, Little Ones, I want to talk to youâ€. TC said in a very low voice.
“Something wrong TC?†Joseph asked.
“There is no easy way to say this.â€
“Say what!†Baby wanted to know.
“It’s Scout.â€
“Where is he?†asked Annie.
“I am afraid that Scout won’t be eating breakfast.â€
“But why, TC?†asked Annie.
“Little Ones, it was Scout’s time to go and be with Missy.†TC answered.
“You mean, Scout has left us, TC?†Joseph asked.
“Yes, Joseph, I am afraid so.â€
Silence fell over the barn.
“I knew the other day when Scout slept in and he said it was okay once in a while. I thought then that he wasn‘t feeling good. Scout never did that. Remember that Joseph?†Baby yelled.
“Yep, I do.â€
“Little Ones, Scout was getting tired. He was 42 years old in pony years but in human years he would have been 110.â€
“Did Missy want him to come and live with her, TC?.†Annie asked.
“Yes, Annie, you could say that. I know it will be different for all of us with Scout not here in the barn. Scout is gone from our sight but never from our memories. We won’t be able to talk to Scout like we used to but he will always be in our hearts and things that he taught us, we will remember. We will always love Scout as he was part of our family just like Missy.â€
“TC, we will miss Scout, but with what you said, it will make it a little easier. What about you TC, in the big barn all by yourself? †Baby added.
“Maybe I will sleep in here with you.â€
“There is lots of room TC.†Annie replied.
“We can have sleep overs in the big barn as well.†Joseph add.
“We will continue looking after one another like we have always done.†TC said.
“Are we still a family TC?â€
“We certainly are Annie.â€
As dusk settled on the barn, each in their own way, said their good-byes to Scout.
“Good night Little Ones.â€
“Good night, TC.â€
“TC, do you think Scout will barrel race where he has gone?†asked Annie.
“Knowing Scout, if there are barrels there, he certainly will be racing.â€
SCOUT
Run free with Missy
1968 to
December 25, 2010
　　
Hi everyone. Our story is different this time as we say good-bye to Scout. He brought a lot of joy not only to us but to you as readers of our stories and to the many children he helped bring through 4H. As well as the lessons at the barn, he helped the children learn to ride. When we lose someone we love, it is hard, but we keep them in a special place in our hearts and continue on.
Our next story is titled - Room For One More.
Have fun in the snow and stay safe.
Baby, Joseph, TC and Little Annie