I've been carrying this story around w me for years and found it in storage boxes. I thought it was time to re-type it and share. I am warning you, get a box of Kleenex BEFORE you read.

Aloysius

Al-oh-wish-us

By Judy L Walavich

SWOOSH

Quietly he folded his wings as he alighted on the straw in the foaling stall. The baby was about to be born. Aloysius waited expectantly.

Aloysius was a guardian angel
This Appaloosa foal was to be his newest charge.

From the first moment, Aloysius was charmed by this spotted creature, who came to be known as Boomerang. The colt possessed sensitivity far in excess of that inherent by most equines. Aloysius often chucked at the foal’s lively reactions to his first-time encounters with natures bounty. The angel kept a watchful eye on this skittish Appaloosa whose curiosity and timidity were in constant conflict. Those carefree days were happy ones for Aloysius.

When Boomer was old enough to be ridden his athleticism put the angel to the test. On the trail, Aloysius had to take powerful wing strokes to keep pace with Boomer and his rider as the pair shifted into a blur of energy. He had to learn to stop as quickly as this cat-like horse and when Boomer executed his split second rollbacks, he scrambled to change directions as fast as his charge. Aloysius was tuckered out after these high-spirited rides. During liberty in the turnout the angel perched atop a fence very thankful for the rest and enjoyed watching this “Indian pony” as he bucked and raced about w abandon.

Aloysius helped Boomer weather many an illness. The angel saw the horse through a surgery and guarded him closely during the recoup period. When the spotted horse had an attack of laminitis, Aloysius sat in a corner the stall and fought back tears as he watched his charge stagger in pain. This was s ad time for the angel, who not only witnessed the physical suffering of the horse, but also felt the heartache of his owner. As Boomer’s recovery slowly progressed, Aloysius, with folded wings, accompanied the horse and rider on their bareback walks in the woods behind the barn. The first excursion under saddle was a day of celebration in all their hearts.

On the whole, the angel’s guardianship was an easy job because Boomer’s human mother loved him so dearly and was devoted to him. She treated him as a much loved child and a best friend. Theirs was a partnership, which had been built on increments of trust and which now stood on a foundation of love.

Since the price of life is death, the inevitable occurred and Boomer passed on to a new realm where sorrow is unknown.

“Boomer,” the guardian angel said, “my name is Aloysius. I have been at your side throughout your lifetime and, now, I will take you to meet your Maker. Forevermore your existence will be one of love, peace and happiness.” With these words, Aloysius leapt onto Boomer’s back and pointed him in the direction of the Creator.

“Wait!” Boomer cried out. “Total joy for me would be possible only if my human mother was with me. She and I have found our happiness in each other and I would miss her sorely if we were parted.”

Aloysius answered to Boomer, “Life is short, my precious one. She will be with you soon enough. And when she does come, I promise that you will be waiting for her at the gates. Her guardian angel will bring her to meet you and you will both be whole. Meanwhile, come and meet he who created you both.”

“Why Aloysius! I am young again!” marveled Boomer. “Nothing aches!”

The day arrived when Boomer’s human mother finished her mission in life. Aloysius looked for Boomer and found him grazing in a field of clover in a pristine pasture lit by the suns rays. “Boomer, it is time.” He said. Boomer left his field and excitedly trotted over, Aloysius alighted upon his spotted back, and the swept to the Pearly Gates. There, on her way through the great gate was Boomer’s soul mate.

Her guardian angel let go of her hand and said to her “I told you he would be here waiting for you.” She looked over and wave of pleasure washed over her face and she smiled. She had seen her souls greatest pleasure, young, painted and glowing in heavenly light. With that her transition to the other side was effortlessly complete. Boomer stretched out his neck and welcomed her with his familiar song of sweet greeting. She walked over to her horse, wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her face in his man and cried “my love” as she petted his neck. And then the love of her life took her to God with Aloysius as their escort.