Saying Goodbye to Quinn

This past week has been difficult as my parent's had to make the tough decision to put Quinn to sleep.  She had an inoperable eye tumor that was only going to make the short time she had to live, very difficult for her.

Quinn came into our lives as a surprise from Grandpa and Grandma for their grandchildren.  We loved on Quinn and especially loved the summer she lived down in Dallas and we were able to see her more frequently.

Caroline has had a hard time saying goodbye but does know it is best for her.  I laid in bed with her Thursday night, knowing what Friday would hold, as she cried and cried her sadness.  Truly, both of our hearts were broken.

We are going to tell our two youngest in the next couple days as we didn't want them to know and have to just wait until the day that it would officially happen.  Mary Anna still frequently asks me "Mommy, where Quinn?  I need to ride her!"  :)

The time we had with Quinn was precious as she lived up on Berry Campus for part of her time in our family and it was more difficult for us to get up there to her.  Caroline was to start lessons with her, this coming Saturday, and has been sad to see that opportunity to regularly see Quinn, go.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of our time with Quinn.

Caroline seeing Quinn for the first time.

Listening as Grandpa & Grandma explained that Quinn would be a part of our family.

Sinking in...

Love their excitement.

Macey helped take care of Quinn while she lived at Berry College.  

She, and her family, loved on Quinn and gave her the attention we couldn't give as often as we'd like.

Love

Mary Anna caught on and was so excited too!

Pure joy!

The first night we met Quinn I couldn't keep the tears from my eyes as I was so excited for my kids...but also myself.  As a little girl, I was just like Caroline....dreaming of everything to do with horses.  To have the opportunity to get back on a horse, as I did when I was a kid, was just such a special opportunity for me.  When my parent's went out of town for a couple weeks last summer, and Quinn was injured, I took care of her and once I gained my confidence that I could help her, I loved those trips to see her every morning and evening.  It was a chance for me to bond with her and get to know her and I loved it all.

Grandpa &Grandma loved the opportunity they were giving the kids.

My favorite picture of Caroline and Quinn.  

The pure joy on a little girl's face when she is atop her horse.

We printed this picture out for Caroline and she has carried it in each of her school notebooks, 

in a plastic sleeve, since the day she first rode Quinn.  I have a feeling it will stay.

Doster was pretty excited about Quinn too.

Rosemary meeting Quinn

All time favorite picture of Daddy & Quinn.

Last weekend I went up with Daddy, to see Quinn one last time, on Friday.  Caroline went up Saturday morning, and Grandpa told her the bad news while they were on their special trip together.  I think it will be a moment neither of them ever forget.  They stood and cried and Quinn nuzzled her head between the two of them and stood with them as they cried together.

Daddy & Quinn last week.