Perspective on Life

by Karen Pickering

Recently I’ve had cause to reflect on what’s truly important. On July 30, I was hit by a careless driver who crossed the centerline, totaling my truck. The helpless feeling as this driver was looking down, heading straight for me, was horrible. I pulled off to the side of the road as far as possible, honked my horn, and prayed he would look up and see me. He never looked up. The impact pushed me off the road, separating the rear axle from the truck. The concussion of the accident was incredible. I later found out he was messing with his stereo, so not only was he preoccupied, but he couldn’t hear me honking.

Life can be over in an instant. Living each day to its fullest seems to be more important now than ever. The pressures of the accident—dealing with insurance, bills, doctors, horse care, and making arrangements for treatment—are overwhelming. As the owner of the magazine, my responsibilities don’t stop because I cannot give it my full attention.

I’ve long been amazed by the number of bad drivers on the road. I wonder what it’s going to take to stop the deaths, damages and costs to us, which hurt even more in this economy. I’m just thankful my dog wasn’t with me, nor was I towing my horses. I guess you need find the good in everything, but that's very difficult right now as I’m angry and hurting. I’m just reminded that we let the little things annoy us and consume us while we’re just lucky to be breathing!

Be thankful for something today. I’d love your feedback or to hear if you’ve experienced a life-changing moment, especially one that affected your life with your horses. We’d love to share it with our community.

I hope to be back in the saddle soon! Cheers!