Spending a week or two at my great-aunt and uncle’s farm every summer is one of my fondest memories. Waking up each morning to the sun shining in the upstairs farmhouse window, playing in the open fields, caring for the horses and ponies, and enjoying delicious homemade food made it a little girl’s dream, but the best was just being around my great-aunt and uncle. Both were happy, loving, and gentle people – the kind that everyone liked to be around. But, this post is dedicated to my great-uncle. The man you see below with that fantastic smile – a smile he wore often.
My great-uncle was the one responsible for igniting my horse passion. He taught me how to care for his horses and ponies – feeding, brushing, and spraying the coat to repel flies. He also taught me how to saddle up Danny (the pony I learned to ride on), adjust the stirrups, and control the reigns. It takes a patient kind of pony to let a learning child take control. From the awkward first saddle tightening to letting me braid his mane into several dozen braids (tying each of them with red ribbon) – Danny was just as patient as my great-uncle. My great-uncle sure loved his horses and ponies, but he also loved his tractors.
At about the same time my great-uncle trusted me to take Danny for a ride on my own, my great-uncle talked me into driving his tractor for the first time. I remember the gentle, yet thorough, explanation of how to work the tractor. I also remember his giant belly laugh as I lurched the tractor forward in a not-so-smooth manner. My eyes must have been the size of saucers. My great-uncle urged me to go faster – so I did. He laughed the entire time I was on that tractor. Not ceasing until I parked it back in front of him – relieved, but safe.
A few years ago, I was up visiting my great-aunt and uncle, and my great-uncle was proud to show me his tractor that he had restored so perfectly. The 1950 Ferguson TO-30’s gray paint was flawless, and its low rumble continued without a hitch. He even had a small replica of the exact tractor wrapped up in a small blanket and placed safely into a small compartment under the hood – that smile of my great-uncle’s never faltered. That was one of the last times I would see him.
My great-uncle passed away this past winter, but he wasn’t alone. Just two days before he passed, Danny, his pony, passed away too. I believe God had a hand in that one. I picture them both in the country – my great-uncle on his tractor and Danny in a field of long grass.
After attending my great-uncle’s funeral, and learning of Danny’s passing, I felt the need to paint a picture for my great-aunt – one that I hope will make her smile for years to come. Here is my great-uncle and Danny at “Home”:
I love this. I’m sure your great uncle and Danny are having the times of their next lives together. <3
I’m sure they are too, Martha! It makes me smile just thinking about it. Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words. 🙂
How lovely Erin, both the picture and the story. And how remarkable that they both passed away within two days.
Thinking of them passing within days of each other still gives me chills, but it makes my heart happy too. Thanks so very much for reading and for your kind comment, Denzil.
So beautiful and made even more so by the lovely story. Though I am sad to hear that you lost your great-uncle this past winter and that he lost his pony. My word though, that is a long lived horse! We should all be so very lucky to be so loved (horse and his owner of course.)
Angela, I couldn’t believe how long Danny lived! I think he was a very happy pony, just as my great-uncle was a very happy man. Maybe they influenced each other. 🙂 Thanks so much for your kind words.
I love your picture. I’m sure your great-aunt was so pleased with it.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! Yes, my great-aunt was very appreciative of the painting – speechless at first. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment!
This is just lovely! Great memories and a beautifully kind gesture to paint this picture.
Thank you so very much for your kind compliment, Debbie! Painting this picture is the least I could do. My great-aunt and uncle have given me so many happy memories over the years. 🙂
This is a magnificent tribute to your Great-Uncle and his beloved pony. The painting beautifully captures your memories on paper. Memories are such marvelous treasures that we can keep and share, they ensure continuance of those we hold dear. You were just as lovely at ten as you are now, the pony was pretty cute too! Thank-you!
Ha! Thanks, Ellen. My husband was just commenting on how he enjoyed seeing my mushroom haircut on the internet. Danny and I had fancy haircuts back then. 🙂
Also, you are right about memories – they are treasures. I think that’s why I am often inspired to write or paint about things that are important to me. I definitely have many great memories of my great-uncle and Danny!
Once again, thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful comment, Ellen!
Well Erin, that was a surprise to see that painting and even more wonderful is to read the story behind it!! Lovely.
Thanks so much, Suzanne! Most of my paintings have stories behind them, and I’m so excited to share all of them. I’m’ so glad you enjoyed the story behind this painting. Thanks so much for your comment and kind words!
Your great-aunt and uncle sound even lovelier than your painting. As if that were possible (!) Seriously. Splendid story, superb painting.
Thanks so much, Alice. They are indeed much lovelier than my painting. 🙂 Thanks so much for your comment and sweet words.
Fitting tribute and great post. I often find it hard to see elderly folk as children. Even with photos showing it. Time is a wonderful unrelenting beast.
Lovely water colour too. Seems you are really warming to painting now too. Kudos there.
I think a story behind artwork says so much more too. Gives it more tangible structure than just the image. Take you deeper in with more thought about the whys abd what ifs.
Or an I just odd??
Brilliant post Erin
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Gary! Painting has been an unsuspected blessing this past year, and I absolutely love it. I find it hard to decide what to spend my free time doing – writing or painting. Either way, I love what I’m doing, so it doesn’t much matter.
Also, stories are what drive my inspiration to paint, so I thought “Why not share the stories along with the painting?” And, your comment “Gives it more tangible structure than just the image.” confirms what I hoped these posts would accomplish.
Thanks you for sharing your thoughts, Gary!
How lucky you were to have such a patient Great Uncle. And what a lovely, loving tribute this painting is.
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jennifer. Yes, I am very lucky indeed. It just goes to show how a little patience, humor, and kindness can affect the lucky recipient.
Yes. What winderdul memories his patience created for both of you.
What a lovely painting 😊
Thanks, Ritu!
It’s a lovely painting, with a lovely story.
Thank you, April!
Wonderful painting and an awesome story. It sounds like you had a wonderful childhood!
Thank you, Lisa! I did have an awesome childhood. But, the people that surround you make all the difference, so I have wonderful family and friends to thank for that. 🙂
So sweet! What a wonderful way to portray them together. I imagine your painting put a smile on her face now and well into the future. 🙂
Thanks, Shannon. I always saw my great-uncle around the horses, so that’s exactly where I imagined him after he passed. And, my great-aunt was speechless. 🙂 Thank so much for your kind comment!