The Color of Courage

Lindsey slipped her good arm over Karen’s shoulders. “I’m sorry. That was a thoughtless comment on my part. We can pray that Danny and Abigail may still be blessed with a child.”

“I guess we can’t spend our lives trying not to say or do something that will remind us of Danny’s condition. I think it has been hardest on Dad. He really wanted to see the traditions of the family carried on.”

“I know. That’s my duty now. I’m going to carry on and serve with distinction.”

“Why? Hasn’t our family given this country enough?”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I’ve often wondered if you aren’t trying to live the life you think Dad wanted without finding out what kind of life you wanted for yourself.”

“This is the life I want,” Lindsey insisted.

Karen sighed in defeat. “As long as that’s true then I’m going to be happy for you, but you don’t have to do it alone. Sharing life’s burdens is part of the reason God made it so that two could become one.”

Reaching out, Lindsey tweaked her sister’s nose. “When did you get so wise?”

“I think it was in Philosophy 101 my freshman year.”

Lindsey smiled at her joke. The door to the hallway opened and Brian walked over to join them. “Do you have any questions, ladies?”

Lindsey turned to study Dakota. The cast extended from above his knee to below his hoof. It was wrapped in bright blue cloth.

“As you can see,” Brian began, “he is wearing special shoes on his other feet to accommodate the height of the cast and keep him standing level.”

“Why is that important?” Karen stepped over to make room for Brian to stand between herself and Lindsey.

“It will help prevent undue stress on his other legs. Horses carry most of their weight on their front legs. Unlike dogs or cats, they can’t stand three legged for long. We want him standing evenly, but not moving around much.”

“I expected to see him hanging from a sling.”

“We do use slings if we have to, but usually that is for bone breaks in the upper legs.”

Lindsey drew her hand down Dakota’s neck. “He doesn’t look as if he feels well. Is he in pain?”

Brian flipped through the chart that was wired to the front of the stall. “I’ve ordered pain medication. He’s been receiving regular doses. His X-rays show the pins are in excellent position. He should recover full use of the leg.”

Lindsey finally voiced the question she had been afraid to ask until now. “Do you believe Dakota could be healed enough to walk three miles with a rider by late January?”

“It might be possible, but I can’t give you a guarantee.”

“He has to be fit by then. If it’s possible, then that’s good enough for me. If you do your best for him, prayer will take us the rest of the way.”

“I’m sorry, but why does he have to be fit by late January?”

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