26/7/07 Yet another milestone...

Yesterday Connie had the big op – removing the plate and screws. This felt even more nerveracking than the first as we have come so far. It came out well - I even have them as a keepsake. It was actually very pleasing to see the Xray with the join healed over so well. So now it is the long wait to see how the other tissues recover and how well they will work together.

Interestingly the vets still talk about her chances of 'survival' which feels quite negative, but it is a reflection of the tough job they have in their field where such decisions are being taken every day. It was lovely to see how pleased all the staff at Rossdale's were to see them again and I guess it is a refelction of the sense of hope that she brings with her having made such good progress so far.

Other than that it was broken I have not referred much to the injury, but my good friend and veterinary accupuncture specialist Sue Devereux (author of the best Veterinary book for Horse owners, just republished) described it as 'catastrophic' when she saw the original pictures - I can't quite bring myself to publish them here. But that gives an indication of quite how special this case is...

I found a quote by Marianne Williamson which feels relevant and ties in the importance of making the right decision for Connie all those weeks ago. I knew this little foal wanted its chance, now I am wondering whether in some way she will help others heal. Certainly her story seems to inspire people ...

"..The secret of success is to realize that the crisis on our planet is much larger than just deciding what to do with your own life, and if the system under which we live - the structure of western civilization - begins to collapse because of our selfishness and greed, then it will make no difference whether you have $1 million dollars when the crash comes or just $1.00. The only work that will ultimately bring any good to any of us is the work of contributing to the healing of the world..."

19/7/07 Little things make a BIG difference

Connie is making very good progress and with Sarah Stoneham's guidance has now had her feet trimmed by a specialist farrier and a 'heel extension' has been glued on that will encourage her tendons to develop correctly. It is remarkable to see the leg in a normal position - fully weight bearing - and it gives a renewed sense of energy about her future.

I can only begin to appreciate the depth of their expertise. For instance Mouse & Connie are moved to different surfaces during the day that stimulate the new bone to form. The nutrition and stress levels of Mouse are considered - (she is coping very well). So, day by day, they are making all sorts of little adjustments to their care. It makes up a classic example of systems thinking and holistic management at its best.

When I look back and forward I can see it is a very long journey. The decision was made and now all its consequences are following through. So there is no point in wondering whether I did the right thing or not. However it is good to know that Connies' case, being so groundbreaking, will be part of a veterinary knowledge bank of how foals can heal from similiar injuries. Judging from the other responses I have had, this story is also acting as a trigger for dialogue about some of the broader topics I am introducing, such as positivity, synchronicity, and even complexity. So her story may also have a wider impact than I could ever predict...

For instance Jean Boulton wrote to remind me that one of the central themes in complexity thinking is that large-scale change starts with small, connected events. She added the following quote from William James :

I am done with great things and big plans, great institutions and big success and I am for those tiny invisible, loving human forces that work from individual to individual, creeping through the crannies of the world like so many soft rootlets, or like the capillary oozing of water, yet which, if given time, will rend the hardest monuments of pride.

More comments welcome!

31/5/07 Surrounded by Healing Energy

31 May 2007 10:32

Connie was X Rayed today and there is some movement of the bone against the plate. It’s now a question of how the young bone stabilises and strengthens around the plate & screws. Because foals grow so rapidly, a frequent change of the cast is necessary, otherwise significant sores could develop. The next is due on Sunday. And of course each intervention requires that both mare and foal are well sedated. Luckily Connie has got into a routine of immediately seeking milk as she comes round...

Overall the surgeon is pleased with progress. Connie has always fed well, never needed painkillers and is incredibly good about all the handling. Equally the patience that Rossdales's showed with my daily calls for an update is remarkable!!

Meanwhile, in parallel to the 'Horspital' work I have been letting people know about the situation and asking them to simply send positive healing thoughts. Holistic vet Nick Thompson immediately sent the appropriate homeopathic remedy to support bone healing, and provided a spray on tincture - after all how can you feed tablets to a foal that only knows how to suckle!

Animal Communicator and healer Margrit Coates has also been instant in her support.

I wrote to her that I even thought I could feel her energy. Then, sitting on a bendy bus in London rather late for work one morning, I was suddenly became aware of this most amazing feeling of peace and calm, deep joy. It was 10.30. I rang her a little later and described the feeling - silence. Then she told me that at 10.32 she had sent me an email telling me she had just been sending healing to Connie - and that was what I was picking up.... Honestly - it's true!!

It was confirmation for me at least of how connected I am with this vulnerable little foal. And it is an interesting demonstration of Rupert Sheldrakes's explanation of morphic resonance !! A most amazing experience.....