Callum woke up this morning and realized that he is actually happy to wake up. He seemed a bit surprised by this….and then he shook off the shavings that clung to his now silky mane and buried his muzzle in the breakfast bucket that had just arrived by way of a now familiar and smiling friend. His life is now full of kindness, tenderness and peace. While his body still hurts from the years of intentional abuse, many of the scars are fading, and they are now gently caressed with ointment and a nurturing that is both trusted and welcomed. His teeth have been floated (thank you Julie), his hooves are properly trimmed, and his ribs are no longer sore…nor are they visible. His heart is beginning to beat again; it no longer skips a beat when people approach him, and it is now beginning to fill with an emotion that is still a bit unfamiliar, but feels good. Callum is loved, and he is just tentatively learning to love in return. Callum woke up today…and realized that he is happy that he did, and he is glad to be alive.