In 2013 I lost my best friend. I have always been a daddies girl. My dad always took an interest in my love for horses. Taking me to any horse show or rodeo he could. Lunch dates in the middle of a school day.
Had the privilege to seeing Big Ben in the Big Ben tour before he passed away in 1999. Big Ben was a legend in horse jumping. With a height of 17.3 hands high, this 1979 Belgian Warmblood liver chestnut gelding was a big thing for me when I was a teen. My dad made meeting this magnificent animal a possibility for me.
My dad was the instigator in me buying my first horse at the age of 18(who I still have to this day) Cody’s Paradise a 3 year old Bay gelding is a big part of my life. Santa Clouse Parades, horse shows and learning to teach riding all with him. Now retired at 24 years old he is my solitude and peaceful escape.
In 2012 my dad was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. By the time they found it, it was to late. He made the hard decition to stop treatments after one round, because it was to hard on him had it wasnt going to do anything anyway. So he chose to spend time with his family.
Sept 2013 Cancer put him in the Lindsey On hospital in the palliative wing. One week there he passed away with my mom and sister next to him. My life has never been the same since. Dad and my boys poppa was no longer with us. A piece of all our hearts was gone.
Losing someone is never easy no mater who you are. I will never be the same without him. I visit his grave, on his birthday, fathers day and anytime I need to be near him.
Dad you will always be my best friend, earthly father, and confidant. No one can ever take your place. I will always love you. You will never be forgotten.
Keith Edward Johnston born April 2 1947 – Sept 2013
A Mom's Footprints 