Remembering Etta

A year ago today, the world lost a wonderful person and I lost a dear friend.

Etta was fierce in her defense of her students, be they riding or academic. There were times that she got her students through dressage tests and around courses on willpower alone. She never let anyone, particularly the students themselves, say they couldn’t achieve whatever they desired. She loathed the Twilight saga because of the message it sent to her female high school students. Trick question: where did Bella go to college?

Etta believed in people, perhaps more than she believed in herself. As was ever thus for good-hearted folks who put others before themselves.

Etta was just about the only woman Mathilda ever liked.

Having said that, Etta could also be as cutting and snarky as one might desire in a friend. We met as spectators on a cross-country course and bonded over unkind comments concerning a mutually disliked competitor. Her favorite Buffy character was the sublimely evil & witty Spike. Her favorite line in the Highlander series was when Methos admits that he was one of the original horsemen of the apocalypse and then snarls “… and I was good at it.”

Although we will never forget, let us celebrate instead of mourn. To honor friends we have lost, please take a moment to consider the wonderful gift that is each person you know.
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Gratuitous Cat Pic
No, I don’t need another cat. Really Etta, do not bring her over. I know I said I like calicoes. Yes, a calico kitten is beyond adorable. But …. Sigh. She was named Amanda, because There Can Be Only One choice for her name.