DSC_0038

Vicky was happiest when she was in the fields with her llamas

If you take the time to think about all the interesting ways you’ve met the friends you have, you’d realize quickly that life is a long series of coincidences combined with fate. In 2005 my husband, John, daughter, Rachel dog, Gigi and I took a summer vacation through GA. We found Second Time Around Mini Farm online in the small, historic town of Washington, GA. We made a reservation there because the owner, Vicky, posted on her site that she welcomed pets with open arms.

804065-R1-014-5A

Vicky teaching Rachel how to show a llama

Upon arriving at Vicky’s farm, we became instant friends, kindred spirits of sorts. Our 2-day reservation turned into a much longer stay. Her farm, the way I remember it with her and her llamas there, will always be my favorite place on earth. For many years, Vicky was an interior designer for yachts, and her eye for design resulted in a most beautiful planned and landscaped mini llama farm. There was a tranquility and comfort about this place that words cannot describe. Lucky for us, we were able to experience it for ourselves several times, because we returned to the farm over and over in the past few years. It isn’t every day that a city person can be a llama farmer for a week, but Vicky invited us to experience that firsthand. She even asked Rachel to show one of her llamas at an event in Ocala one year. It was a most memorable experience.

804065-R1-030-13A

Vicky doing what she did best – showing her llamas and winning ribbons

In between our visits to the farm, we spoke often on the phone, lending support and celebrating life’s greatest moments. She was like a sister to me.  And her scarlet macaw, Mo, had a crush on me. We had a lot of laughs. Vicky had a magical way of communicating with animals that few others can; she was Dr. Doolittle.  When a baby sheep was born, Vicky put him in diapers and brought him to bed with her at night. Whenever a baby llama was due to be born (and there were many times), Vicky set her alarm to get up every hour to check on the mama, night after night. If she ever got word that a farm animal was too ill to be kept, she adopted that animal and nursed it back to health. And Vicky came up with the best names for her animals. Like “Stuff,” short for “Cornbread Stuffing,” and “Red Moon Rising.” When I told her that our dog died, she held a memorial for her at the farm.

0443186-R1-008-2A

Vicky and Rachel paddling on the pond

Sadly, Vicky was recently experiencing some hard times and had some personal setbacks that overwhelmed her. Tragically she chose to end her life last week. Naturally, it’s difficult to accept this mournful and shocking news. As I look back at stacks of photos from our visits with her, I cannot help but admit that I took for granted that she’d always be around and that there’d be more good times at the llama farm. The “what ifs” and “should haves” race through our minds. But they’re simply not productive.

0443186-R1-050-23A

During happy times, John, Rachel and Vicky line dancing to loud music with Mo

Vicky, I hope you knew that you were loved by us and all your many friends you welcomed to your farm. We will always miss you for your kindness, generosity, loyalty and caring ways. You were passionate about your work and an inspiration to many. Does it sound cliché to say that our lives have been enriched because we knew you?  And that you taught us many wonderful things? Or made a positive difference in the world? And you had a whole lot of love to give? I hope not, because they are all true.

DSC_0232

Vicky welcomed 1000′s of visitors every year and especially enjoyed teaching kids about llamas

As for me, I’m really glad I made you that pie out of the crab apples on your tree. Though I must say I was shocked as I watched you devour the entire thing with your bare hands in one sitting. It’s a great memory to have.

DSC_0354

Vicky and me, the very last time I saw her

Vicky, If there are llamas in heaven,

I know you are joyful now.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!