I caught the news this morning. At some point in time, I knew it would happen. That didn’t make the loss any easier to take.
Stella was gone.
Stella was one of many llamas at Wunsapana Farm, the Altamont-based hobby farm where llamas and other animals live in a peaceable kingdom, enjoying their days and their nights under the care of Teri Conroy and her family.
I’ve visited Wunsapana on many occasions – whether it was to photograph star trails or to participate in a llama walk or to just spend time talking with Teri about life and the universe and everything.
This photograph was taken in 2011, and was entered in various photo competitions. I called the photo “Stella’s Best Foot Forward,” and that picture showed the dignity and determination that Stella commanded on a daily basis, both at the farm and with all those who knew her.
Stella was a graceful animal, one who never let what happened to her left front leg ever deter her from being part of the farm family and community. Even in her last years, she still commanded respect and honor from all those who shared the farmland with her.
This morning, I received the word that Stella had crossed to the next world. Her time on this earth was much too short. But in that time, she stood tall.
You are missed already, Stella.
Godspeed.
Chuck The Writer 