With triumph comes tragedy

We have a lot of traditions in my family. Well, I should say, we used to. Mom and I still carry most of them out ourselves. It's tradition. It's who we are. It's where we came from.

We are not big gamblers but DO follow the major races. Saturday was the first one, the Kentucky Derby.

Mom and I love horses and enjoy everything that surrounds these major races. Each jockey, owner, trainer has a touching story to tell. Each horse has their own charm and beauty beyond words.

So we continued the tradition this year. We were running around from daybreak til bedtime but did take out time to sit down and watch the Kentucky Derby. We usually wind up having dinner while we watch the festivities. Mom breaks into the Derby song and sings along with the crowd because they run the words on the bottom of the screen. It's great. I love this time with Mom. Then we watch the race. I would not trade this precious time for anything.

This year's excitement right at the top with past races.

And they're off.

Who knew at the start of the race that two families would be changed forever by the end of the race.

Kent Desormeaux rode Big Brown. He has a great story and was absolutely speechless after his huge win, especially with Big Brown overcoming being #20.

Co-owner Michael Iavarone was not speechless but giddy. He could not stop gushing, laughing, hugging and expressing his absolute exhilaration at his horse winning the Kentucky Derby.

However, at the exact same time, the owner, jockey and trainer of Eight Belles was experiencing horror. Eight Belles, who finished second, ran one heck of a race. She broke her two ankles and collapsed just after crossing the finish line. This three-year-old filly had to be euthanized moments after the end of the race due to her injuries. Horrifying. Heart breaking. Mom and I are still stunned and crying over this absolutely awful occurrence.

Mom summed it up best. Why can't humans be more like certain animals. Horses and dogs. They love their owners unconditionally. They obey their owners to no end. They would die for their owners. Eight Belles did. She ran one heck of a race, gave it her all even though she was in peril and pain. She had 'heart' and was not going to let her owner, trainer and jockey down. She did not. Not only did she finish the race but finished in second place before her collapse.

If only human beings would muster up some 'heart' and fight to the finish for the ones they love. Make the ultimate sacrifice.

Our hearts go out to everyone connected to Eight Belles. She is definitely in a better place. Her spirit and courage will never be forgotten.