Just Ali – Mud, Mischief, and a Whole Lot of Heart

I've tried to write something about Ali half a dozen times! I will miss my friend so much.

I remember the day Ali told me about her horrible illness that eventually took her. My heart sunk, I gave her a cuddle and we both cried until Ali told me to sort myself out! She was one of life's straight talkers and never felt sorry for herself. 

Some of the stories she shared with me about her work and her earlier years were extraordinary. Ali could definitely look after herself! I use to say to her  she should write a book. This illness took her away far too early, we had plans, some made and some to prepare for but sadly they are not to be. I will miss Ali so much, right now I'm a wee bit lost without her. Even when she was shattered with her treatment she'd still be giving me advice and encouraging me to spend fortunes on stuff she'd find on the internet at 4 in the morning. 

We bonded over our love of horses and shared the same barn for years. I can remember a time Wee Alfie escaped from his side of the field and Ali had to retrieve him in the pouring rain. The fields were about a foot deep in mud and Ali managed to get a head collar on him and lead him back to the stables. At first it was fine, Wee Alfie was doing as he was told but suddenly he decided to go for a run in the mud taking Ali with him. She held on to his rope and did not let go, she actually skied for a bit before going flat down in the mud but still hanging on to that rope! He dragged her to the stable door and when she stood up she was covered head to toe in mud, it was even in her ears. She gave Wee Alfie a new name that night as she bundled him into his stable, he went from Wee Alfie to Wee Dick!!! When she saw that she had an audience she roared with laughter and said she couldn't style that fall out if she tried. She was covered! She jumped into her Duster and I could still hear her laughing as she drove away. She never took herself seriously up at the barn, she was just Ali. Loving, thoughtful, generous, funny and chilled.  Rest in peace my beautiful friend, I'll miss you forever until we meet again... love you kiddo xxx

Julie McFarlane