Originally Posted by Suffolk Shippers

A tough day for sure, millions of fans feel like they have had a kid brother or the like taken away from them. Myself included. I was there in Baltimore and just as a person, you wanted to hug someone near you, or cheer up the crying youngster who was horrified...but you couldn't, you were paralyzed at the amazing and terribly unfortunate scene unfolding.

But, those millions who feel like they have lost something today, is the primary reason that Barbaro should be forever celebrated. He gave people something real. Something tangible. Something you cannot really thank someone for. He gave them hope.

There are so many people in this world who need something to latch on to, for whatever reason. Whether they be down on luck, down on themselves, or lonely, everybody needs something. For many, Barbaro was that something.

Lots of people loved him for his amazing talent and majestic stride which carried him to an undefeated record. Many others loved him for his dogged determination, big heart and strength of conviction to keep fighting every day until now. He will live on in this age of war, crocked polticians, greedy CEO's, and drug enhanced athletes, as an untarnished image of all that is good in the world. He betrayed no one, only to be betrayed by his own body.
For that, he is a cut above most in tangible aspects and a few cuts above most in the eyes of an adoring public, who cherished him so much.

We all sometimes strive to be something we are not. We want to be that athlete who kicks the field goal to win the Super Bowl, scores the winning basket, or hits the home run to clinch a series. It's most people's true fantasy world. In Barbaro, we could live vicariously through him. He, seemingly, had no equal. His breath taking performance in what was seen as a deep Kentucky Derby provides testament to such. We also hope to have the strength to be able to meet what some feel is an insurmountable challenge. Though we hope we NEVER face it, we want to feel we can stare it down. Barbaro gave us this hope as well. Much like a field in the Derby, he stared down death for eight months. He gave those who needed hope the will to fight their own personal fight. However trivial or serious those personal fights are or were, the fact that many drew strength from the fight and inspiration from Barbaro cannot be ignored. We should all look to live our life in a way that someday a complete stranger or long time friend comes up and says "you gave me hope" or "you're inspiration helped me get past that tough time".

It shouldn't end there, however. Barbaro may have lost his battle, but in his silent fight and silent suffering, he planted the seed in so many that just because it looks bleak or someone tells you 'no', it is not over. You find a way, you look forward and battle to the next day. I hope everyone touched by this great animal remembers that when they face a tough situation, it might be the only fitting tribute we can give an animal that meant so much to so many. I know I will.