Winter has been long and snowy and for Sophie it has been a dreamland! Why
it is fun to play frisbee in 10 inches of snow or bury her nose in the snow, or
jump snow drifts is beyond me. However, she is a black lab and that's what they
do. What they don't do is run and hide when the snow melts...unless of course
you are Sophie.
Today's temps are in the mid 30's, sun is shining and the snow on the
roof is melting. This, in Sophie’s world makes sounds that are too creepy to
listen to. So for her, huddled on Mommy's side of the bed with her head buried
in the pillow is the best place to be on such a day.
I remember my youngest daughter being frightened of thunder storms. It was a
very real fear of hers that took years to overcome. At that first clap of
thunder she would run to me for reassurance that we would be safe. I would sit
with my arms around her and tell stories of my childhood watching thunderstorms
with my father. We would sit in our garage and watch nature's magic as the
storm would literally roll across the fields and soon be pounding our drive.
One story led to questions of "were you afraid", "did the rain
really look like it was rolling"? The storm would be long gone
before we noticed the silence. A quick hug and kiss and off she would go, until
the next storm.
In life the moments of reassurance can calm fears,
build confidence and show someone just how important they are.
Have a great day everyone!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Life Changes
Watching our parents age is hard as we quickly become the caregiver, the voice of reason and ultimately the decision maker. When a case of suspected kidney stones turns into bladder cancer one can justify the pain and sickness as needed to detect this silent disease. At the time hearts ache watching our devoted parent, who has always been so strong, slowly decline. How can that be? He is the voice of reason, he is the strength in my life, he is the man who has loved me unconditionally, and he is my hero. He taught me that family is everything; "without your family you have nothing". Believe in God and have faith in all you do. Walk into a room with a smile and always say hello; believe it or not it will make someone's day. What's important to you may not be to someone else and that's OK; stay true to yourself and respect the opinion of others. And the list goes on of all that my father has taught me. I can only hope that I have learned these lessons well.
Today my sweet father will come home from the hospital after battling pneumonia and his first request???
"Bowl of Mom's sauce and pasta"...thank God some things in life never change!
I love you Dad...
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Brrrrrr
Today would be the kind of day to lounge in bed, buried beneath the covers relishing the warmth of blankets and three precious dogs. But that isn't reality; reality is it's a work day and although the temps are frigid and the windchill reaching 20+ below zero, I need to be at work.
Morning starts as normal, taking the dogs out. The drive is frozen over and the wind makes an eerie sound as it blows through the trees. If you listen carefully you can hear the limbs creek as if in protest. There are no smells in the air, just the biting cold as it hits your face. Sophie, the lover of all weather, doesn't even try to get me to play with her. Lucy and Gracie's feet are so tiny that this needs to be a quick trip out and back inside.
I have always thought of winter as a time of warmth; not the warmth of the weather but the warmth of home. You know that feeling after working all day, when you take that first step inside your house and the warmth hits your face? That warmth. Or that early morning first sip of coffee? Better yet, those cold snowy nights curled up with a good book! Keeping warm thoughts on these cold days makes them bearable; at times enjoyable. The thought of getting home, lighting a fire and snuggling with the "fur" babies kicks in around mid afternoon. I think it's my mind preparing me for the walk to the parking garage, get nice and cold because as soon as you walk in the door that "warmth" greets you and warms your soul.
Stay safe and warm everyone.
Morning starts as normal, taking the dogs out. The drive is frozen over and the wind makes an eerie sound as it blows through the trees. If you listen carefully you can hear the limbs creek as if in protest. There are no smells in the air, just the biting cold as it hits your face. Sophie, the lover of all weather, doesn't even try to get me to play with her. Lucy and Gracie's feet are so tiny that this needs to be a quick trip out and back inside.
I have always thought of winter as a time of warmth; not the warmth of the weather but the warmth of home. You know that feeling after working all day, when you take that first step inside your house and the warmth hits your face? That warmth. Or that early morning first sip of coffee? Better yet, those cold snowy nights curled up with a good book! Keeping warm thoughts on these cold days makes them bearable; at times enjoyable. The thought of getting home, lighting a fire and snuggling with the "fur" babies kicks in around mid afternoon. I think it's my mind preparing me for the walk to the parking garage, get nice and cold because as soon as you walk in the door that "warmth" greets you and warms your soul.
Stay safe and warm everyone.
Monday, January 06, 2014
A New Year
And what will it bring? In the Spring of 2013 we said good-bye to our Cadee after having her for 13 wonderful years. That fall we welcomed our newest addition Gracie; a sweet, spirited Maltese who is Lucy's sister.
As with any change in life the uncertainties are always skimming the surface of logic; is this the right time, are we up to a new puppy, how will Sophie and Lucy react? Ready for the challenge we brought home our 2lb bundle of energy and have never looked back. This little creature has stolen all our hearts and most of all her big sister's. How amazing the similarities between human and canine siblings. One minute playing, fighting and then snuggled down together. Lucy plays the big sister role trying to be the pack leader but always watching out for Gracie. One little squeal out of Gracie and big sister is there to make sure all is OK. Sophie stands at a distance, allowing the occasional jumping on her or stealing a toy but always the gentle lab that she is.
Wishing all a healthy and happy 2014.
As with any change in life the uncertainties are always skimming the surface of logic; is this the right time, are we up to a new puppy, how will Sophie and Lucy react? Ready for the challenge we brought home our 2lb bundle of energy and have never looked back. This little creature has stolen all our hearts and most of all her big sister's. How amazing the similarities between human and canine siblings. One minute playing, fighting and then snuggled down together. Lucy plays the big sister role trying to be the pack leader but always watching out for Gracie. One little squeal out of Gracie and big sister is there to make sure all is OK. Sophie stands at a distance, allowing the occasional jumping on her or stealing a toy but always the gentle lab that she is.
Wishing all a healthy and happy 2014.
Monday, May 06, 2013
Saying Good-Bye
On Friday, May 3, 2013 just one day shy of Cadee's 13th birthday we had to say Good-bye to our sweet girl. Cadee's health has been steadily declining along with her weight. No longer did she enjoy playing outside or soaking up the sun. Those days left her almost a year ago. We knew for the last few months that her time was coming and that we would need to make that heart wrenching decision to euthanize her and send her home to God.
We asked ourselves over and over what is best for her, are we being selfish by trying any and everything to get her to eat; were we in denial saying that we didn't think she was in pain.
How would we know when it was time? For me it was through prayer and placing my faith in God. Each morning and night during my prayers I would ask God to show us a sign; would He take her or would He give us that task so hard to do but to send her home to Him in faith and love.
Thursday morning as I was praying I was given a vision of Cadee running in the grass like she used to do so long ago. Her little stub tail was wagging and she was so full of life. Very different than the frail, weak girl she had become who slept most of the day and night. I knew then that God was telling me and testing me to see if I was ready to follow Him. And I felt a sense of happiness for Cadee that she soon would be free from her earthly frail body and home in the loving arms of our Lord.
Twenty-four hours later we were on our way to the vet's to send her on her journey. Our hearts were heavy and the tears were flowing. But it was Cadee who gave us the support we needed to get through this. She was so relaxed and calm as we laid her on the table. As we cradled her and whispered words of love to her she raised her head, gave my nose a kiss, laid her head back down and took her last breath. It was so peaceful and that kiss was the greatest gift she could have ever given me; it was her way of saying "Thank You".
The weekend has been tough with missing Cadee. I actually thought I heard her scratching at the door a couple of times; I guess there are just some sounds you never forget. People have made the comment "this is why I will never have another pet, it is too hard to go through this". For me, I will never not have a dog. The joy and happiness they bring during their lifetime is a gift from God. As with any of us in life, we are only here for a short time; then it's time to go home to our Heavenly Father. I am thankful that I was able to give Cadee the freedom from a life of sickness and pain. The sadness I feel is for me not being able to hold and see Cadee every day. The happiness I have is in knowing that Cadee is with her Father in Heaven, happy, playful and full of everlasting life.
I love you Cadee girl! Thank you God for blessing us with her for 13 wonderful years.
Until we meet again sweetie, have fun!
We asked ourselves over and over what is best for her, are we being selfish by trying any and everything to get her to eat; were we in denial saying that we didn't think she was in pain.
How would we know when it was time? For me it was through prayer and placing my faith in God. Each morning and night during my prayers I would ask God to show us a sign; would He take her or would He give us that task so hard to do but to send her home to Him in faith and love.
Thursday morning as I was praying I was given a vision of Cadee running in the grass like she used to do so long ago. Her little stub tail was wagging and she was so full of life. Very different than the frail, weak girl she had become who slept most of the day and night. I knew then that God was telling me and testing me to see if I was ready to follow Him. And I felt a sense of happiness for Cadee that she soon would be free from her earthly frail body and home in the loving arms of our Lord.
Twenty-four hours later we were on our way to the vet's to send her on her journey. Our hearts were heavy and the tears were flowing. But it was Cadee who gave us the support we needed to get through this. She was so relaxed and calm as we laid her on the table. As we cradled her and whispered words of love to her she raised her head, gave my nose a kiss, laid her head back down and took her last breath. It was so peaceful and that kiss was the greatest gift she could have ever given me; it was her way of saying "Thank You".
The weekend has been tough with missing Cadee. I actually thought I heard her scratching at the door a couple of times; I guess there are just some sounds you never forget. People have made the comment "this is why I will never have another pet, it is too hard to go through this". For me, I will never not have a dog. The joy and happiness they bring during their lifetime is a gift from God. As with any of us in life, we are only here for a short time; then it's time to go home to our Heavenly Father. I am thankful that I was able to give Cadee the freedom from a life of sickness and pain. The sadness I feel is for me not being able to hold and see Cadee every day. The happiness I have is in knowing that Cadee is with her Father in Heaven, happy, playful and full of everlasting life.
I love you Cadee girl! Thank you God for blessing us with her for 13 wonderful years.
Until we meet again sweetie, have fun!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Lucy!
Although having 3 dogs can be a challenge at times, those times are few and far between. Each of them have their own unique personality with a common trait of being very sweet girls. Sophie, is a typical lab who loves people, loves to play and thinks she is a lap dog! Lucy is our baby, loves to cuddle, sleep under the covers and always be on your lap. Her crazy side is jumping on Sophie wanting to play. It is amazing just how gentle Sophie is when playing with Lucy. Cadee is the same sweet girl who still steals food when she can. She sleeps most of the day and night; soon to be 13 years old, she is entitled to sleep as much as she wants.
Every day I thank God for the blessings in my life....3 of those special blessings are my 4-legged babies.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
2010
Father's Day 2010 was a celebration of all Father's for me. My day started with a prayer to God, thanking Him for being the ultimate father who has blessed me with so much in my life. Although my husband is not the father of my daughters, he is an amazing dad to his own children and to mine too. For that I am grateful. Breakfast at my parents house to celebrate the wonderful man, my father, who is the most loving and giving father a daughter could ever have. He taught me so much in all these years, and gave me love, security and the strength to be the person I am. And then off to my in-laws to celebrate with Papa John, my husband's Dad. He too is an awesome man who from day one accepted me as a daughter. And throughout this day of celebrating my Fathers, I was surrounded by family; kids, grandchildren, parents, sisters, brothers(in-law), nieces, and nephews,,,,,all the blessings God has given me. Oh and of course, coming home to our Cadee and Sophie!
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