It was perfect timing...
I had the time of my life...
We made it just in time...
This time it will be different...
How many times have you heard, asked, or said the above lines? I can count having done so on more than my 10 fingers and toes, that's for sure. Timing seems to be everything these days. Everyone is watching the clock, taking note of the time, or asking others, 'Excuse me, but what time do you have?" Why is that? Are we so important that we must constantly be aware of the time and how much of it we have left? When, in fact, we aren't the keepers of our time, nor are we in charge of how much of our time is left. We are just players in Act I...with the hopes of making it to Act II (and it be a Heavenly Act II; not a fiery one!).
"It was perfect timing" - this was the quote my friend and I used most often through the course of our weekend road trip to my college alma mater for a football game. We were pretty lax about the time we left out Friday evening, but as Saturday's game time drew near, we became more aware of 'the (unofficial) schedule' and what we wanted to pack into the time we had while on campus. We were able to shop at two of the three campus stores, we walked through most of the campus as I told stories about the buildings or my experiences while attending college there, we were able to visit with three different friends of mine that had made it down for the game, and we were able to experience the festivities outside the stadium as well as pre-game rituals while all the while telling each other we'd made it with 'perfect timing.'
Did we miss anything due to constantly watching the clock? Not really. Did we hurry along just to get from one venue to the other? Maybe. Did we enjoy ourselves; I mean, really enjoy ourselves despite our attempts to perfectly time everything that day? I hope so!
"I had the time of my life" - what an exciting statement to be able to make! How many times are we able to actually make this statement throughout our days, weeks, and months of schedules, responsibilities, and appointments? How many times could we probably have made this statement were we to actually look up from all of our planning efforts? I'm finding more and more every day that there are blessings scattered throughout if I'll only stop, look up, and acknowledge them. In fact, I believe some people become so desynthesised to their environments that when they do hear others make this statement, they wonder if that person has 1.) lost their marbles, 2.) is a drama queen (or king), or 3.) just forgot to take off the rose colored glasses. How do you live your days? As a blessing, or on a schedule dependent on time?
"We made it just in time" - lately, over the past several months, this is the statement I find myself thinking or saying quite often. I have become either a master procrastinator or am trying to pack too much into my time between appointments and activities. And when I do breeze into whatever item is scheduled, I never seem to have that feeling of being settled, relaxed, or comfortably prepared. Skirting the clock's time can make us just as flustered as constantly watching the clock.
"This time it will be different" - this seems to be a mantra for some people. I don't want it to become my mantra. I want to make the difference and keep it that way.
But, what is the 'difference'? What is 'it' that will make things better, easier, or more relaxed? I believe 'it' is Faith. Faith that perfect timing is something none of us really need to worry over. Faith that the time of our life is right now. Faith that we're making it just in time, because that's all part of the 'grand plan'. Faith that this time it will be different from here on out because we've chosen to put our worries, our schedules, and our 'must dos' in God's hands.
He has the master schedule. He knows what's coming next. All He asks is that we have Faith in Him and do the right thing. Sounds easy when you read it. Seems a bit more difficult when you say it. And, actually, it is a hard thing to do when you try to put it into practice. But, no one ever said life would be easy. Why else would we need an Act I to prepare for the eternal Act II? Because we are imperfect beings. And, we need some practice to get our timing down pat.
What schedules are blocking your way today from looking for your Faith? I'm going to make that difference and begin looking for opportunities of blessings each day - and as I do, I believe that I'll be on the path that will lead me to the time of my life.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It was Always You
What is it you always hear from people? "Go with your gut." I continue to learn lessons after-the-fact, and hope one day to actually listen to my gut when it first speaks up. That would make my life so much easier...
In the span of about six days, I found out what it meant to be torn between 'a mother's responsibility' and 'survivor's guilt'. Six days ago, I adopted two very sweet, albeit very different puppies from a local no-kill animal shelter for my children as we all mourned the loss of our dearly, departed 13-year old Golden Retrievers. All precautions (or so I thought) had been taken to ensure these two new additions to our household got along well and were going to be good fits into our family. Well, I was wrong...on one count, that is...the puppy German Shepherd had to go back.
It started off innocently enough (doesn't it always?). She was doing her job as protector of the household and barked ferociously at the men in our backyard doing work on the house. However, she didn't stop at just that - she barked ferociously at my tall friend the following evening when he stopped in to pick me up to watch our college teams play ball at a local establishment. Strike One.
The following day or two met with the puppy establishing dominance over the other puppy. Understandable, especially from the German Shepherd breed. But, when she launched herself across the room at the other puppy for eating dog food, thus scaring the kids...Strike Two.
What happened next, I'd never have guessed. She took offense at my oldest child wearing a hat. And, boy, did she bark ferociously at this child wearing that hat. So much so, that my oldest turned to run and she ran after him. As my oldest child melted into a shaking, crying, upset little boy, I realized this puppy had to go. Strike Three. You're Out.
My children asked me to take her back. And that is what I did today as soon as the shelter opened. I explained the actions of this 'mild-mannered' pup to the staff and their comment was, "We expected she'd return." Um, OK, then why even send her home with a single parent and two small children if you suspected the return was imminent? As I cried because of those feelings of guilt for having 'un-rescued' this animal, I took away my 'Lesson Learned'.
One dog is enough for this family right now. And, as I told my children, the German Shepherd is a special breed that requires a special family/owner. We aren't that family. But, she's back at a location where her special family will be able to find her and take her home...to her true home. What an amazing creature she is, but my children do and always will come first over anyone, anything, or any 'whatever'. You can count on that fact!
What was my house like tonight as we started the evening with our one pet? Relaxed, fun, no stress...and how did our evening end? With two children piled in my bed giggling that 'their puppy' was licking them and tickling them...now this is what an evening with a pet is supposed to be and sound like. Miss Priss "New Queen of the Household" - it was you from the beginning that I knew in my heart-of-hearts (and my gut) would be the 'fit' for our family. It was always you.
In the span of about six days, I found out what it meant to be torn between 'a mother's responsibility' and 'survivor's guilt'. Six days ago, I adopted two very sweet, albeit very different puppies from a local no-kill animal shelter for my children as we all mourned the loss of our dearly, departed 13-year old Golden Retrievers. All precautions (or so I thought) had been taken to ensure these two new additions to our household got along well and were going to be good fits into our family. Well, I was wrong...on one count, that is...the puppy German Shepherd had to go back.
It started off innocently enough (doesn't it always?). She was doing her job as protector of the household and barked ferociously at the men in our backyard doing work on the house. However, she didn't stop at just that - she barked ferociously at my tall friend the following evening when he stopped in to pick me up to watch our college teams play ball at a local establishment. Strike One.
The following day or two met with the puppy establishing dominance over the other puppy. Understandable, especially from the German Shepherd breed. But, when she launched herself across the room at the other puppy for eating dog food, thus scaring the kids...Strike Two.
What happened next, I'd never have guessed. She took offense at my oldest child wearing a hat. And, boy, did she bark ferociously at this child wearing that hat. So much so, that my oldest turned to run and she ran after him. As my oldest child melted into a shaking, crying, upset little boy, I realized this puppy had to go. Strike Three. You're Out.
My children asked me to take her back. And that is what I did today as soon as the shelter opened. I explained the actions of this 'mild-mannered' pup to the staff and their comment was, "We expected she'd return." Um, OK, then why even send her home with a single parent and two small children if you suspected the return was imminent? As I cried because of those feelings of guilt for having 'un-rescued' this animal, I took away my 'Lesson Learned'.
One dog is enough for this family right now. And, as I told my children, the German Shepherd is a special breed that requires a special family/owner. We aren't that family. But, she's back at a location where her special family will be able to find her and take her home...to her true home. What an amazing creature she is, but my children do and always will come first over anyone, anything, or any 'whatever'. You can count on that fact!
What was my house like tonight as we started the evening with our one pet? Relaxed, fun, no stress...and how did our evening end? With two children piled in my bed giggling that 'their puppy' was licking them and tickling them...now this is what an evening with a pet is supposed to be and sound like. Miss Priss "New Queen of the Household" - it was you from the beginning that I knew in my heart-of-hearts (and my gut) would be the 'fit' for our family. It was always you.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Guardians Reincarnated?
"If there is a heaven, it's certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them." ~Pam Brown
As I contemplate the strange commonalities between my Golden Retrievers, now in Heaven, and my two new puppies just recently adopted, I'm beginning to wonder if some dogs maybe aren't reincarnated when they pass on. I know, I know, we all go to Heaven, end of story. But you've got to see it to believe it! One dog is spunky, mouthy, energetic, persistent, and even looks similar to my female Golden. The other dog is quieter and is a love-puppy who only wants to curl up next to you like my male Golden. Coincidence? Or a way for God to let me know the Goldens are doing fine in Heaven and I'm still going to have two additions to the family that will protect us?
Maybe none of the above is true, but to see these new puppies act and react around this house, I'd swear the Goldens are here again. It's almost a relief. In fact, as I was playing with them in the backyard this evening, I walked over to the female Golden's memorial stone and cried because my heart hurt for missing her. Then, I looked over to see the puppies tugging at a chew toy together and I was reminded of when my Goldens were puppies and did the exact same thing. Comforting scene, I can promise you.
What wonderous creatures these new additions to the family are; they've already become an intricate part of the family, and are a true joy to both my children and me. These puppies have injected a spirit of happiness into our household; something that needed to happen as we three were all grieving in our own ways the loss of our loyal guardians.
May we have many years of love, happiness, and togetherness with these two creatures adopted into our home when we needed them most. And if, by chance, my Goldens have sent even a smidgen of their spirit down in the form of these pups, I thank God for helping my children and me through a heartbreaking time. The blessings these puppies will provide may not heal the wound of losing the Goldens, but it will definitely help to mend the spots that are broken so that we are able to love the puppies with as much heart as we did our dear, departed guardian dogs.
"Unlike some people who have experienced the loss of an animal, I did not believe, even for a moment, that I would never get another. I did know full well that there were just too many animals out there in need of homes for me to take what I have always regarded as the self-indulgent road of saying the heartbreak of the loss of an animal was too much ever to want to go through with it again.
To me, such an admission brought up the far more powerful admission that all the wonderful times you had with your animal were not worth the unhappiness at the end." ~Cleveland Amory
As I contemplate the strange commonalities between my Golden Retrievers, now in Heaven, and my two new puppies just recently adopted, I'm beginning to wonder if some dogs maybe aren't reincarnated when they pass on. I know, I know, we all go to Heaven, end of story. But you've got to see it to believe it! One dog is spunky, mouthy, energetic, persistent, and even looks similar to my female Golden. The other dog is quieter and is a love-puppy who only wants to curl up next to you like my male Golden. Coincidence? Or a way for God to let me know the Goldens are doing fine in Heaven and I'm still going to have two additions to the family that will protect us?
Maybe none of the above is true, but to see these new puppies act and react around this house, I'd swear the Goldens are here again. It's almost a relief. In fact, as I was playing with them in the backyard this evening, I walked over to the female Golden's memorial stone and cried because my heart hurt for missing her. Then, I looked over to see the puppies tugging at a chew toy together and I was reminded of when my Goldens were puppies and did the exact same thing. Comforting scene, I can promise you.
What wonderous creatures these new additions to the family are; they've already become an intricate part of the family, and are a true joy to both my children and me. These puppies have injected a spirit of happiness into our household; something that needed to happen as we three were all grieving in our own ways the loss of our loyal guardians.
May we have many years of love, happiness, and togetherness with these two creatures adopted into our home when we needed them most. And if, by chance, my Goldens have sent even a smidgen of their spirit down in the form of these pups, I thank God for helping my children and me through a heartbreaking time. The blessings these puppies will provide may not heal the wound of losing the Goldens, but it will definitely help to mend the spots that are broken so that we are able to love the puppies with as much heart as we did our dear, departed guardian dogs.
"Unlike some people who have experienced the loss of an animal, I did not believe, even for a moment, that I would never get another. I did know full well that there were just too many animals out there in need of homes for me to take what I have always regarded as the self-indulgent road of saying the heartbreak of the loss of an animal was too much ever to want to go through with it again.
To me, such an admission brought up the far more powerful admission that all the wonderful times you had with your animal were not worth the unhappiness at the end." ~Cleveland Amory
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Parental Control – Part II (Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from my Mom)
The previous post makes mention of my Mom being the parent I poured my heart out to for reassurance, back-up (because whose Mom doesn’t have their child’s back?!), and to learn ‘how to be a true friend’ to those I held close to my heart (friends and relationships alike). In writing down my parents’ advice from years past, I decided to break the post into two parts: My Dad’s list and my Mom’s list. Below is Part II – my Mom’s list of quotes.
Mom's Quotes:
1. "You are who you’re friends with.” – This was a popular quote throughout my high school years. The sentiment remains true, even today as an adult.
2. "When you can’t get someone off your mind, you’d best call and check on them." - How many times have you had someone pop into your mind and you wondered why? 9 times out of 10 something is going on in their life that is best survived with the help of a friend. Be.That.Friend. Make the call!
3. “Food is good for the body, but it soothes the soul in times of loss.” – Surgery? Death in the family? Bad day? If my Mom knew about it, you’d soon receive some wonderful concoction from her kitchen because she cared that much about you.
4. “Don’t go out of this house without ironing that…!” – You think Martha Stewart is the ‘maven of all things household’?! You haven’t seen my Mom’s mad ironing skills (and yes, she cringes every time I walk into a room wearing a wrinkled article of clothing).
5. “If it doesn’t look as neat on the inside as it does on the outside, we have to redo it.” – This is in reference to sewing (a quote handed down from my Grandmother). However, it proves to be a wonderful lesson in patience, perseverance, and trying to do your best.
6. “Go in there and stand up for you!” – My Mom is no shrinking violet! She is very capable of handling things and taking care of herself. So glad she taught me how to do the same.
7. “Have you told them this? Well, you need to.” – Any time someone hurt my feelings, I perceived a slight from a ‘friend’, or some other instance where hurt feelings came about, my Mom was there by my side to give a boost to get it in gear and solve the issue.
8. “Have you written your thank you notes yet?” – While I’ve fallen ‘off the wagon’ with respect to the proper etiquette of thanking people for their kindness via a note in the mail (before two weeks is out), I do think about (and berate myself for not) writing a note to someone for a gift or a special kindness.
9. “Do not roll your eyes at me, young lady!” – Boy, does this one hit home now that I have small children. Our parents have the hardest, most thankless job in the universe. Show them the respect they deserve for raising us (and not eating us like some animals in the wild do to their offspring).
10. “God gave you to me to take care of and raise to the best of my ability. I intend to do just that!” – I finally understand - all I want for my children is that they grow into strong, kind, courteous, human beings that are productive members of society. It is my responsibility to be a good steward of God’s blessings.
11. “If you’re going to pay full-price, always purchase leather shoes. The man-made material will make your feet smell.” – This one may seem shallow in the ways of the world, but look at it from the perspective of choosing what's real; not the synthetic things in life – i.e., friendships, relationships, and yes, even shoes (glorious, shoes).
12. “If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t get after you.” – How many times have you heard your children say, “You hate me!” after sending them to their room, giving them a time-out, or grounding them? You understand what I mean then, don’t you?
13. “I am not’s mother, I am yours, and I said no!” – Yep, the old, ‘if everyone jumped off the bridge, would you?’ commentary…classic; but true. Never, ever allow anyone to influence you to the point that you lose your moral compass.
14. “I don’t mean to sound ugly, but…” – The alternative to the Southern Belle’s, “Bless Her Heart!”
15. “I love you, I like you, and I’ll never give you away.” – This quote comes courtesy of a dear, family friend. It remains the closing salutation for any correspondence I receive from my Mom.
Honorable Mention (because I couldn’t leave these out!):
a. “When I would do good, evil is present with me.” – This quote comes from the days when my parents played the card game, Rook, with my grandparents. Anytime my grandfather was dealt a bad hand, this was the first shot fired of his many ‘biblically-inspired’ quotes to display his consternation. Shows better sportsmanship that most folks we know today, doesn’t it?!
b. “I had to do the same for him/her. I couldn’t bear to leave them out.” – Never one to make people feel like the ‘extra’ in the group, my Mom makes sure all feel welcome at any function in her home.
Mom's Quotes:
1. "You are who you’re friends with.” – This was a popular quote throughout my high school years. The sentiment remains true, even today as an adult.
2. "When you can’t get someone off your mind, you’d best call and check on them." - How many times have you had someone pop into your mind and you wondered why? 9 times out of 10 something is going on in their life that is best survived with the help of a friend. Be.That.Friend. Make the call!
3. “Food is good for the body, but it soothes the soul in times of loss.” – Surgery? Death in the family? Bad day? If my Mom knew about it, you’d soon receive some wonderful concoction from her kitchen because she cared that much about you.
4. “Don’t go out of this house without ironing that…!” – You think Martha Stewart is the ‘maven of all things household’?! You haven’t seen my Mom’s mad ironing skills (and yes, she cringes every time I walk into a room wearing a wrinkled article of clothing).
5. “If it doesn’t look as neat on the inside as it does on the outside, we have to redo it.” – This is in reference to sewing (a quote handed down from my Grandmother). However, it proves to be a wonderful lesson in patience, perseverance, and trying to do your best.
6. “Go in there and stand up for you!” – My Mom is no shrinking violet! She is very capable of handling things and taking care of herself. So glad she taught me how to do the same.
7. “Have you told them this? Well, you need to.” – Any time someone hurt my feelings, I perceived a slight from a ‘friend’, or some other instance where hurt feelings came about, my Mom was there by my side to give a boost to get it in gear and solve the issue.
8. “Have you written your thank you notes yet?” – While I’ve fallen ‘off the wagon’ with respect to the proper etiquette of thanking people for their kindness via a note in the mail (before two weeks is out), I do think about (and berate myself for not) writing a note to someone for a gift or a special kindness.
9. “Do not roll your eyes at me, young lady!” – Boy, does this one hit home now that I have small children. Our parents have the hardest, most thankless job in the universe. Show them the respect they deserve for raising us (and not eating us like some animals in the wild do to their offspring).
10. “God gave you to me to take care of and raise to the best of my ability. I intend to do just that!” – I finally understand - all I want for my children is that they grow into strong, kind, courteous, human beings that are productive members of society. It is my responsibility to be a good steward of God’s blessings.
11. “If you’re going to pay full-price, always purchase leather shoes. The man-made material will make your feet smell.” – This one may seem shallow in the ways of the world, but look at it from the perspective of choosing what's real; not the synthetic things in life – i.e., friendships, relationships, and yes, even shoes (glorious, shoes).
12. “If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t get after you.” – How many times have you heard your children say, “You hate me!” after sending them to their room, giving them a time-out, or grounding them? You understand what I mean then, don’t you?
13. “I am not
14. “I don’t mean to sound ugly, but…” – The alternative to the Southern Belle’s, “Bless Her Heart!”
15. “I love you, I like you, and I’ll never give you away.” – This quote comes courtesy of a dear, family friend. It remains the closing salutation for any correspondence I receive from my Mom.
Honorable Mention (because I couldn’t leave these out!):
a. “When I would do good, evil is present with me.” – This quote comes from the days when my parents played the card game, Rook, with my grandparents. Anytime my grandfather was dealt a bad hand, this was the first shot fired of his many ‘biblically-inspired’ quotes to display his consternation. Shows better sportsmanship that most folks we know today, doesn’t it?!
b. “I had to do the same for him/her. I couldn’t bear to leave them out.” – Never one to make people feel like the ‘extra’ in the group, my Mom makes sure all feel welcome at any function in her home.
Parental Control – Part I (Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from my Dad)
Isn’t it funny how your parents’ opinions and actions mold the individual you grow into as you become an adult? My parents are the cream of the crop. My Mom fed everyone that came into our home, loved them unconditionally, and offered a refuge where we could gather and have good, clean fun. My Dad was the one everyone wanted to ‘come out and play’ because he was always up for a tennis match, throwing the softball, swimming laps at the pool, or just being a calming force amidst our teenage angst.
As a ‘Daddy’s Girl’, I have so many memories of things my father said, times spent together, and how he was the one I always went to for advice. My Mom was the one I poured my heart out to for reassurance, back-up (because whose Mom doesn’t have their child’s back?!), and to learn ‘how to be a true friend’ to those I held close to my heart (friends and relationships alike).
I decided I’d write down my parents’ advice, because I might need to use some of these quotes one day with my children. It’s a pretty big list…but we live a pretty big life, so I think all of the quotes will come in handy before all is said and done. The post is divided into two entries: one is of my Dad's quotes and the next is of my Mom's quotes...hope you enjoy.
Dad's Quotes:
1. "Would you rather be right or happy?" - Choose happy; much less stress than always having to be right!
2. "Einstein failed many times before he found success." - Anything you fail at in life is a lesson learned for future successes.
3. "You're only as good as your last success." - Don't rest on your laurels and expect that last success to carry you forever.
4. "Don't let the bast&^ds get you down!" - Only to be used in dire circumstances; my Dad doesn't need to curse to effectively make his point.
5. "Hey, this ain't Rocket Science!" - Reserved for those that attempt to make things harder than they really are.
6. "I'm not just another pretty face, you know." - Used when someone has gravely underestimated my Dad – don’t do that, because he'll surprise you at every turn!
7. "The more I work with some people, the more I like my dog." - This was my senior quote for my high school yearbook. Dad and I laughed over it, but unfortunately, it has served to be true on several occasions throughout my career (his, too, I'm afraid).
8. "If you do something nice for someone, don't expect to be publicly patted on the back." - Pretty self-explanatory, don't you think?
9. "If you loan someone money (when they're in need), never, never ask for the loan back." - If you're going to do the good deed in the first place, your primary goal shouldn't be expectation of repayment. If that person never pays you back, then hope that they've passed the good deed on.
10. "An education is something no one can ever take away from you." - Whether you put your children through college, or you help someone else receive their degree, passing on what you were fortunate enough to receive is a wonderful gift.
11. "The older you get, the smarter your parents become." – Yep, this one is pretty self-explanatory.
12. "Choose a profession that will provide financial stability, but is something you like to do." - You have to work for the rest of your life, so you'd best enjoy what you do for a living.
13. "Find a hobby you enjoy." - There will be times when stress from work becomes unbearable. If you don't have a hobby to work that stress out of your system, you'll either blow up at the workplace or die. Neither is a good option.
14. "You can work hard and be loyal to the company, but remember what's important in life. Because your seat won't get cold before your employer fills it after you're gone." - Priorities are key in our lives. Work is good, but it's not your whole life.
15. "People make mistakes. It's OK to give them another chance. But be sure to forewarn them that the next time, they may not be so lucky." - Be a good person, but don't be a doormat.
Honorable Mention (because I couldn’t leave these out!):
a. “It's not the clothes that make the man; it’s the man that makes the clothes.” – My Dad cleans up well. We kid him about ‘all women – young and old (blue-hairs, especially) – and pets’ gravitating toward him.
b. “There’s always going to be ‘a*&holes’ in this world; that ain’t ever gonna change.” – Actually, this quote came from someone my Dad used to work with many years ago. It’s still very much applicable. I guess all-in-all, this quote says to me that we should just accept some things as they are and move on.
As a ‘Daddy’s Girl’, I have so many memories of things my father said, times spent together, and how he was the one I always went to for advice. My Mom was the one I poured my heart out to for reassurance, back-up (because whose Mom doesn’t have their child’s back?!), and to learn ‘how to be a true friend’ to those I held close to my heart (friends and relationships alike).
I decided I’d write down my parents’ advice, because I might need to use some of these quotes one day with my children. It’s a pretty big list…but we live a pretty big life, so I think all of the quotes will come in handy before all is said and done. The post is divided into two entries: one is of my Dad's quotes and the next is of my Mom's quotes...hope you enjoy.
Dad's Quotes:
1. "Would you rather be right or happy?" - Choose happy; much less stress than always having to be right!
2. "Einstein failed many times before he found success." - Anything you fail at in life is a lesson learned for future successes.
3. "You're only as good as your last success." - Don't rest on your laurels and expect that last success to carry you forever.
4. "Don't let the bast&^ds get you down!" - Only to be used in dire circumstances; my Dad doesn't need to curse to effectively make his point.
5. "Hey, this ain't Rocket Science!" - Reserved for those that attempt to make things harder than they really are.
6. "I'm not just another pretty face, you know." - Used when someone has gravely underestimated my Dad – don’t do that, because he'll surprise you at every turn!
7. "The more I work with some people, the more I like my dog." - This was my senior quote for my high school yearbook. Dad and I laughed over it, but unfortunately, it has served to be true on several occasions throughout my career (his, too, I'm afraid).
8. "If you do something nice for someone, don't expect to be publicly patted on the back." - Pretty self-explanatory, don't you think?
9. "If you loan someone money (when they're in need), never, never ask for the loan back." - If you're going to do the good deed in the first place, your primary goal shouldn't be expectation of repayment. If that person never pays you back, then hope that they've passed the good deed on.
10. "An education is something no one can ever take away from you." - Whether you put your children through college, or you help someone else receive their degree, passing on what you were fortunate enough to receive is a wonderful gift.
11. "The older you get, the smarter your parents become." – Yep, this one is pretty self-explanatory.
12. "Choose a profession that will provide financial stability, but is something you like to do." - You have to work for the rest of your life, so you'd best enjoy what you do for a living.
13. "Find a hobby you enjoy." - There will be times when stress from work becomes unbearable. If you don't have a hobby to work that stress out of your system, you'll either blow up at the workplace or die. Neither is a good option.
14. "You can work hard and be loyal to the company, but remember what's important in life. Because your seat won't get cold before your employer fills it after you're gone." - Priorities are key in our lives. Work is good, but it's not your whole life.
15. "People make mistakes. It's OK to give them another chance. But be sure to forewarn them that the next time, they may not be so lucky." - Be a good person, but don't be a doormat.
Honorable Mention (because I couldn’t leave these out!):
a. “It's not the clothes that make the man; it’s the man that makes the clothes.” – My Dad cleans up well. We kid him about ‘all women – young and old (blue-hairs, especially) – and pets’ gravitating toward him.
b. “There’s always going to be ‘a*&holes’ in this world; that ain’t ever gonna change.” – Actually, this quote came from someone my Dad used to work with many years ago. It’s still very much applicable. I guess all-in-all, this quote says to me that we should just accept some things as they are and move on.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
"Sometimes We Simply Have to Believe" ~Enzo
My dear ex-sister-in-law (ever a sister still to me, regardless) sent me a note about the book, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein after the passing of my other 13 year old Golden Retriever, Beano. He passed two weeks on the heels of my female Golden Retriever, Bob-Dog. I don’t know if it was from missing his sister (he would stand half-way in/half-way out of the sunroom door at night scanning the backyard for her) or if he was just ready to pass on to Heaven after 13 years as our family pet. Beano’s hips had deteriorated to the point that we either had to lift him up to get him standing or almost carry him to the backyard. It was heartbreaking, yet I’d do anything for that wonderful dog. I even took my good china cereal bowl out of the cabinet and filled it with water to hold for him as he drank so as not to have to bend over his water bowl.
While Bob-Dog was the energetic, ‘mouthy’, spunky pet, Beano was the love-puppy. In obedience classes, when every other dog was learning to heel, Beano was laid out on his back looking up at the instructor as if to say, ‘Hey, over here. My stomach needs rubbing, please.’ And who could resist those soulful eyes? Not me. This was the dog that liked to back into your lap…at 125 pounds. The dog that was afraid of thunderstorms, yet chased/caught rabbits in the backyard. The dog that lay patiently on the couch while I took pictures of my oldest son as a baby in the crook of Beano’s side to ‘see how much the baby's grown!’
And what did that sweet puppy do as we took him to the vet last Friday? He pawed at my arm until his right front leg was draped over me in order for me to have better positioning to scratch his chest. Beano was shaking he was so scared of being at the vet’s office up high on that table being examined. He would calm though as I pet him and whispered, “Such a good puppy. Love you so much, Beano. You are a good dog.”
The inevitable was upon us. It was Beano’s time. Per the vet, the muscle in his hind quarters was little to none, the vet could feel the fluid in Beano’s lungs as he laid his hand on Beano’s back, and Beano’s heart was erratically beating at best, hence, constant panting and not enough oxygen making it through his body. We had to let our other ‘first child’ go; we had to let him be free of the pain of being age 97 in human years. He’d had a good life, he was loved beyond compare, and he had to know that we wanted only the best for him. So, as the vet inserted the syringe into a vein and the medicine began to course through Beano’s system, he looked at my ex-. Our sweet puppy looked up and leaned into my ex-, licked his face, and then turned to me. Beano leaned into me, looked soulfully at me, and licked my face, too. He then laid his head on the table and passed on to Heaven.
Instead of us comforting him in his old age, he took care of us that day; just as he always stood guard in the backyard and chased away squirrels and rabbits to protect his family. A puppy that only wanted to be held and petted grew into a dog that protected not only his owners, but the ‘little people’ that came along. He taught all four of us what it was to be a quiet soldier gently protecting the ones he loved. And here he laid, with his last breath, comforting us as if to say, ‘I’m ready; it’s OK’.
Needless to say, when I read the excerpt below from the book my SIL shared with me by Garth Stein, I sobbed. This was my Beano. This was what he was all about. This, my friends, is what happens to those silent, loyal, true guardians that we call family pets.
In Enzo's words (the dog-narrator of the book):
“In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life. Then his tail is cut off and put beneath his head, and a piece of meat or fat is placed in his mouth to sustain his soul on its journey; before he is reincarnated, the dog's soul is freed to travel the land, to run across the high desert plains for as long as it would like.
I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true. Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready.
I am ready.”
The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein
Beano was ready. I believe he will come back one day as a man; a good, loyal, honest man. Because I promise you, he won’t spend long running across the high desert plains. That would be too tiring for my loving beast – he’d rather spend his time loving on those that he cared for and ensuring their safety.
Rest In Peace, Sweet Bean. You are loved beyond compare.
While Bob-Dog was the energetic, ‘mouthy’, spunky pet, Beano was the love-puppy. In obedience classes, when every other dog was learning to heel, Beano was laid out on his back looking up at the instructor as if to say, ‘Hey, over here. My stomach needs rubbing, please.’ And who could resist those soulful eyes? Not me. This was the dog that liked to back into your lap…at 125 pounds. The dog that was afraid of thunderstorms, yet chased/caught rabbits in the backyard. The dog that lay patiently on the couch while I took pictures of my oldest son as a baby in the crook of Beano’s side to ‘see how much the baby's grown!’
And what did that sweet puppy do as we took him to the vet last Friday? He pawed at my arm until his right front leg was draped over me in order for me to have better positioning to scratch his chest. Beano was shaking he was so scared of being at the vet’s office up high on that table being examined. He would calm though as I pet him and whispered, “Such a good puppy. Love you so much, Beano. You are a good dog.”
The inevitable was upon us. It was Beano’s time. Per the vet, the muscle in his hind quarters was little to none, the vet could feel the fluid in Beano’s lungs as he laid his hand on Beano’s back, and Beano’s heart was erratically beating at best, hence, constant panting and not enough oxygen making it through his body. We had to let our other ‘first child’ go; we had to let him be free of the pain of being age 97 in human years. He’d had a good life, he was loved beyond compare, and he had to know that we wanted only the best for him. So, as the vet inserted the syringe into a vein and the medicine began to course through Beano’s system, he looked at my ex-. Our sweet puppy looked up and leaned into my ex-, licked his face, and then turned to me. Beano leaned into me, looked soulfully at me, and licked my face, too. He then laid his head on the table and passed on to Heaven.
Instead of us comforting him in his old age, he took care of us that day; just as he always stood guard in the backyard and chased away squirrels and rabbits to protect his family. A puppy that only wanted to be held and petted grew into a dog that protected not only his owners, but the ‘little people’ that came along. He taught all four of us what it was to be a quiet soldier gently protecting the ones he loved. And here he laid, with his last breath, comforting us as if to say, ‘I’m ready; it’s OK’.
Needless to say, when I read the excerpt below from the book my SIL shared with me by Garth Stein, I sobbed. This was my Beano. This was what he was all about. This, my friends, is what happens to those silent, loyal, true guardians that we call family pets.
In Enzo's words (the dog-narrator of the book):
“In Mongolia, when a dog dies, he is buried high in the hills so people cannot walk on his grave. The dog's master whispers into the dog's ear his wishes that the dog will return as a man in his next life. Then his tail is cut off and put beneath his head, and a piece of meat or fat is placed in his mouth to sustain his soul on its journey; before he is reincarnated, the dog's soul is freed to travel the land, to run across the high desert plains for as long as it would like.
I learned that from a program on the National Geographic channel, so I believe it is true. Not all dogs return as men, they say; only those who are ready.
I am ready.”
The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein
Beano was ready. I believe he will come back one day as a man; a good, loyal, honest man. Because I promise you, he won’t spend long running across the high desert plains. That would be too tiring for my loving beast – he’d rather spend his time loving on those that he cared for and ensuring their safety.
Rest In Peace, Sweet Bean. You are loved beyond compare.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)