Dog comforts

Sad-eyed lady

Not so easy when things go south, is it? Especially with our children or pets. As a person I tend towards pre-grieving. When loss comes, as it often does, I think I am mentally prepared. Yet at times, I feel so lost. Lost a big chunk of myself this week. I will not publish the details, I believe stories that involve our loved ones need privacy and time. We all must shift into a slower pace. We all must adjust. All of us need time. Learning to trust again, takes time. In my sadness for others in recent events, I remember a general rule of thumb, most heartbreak has no winners, we all lose when relationships explode or break.

Sydney to the rescue

The other morning, I just sat and sat in the garden with Sydney. He sat on my lap, comforting me. He always knows when anyone in our family feels sad or any strong emotion. Like an EMT trained first responder Sydney has often come running to me, while I wept. I believe that his love and care has saved my life many times over. In times of deepest grief, Sydney has run and launched himself at me. He times his actions perfectly to land in my center, even if I had been standing up at the time! Luckily, my reflects remain strong and I have always caught him when he has flung himself at me.

Love & understanding

Such love and understanding seem rare in people. But dogs get us. They smell our state’s of being, they become alarmed when we weep or fall into a spell of depression. Of all our family dogs, Sydney has been tops in seeking me out when I feel sad. He even gets gut wrenching loss. Daily, he brings comfort to us and our extended family. He has shown us that he knows when someone is ill, by running to her bed. Even those in our family who do not care for Sydney’s natural exuberance and wild greeting tests, know he provides much-needed comfort.

Raising a child to love & respect animals

I adore our daughter. She loves all animals, has rescued a puppy and a pet rabbit. Here she is as a young teen with Sydney. We had just adopted him from a local shelter, which thrilled Alex. They shared every moment of play and cuddling. I tried to share my favorite photograph of Sydney and her from years ago, but the format won’t work with WordPress.

"I'm an idealist. I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on my way." Carl Sandburg.

When this is over, we will share good times

I find remembering good times…doesn’t make the sad times better. I’m more of an idealist. I want to know what to look forward to. I want to make good things happen again for my family. I want to think of sharing happy events like hikes, beach days or game nights.

Wanting our mother’s love

A universal observance of soldiers dying on battle fields recorded that no matter their age or nationality, soldiers cried out for their mothers as they died. I know the truth of this. I also want my mother when terrible events happen. I also know that most other people, including my mother does not need anymore bad or sad news. Far better that I find a way to write and to share sadness with a person who will not be burdened by my sorrow.

Nobody died, so life goes on

This photograph shows a wonderful moment with my mom and me. When my mother held me tight, as the photographer made me laugh, the joyful love and delight filled our world. This photograph lives beyond the page in my heart. Through my mother’s loving care, I grew up to know love, to show love and to feel deeply all the joy, care and worry mothers bring to our lives. Her guiding light of love keeps shining on me and my daughter, too.

Happy early Mothers’ Day, Mom.