“Angels in Fur Coats.”

 “All God’s Angels come to us disguised.” ~  James Russel Lowell

angels

 

 

fountainThese angels are filled with  UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, likened to a bursting fountain that never run dries , a welcoming smiling face when we arrive home everyday, our biggest cheerleader in life, an endless listener and jump at the chance to protect us from all danger, (real or imagined.)  They are the most wonderful co-pilots we could ask for, on long road trips, a true and faithful companion on the gloomiest of days, a  teacher, companion and best friend to our children,  the best medicine that could be subscribed on a sick day and an overflowing fountain5bucket of wonderment, surprise and awe. They bring us more laughter than any classic comedy, are a warm, bundle  of assurance, they love us even when we don’t love ourselves and are more fun to cuddle with than an eiderdown comforter.  These amazing bestowals to our lives are indeed an amazing and very patient  teacher  to us of new languages for they have a unique and captivating vocabulary all their own, are a welcomed sleeping companion, (even when they take up half the bed, ) and the best ‘sound machine” ever… calming our souls more than a babbling creek, the ocean waves or songs of the night birds. They never say “no” when we dress them up in (our human clothing) for the holidays, and motivate us to exercise when we know we should, but really ‘just don’t want to.”  fountain6  Their presence alone lowers our blood pressure, releases the ‘happy endorphins’ within our bodies, reducing our stress and they would gladly give up their lives for the ones they love in a second, if needed. They are a God given gift for those who do not have a child of their own, not minding one bit, being called “your baby, and adore playing the part. 🙂 These grandiose creatures are a constant and steady reminder  with their faithful  devotion and love, that “yes, you are fully accepted,  needed and loved every single day.”fountain4 Their presence creates a warm and cozy home, they make a great photography wall as well as ample, showy and felicitous scrapbooks. They will allow you to dote upon them no matter their mood, are a whimsical melody of  music to your ear and a beautiful site to your eyes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Without even taking credit, they are a noble and tangible source of comfort in times of  great loss, a gift to teach us to nurture and love…( and they turn around and give it all back to us, and then some.) These ANGELS may be in disguise but they do not remain anonymous…They freely give you the privilege of  giving them their name,  yet they are known  within our society as the DOG…AKA, doggie,  canine, pooch, hound, tyke, pup or puppy. (and many ‘nick names, I am sure.” 🙂

Cutiepie5 If you are a dog owner and a connoisseur of these miracles on paws, then you have probably already thought of a few things I did not say in my introduction.For each person, their experiences with this beloved creature is very unique and heartfelt…In this vignette, I want to share with you “just a few ways,” in which these little, (and big) guys,  “Rock our world.” In America as well as nationwide. I know that I could pick just one of the above descriptions of what these angels mean to our lives to blog about, because each proclamation is a definition of what Grantham is in our life…I know that many of your have an entire novel you could write on just what your dog(S) mean to you. I have countless friends who are parents of 4, 5, 6 , even 7 of these furry sensations…these friends are rescuers  to an abundance of little lives that would not be present today, if not for their ‘bringing them home and loving them.’ What a wonderful ministry within itself…my highest regards to  those of you who have a heart for taking in and loving all these precious lives. I also hope to reveal to those of you who do not own a dog, that they have indeed touched your life in some way, for they truly are a wonderment, fabulous entertainers and  inspiration to our lives as well as a “hearts wrapped in fur.”

 

DISTINGUISHED QUOTE CORNERrose100 “Dogs are miracles with paws.” ~Attributed to Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy “My little dog — a heartbeat at my feet.” ~Edith Wharton                                                                                                                                                                                                                     “We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment.” ~George Eliot doggy70

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. “~Ben Williams

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.” ~Gilda Radner

“One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you’re feeling blue is that he doesn’t try to find out why. “~Author “Unknown

angel500“I talk to him when I’m lonesome like; and I’m sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that.”~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. ~Phil Pastoret

Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails. ~Max Eastman, Enjoyment of Laughter

A dog can express more with his tail in seconds than his owner can express with his tongue in hours.”~Author Unknown

doggy71“Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.” ~Steve Bluestone

Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear. “~Dave Barry

“We have a queen-size bed, and the dog sleeps in the middle. John and I are sort of these little quotation marks on either corner.” ~Rachael Ray

angel508“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”~Roger Caras

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. “~Josh Billings

 

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don’t even know we have.”~  Writer Thom Jones

angel501“Whoever said that DIAMONDS are a girls best friend, NEVER OWNED A DOG.” ~ Author unknown

“Once in awhile a dog enters you life and changes EVERYTHING! ” ~ Author Unknown

“No one appreciates the genius of your conversation as the dog does.” ~ Christopher Morely

 

When you pick up your newspaper or turn the evening news on, every once in awhile , you can be sure to hear of an extraordinary Dog story…You put everything on hold to get to the ending as these stories will undoubtedly bring you hope, laughter, joy, sometimes a lump in your throat and a few tears welling up in your eyes.

 

Whether your cherished canine(s) are a purebred or a ‘mixed breed,’

  flanders80 mixed breed flanders 81 purebread

rescued from the kennel, or bought as a puppy,flanders 68 rescueflanders 70 litter of puulies

inherited from a friend, a family member or found on a street comer in the rain, flanders 78 inheritflanders 65 rescue to you, YOUR little, (big) guy, will always be one thing for sure….your real life Hero.

 

 amazing dogs22 HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE  EXEMPLAR DOGS WHO HAVE MADE THE HEADLINES AS HERO DOGS! 🙂

 

 

 

brutisMy old pastor used to tell me, “Susan, Graham is just a dog, not a human being.” (Those were fighting words. 🙂 ) He never met Brutis. A vivacious and courageous 7 year old Golden Retriever who has an enormously huge heart for the little ones… One day, a coral snake was sneakily slithering directly towards a child…in seeing this, Brutis jumped up and ran interference, attacking the snake and saving this innocent little life. This bold and gallant dog was bitten by the snake, but was able to get the medical help he needed and after a time of recuperation, Brutis was flown to Los Angeles to receive a National Hero award.

 

brutis7Neo, an alert, exceedingly intelligent and loving 11 month old Siberian Husky rescued his owner Marci Snead from a life and death situation. Being a diabetic with fibromyalgia and arthritis, she had gone into hypoglycemic shock. Neo, knowing that something was drastically wrong, left her and ran to a near by building, grabbing the attention of a few people who followed him back to his unconscious owner…they called 911 and Marci  was saved…The paramedics commented that they got to Marci in time because of Neo’s call for help! (Seems’ pretty humanistic to me.) 🙂

brutis2Katrina, (Its  ironic, this stunning dog’s name fits perfectly with the timing as well as the life that she so heroically saved.)  A gorgeous Black Labrador saved the life of a drowning man as the flood waters arose after New Orleans horrific hurricane Katrina had devastated their land. After her  brave and ingenious endeavor, she too had to be delivered from the waters by a rescue team . At the Genesis Awards ceremony, she as given a standing ovation. In my book, she gets the most selfless award as she truly did lay her life down for a stranger.

brutis5HERO, (yes, this dogs real name.) This crafty and honorable Golden retriever,  came to the aid of a former soldier, Gareth Jones who was paralyzed.  Hero saw that he was trapped within a bank of mud in his wheel chair and was in need of help to get out. When Gareth threw out some rope to Hero, he began to vigorously pull the rope until he released Gareth’s wheelchair from the mud embankment. It amazes me how our dogs have the innate ability to know when help is needed and are so willingly ready to assist us however they can.

 

 

 

brutis6Trakr! This handsome and brave German Shepherd, (posing with police officer James Symington,) helped dig through 30 feet of unstable debris at the World Trade center, Ground Zero Site and located the last survivor of the 911 Terrorist attack. Heartening and astonishing!

 

 

 

Moti. Youbrutis3 would never know by looking at him, but Moti saved the life of his family as he took a bullet from an intruder. One day, the Patel household was broken into and the this big guy didn’t waste a minute by barking loudly and continuously, drawing all the attention to the Buttinsky with intentions of harm…not expecting or appreciating the alert  Moti was giving to the family member’s,  the gunman shot Moti and fled the home. Moti had a total rectory and not one member of his family was hurt. BRAVO Moti! 🙂

 

brutis4Honey. What a cutie pie. This adorable 5 month old Cocker Spaniel actually saved the life of her owner Michael Bosch. One afternoon while driving, Micheal’s SUV was involved in a horrible car accident and rolled into a deep ravine, the car laying upside down. His only hope was to get his faithful pooch Honey released and out of the car, telling her to “go and get some help.” She was unharmed and able to run for about a half a mile where she found a man who would actually listen to her…she continued to bark, leading the man to the truck. Again the rescue team concluded that Honey had saved the day as Michael  was able to get to the hospital and get the help he needed.

brutis9Nemo. This Burly and quite noble German Shepherd was a veteran of the Vietnam war. Nemo was fortunate in the fact that he actually got to come home to the states after the war. After being trained to be a sentry dog at Lackland Air force Base in Texas, he was shipped to Vietnam in 1966. After his original handler left, he developed a strong bond with Robert Thorneburg, a second class airman.On December 3rd, 1966 after a night of fighting, Thorneburg and Nemo were out on patrol when Nemo sensed something was up. Before he could radio for backup,  Thorneburg was shot in the shoulder and Nemo was shot in the muzzle. The bullet entered under his right eye and exited through his mouth. Shrugging off his own wound and the pain, Nemo ran after the 4 gunmen which enabled Thorneburg time to call for reinforcements. Both Nemo and Thorneburg  were rushed to the Emergency Room. Nemos’ right eye had to be removed and he received skin grafts on his wounds. Eventually he was flown home, where he would receive the best veterinary care possible. After living out his life on the Lackland Air Base, Nemo died on March 15, 1973. (And I truly believed that only happened in the movies.) 🙂

 

DOGS THAT SERVE, with their only reward being  the smile and love of a patient.

 

Is this not the cutest photo ever? This is “Ralph” a very popular therapy dog to many pediatric patients. Not only does his  animated, gladsome face, wagging tail and galvanic personality bring hope and cheering up to his little residents, but he also helps in getting his patients  through rigorous and challenging chemo- therapy and radiation treatments, as well as physical and emotional rehabilitation. fountain500

Here is precious “Ralph” again, helping a little girl to take her first steps in her healing  process, after a difficult surgery. fountain 500

This arresting and charming hospital joy is “Bailey,” a popular and much loved Labrador retriever at a children’s hospital, eager to help his little patients recoup form surgeries, and long stays in the children’s ward. The children immediately bond emotionally with these therapy dogs, which is a wonderful inspiration for them to begin to move and heal. fountain503

Beautiful and friendly “Annie” is a therapy dog at the hospital in Columbia South Carolina, helping both the little ones as well as the elderly in physical and emotional therapy. fountain505

Living in  Michigan , this gorgeous German Shepherd is “Moose”…he works with children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. With his love and warm hugs, he comes with a big incentive for them to stretch and move in their physical therapy.  It is just amazing what the presence and love of a dog will do! 🙂 fountain508 Last, but certainly not least, little Zoe, a 3 year old Yorkie loving on a 13 year old heart patient in Covenant Women and Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. I can’t tell who is kissing who? 🙂 fountain509

 

 

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE DOG TRIVIA?

Q: Which gender, male or female, owns more dogs in America? Britain? briard and girlboy-hugging-newfoundland A: In a recent poll, it revealed that in America more than 3 in 5 people own pets. Women 69% are more likely to own a pet than a man at 55%. In Britain, the canine race is twice as likely to have a woman owner than a male.

 

fountain22  Meet the dog with the longest tongue in the world, “Puggy,” a male Pekingese from Forth Worth Texas.  His tongue measures 4.5 inches.  Do you think he has  ever been asked how long it takes to get to the end  of a Tootsie Roll Pop?

 

amazing dogs 11The highest jumping pooch in the world is Cinderella, an amazingly beautiful greyhound. Her record is 68 inches. “You go girl.” 🙂

 

 

amazing dogs14The tallest dog in the world is a sightly, rare greyhound named Zeus. He is 7 feet, 4 inches tall weighing in at 155 pounds. He gained his world record after Big George died in October of 2013.

 

 

Zues great daneThis is Big George. (He looks like a little pony!) 🙂 He weighed in at 245 pounds and was 43 inches tall. Both of these awesome dogs are a wonderment and sight for sore eyes. Absolutely amazing.

 

 

 

zues hercules for realThe  LARGEST dog in the world is none other than Hercules, an English Mastiff weighing in at 282 pounds. I would sure want to be on his good side. 🙂

 

 

 

amazing dogs12The  tiniest dog in the world is this darling little creature, Miracle Millie, a Chihuahua from Puerto Rico, only a mere 3.8 inches tall. This is one dog I would be afraid to let sleep on our bed… 🙂

 

 

fountain 11The tyke with the longest tail is a very dapper and debonaire, Irish wolfhound from Calgary Canada, “Finnegan” with a tail measuring 28.46 inches. Beautiful dog!

 

 

 

amazing dogs3The most human looking dog…his name is Tonik, a 2 year old poodle mix… (You know , he actually does remind me of someone I went to high school with.) 🙂

 

 

 

 

amazing dogs2The oldest dog in the world… “Bella.”This faithful and much loved Labrador cross, living in Lincolnshire with her family, lived to be 203 years in “doggie years” and 29 in human years. Now that is amazing!

 

 

amazing dogs4 This is Champ. AKA One of the Worlds happiest Dogs! (A Google POLL 🙂 )

 

 

 

 

 

amazing dogs 5The runners up? “The Happy Twins.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

flanders 86 most expensive dog Lastly, the worlds most expensive dog… A Tibet Mastiff puppy…bought for a mere 2 million dollars! 🙂

 

 

 

I don’t know about you , but Kit and I love to watch The Westminster Kennel Club, Best in show…They never pick the dog that “we would pick,” as the winner, but it is so much fun to watch , just to see all the amazing breeds of dogs that exist.  This years 2014 winner was SKY, a distinguished  Wire Fox Terrier.flanders51 sky winner of best in sow

Two absolutely breathtaking contenders were SWAGGER and ALLIE… Swaggerflanders66 contnerder in show

 

 

Three eminently “Exotic breeds” I had never heard of or seen before that will melt your hearts.

These two adorable dogs are called ‘Cotton de Tulear’s.’ Originating in Madagascar, they are eager to please, playful and exceedingly intelligent.exotic2 The Schapendoes is from the Netherlands. This shaggy dog is very friendly, affectionate, lively and smart.   exotic1 The Komondor. This winsome dog is very affectionate with children, friendly, loyal and a great protector of his family. exotic

 

 RARE BREEDS.

I was amazed to see such a beautiful array of mixed breed dogs…some of these dogs are rare breeds from birth, where as others are created by breeders, mixing 2 different breeds together. Either way, these dogs are worth seeing…showstoppers for sure!

Natures rare breeds…

The  Catahoula Leopard dog. Intelligent, energetic, a great protector and loyal.amazing dogs 20 The Otter-hound. There are estimated that there are only 1000 Otter hounds in the world. They originated in Britain and are a hunting dog. (What a cutie.) amazing dogs 17 The Tibetan Mastiff does not like apartment living. 🙂 From Tibetan, he adores being outside, is very friendly, strong willed and gives great bear hugs. 🙂 tibetan-mastiff_ph The Leonberger. This beautiful creature is from Germany…nicknamed “Leo the Lion,” is definitely  a family dog, loves children, loyal, playful and a faithful protector to those he loves. (You have go to love that face.) 🙂Leonberger_curious.ashx

 

Here are  a few beautiful and heartening breeds  that were created when two breeders got together… 🙂

The Dalmachshund, a mix of the Dalmatian breed with the dachshund. fountain30 The Goberian. A mix of the Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever fountain 34 The Yorkshire Terrier and poodle. (NO name given so I guess you can make up your own.) 🙂 Maybe a Yorkie-poo? fountain33   This is The Sharp Asset, A mix of the Basset Hound and a Sharp-Pei . fountain 36 And one of my all time favorites; The Labradoodle…An adorable mix of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. fountain 38

 

 

The AKA has not yet created a device to measure “Love-ability” in a dog, but they do have a top ten list of the BEST dogs for your little ones. (Great family dogs!) (In order of photos,) The Pit Bull, Beagle, Bull Terrier, Newfoundland, Collie, Vizsla, Golden Retriever,  Irish Setter, Poodle and Labrador Retriever

Pitbull1pitbull2pitbull3 doggy101pitbull5 pitbull6pitbull7 pitbull8pitbull9lab

The top five recommended dogs for elderly people who are wanting to add a new member to their family are the French Bull Dog, ( Martha Stewart’s “babies,”) the Poodle, Shipperke, Maltese and The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, ( Queen Elizabeth’s royal companions.)

fountain 45fountain46fountain 47 fountain48corgi

 

 

DOGS THAT HAVE MADE HISTORY

GREYFRIARS BOBBY -The famous Skye Terrier of Edinburgh. When his owner, John Gray, a Police officer died, he was buried in the old Greyfriars churchyard in Edinburgh. Bobby spent the rest of his life, (14 years,)  sitting and sleeping at his masters grave. Later, Lady Burdett-Coutts had a statue and fountain erected to commemorate this very faithful and loyal dog. ( It is just amazing how these little guys have a heart full of love for their masters. 🙂 histroydog10

 

OWENEY This precious pooch was a stray dog taken in by the Postal workers in New York. Oweney loved the smell of the postal bags, (but I think it was much more than that, ) 🙂 that he followed the workers on all their mail runs, including an abundance of train rides. The New York Postal branch gave Oweney a collar and ID in case he ever got lost. Many other branches did the same , including medals of honor. He  became the Post Office’s ‘unofficial mascot.’ His medals can be found in the Postal Museum in Washington DC.history dog5

 

 Meet STRELKA and BELKA. These two cuties were launched on Sputnik 5 in 1960 for a one day mission into space. They were the first to return alive. Strelka later gave birth to a litter of puppies in which one of them was given to President John F. Kennedy’s daughter, Caroline. histroy dog 9

 

This awesome dog will bring a tear to any dry eye. FAITH is a bipedal female who was born in December of 2002 in the U.S. Her back two legs were fully developed, but her one front leg was deformed and had to be amputated when she was 7 months old. Her owner, Jude Stringfellow rescued her at 3 weeks old and even though she was told by several veterinarians that Faith needed to be ‘put down,’ she and her family saw things differently. They had hope. With using spoons full of  p-nut butter as an incentive, Jude taught Faith to hop…but it was Faith (along with the help from the family Corgi,) that taught herself to walk. She brings joy , inspiration and awe everywhere she goes…People say she hops like a rabbit and walks like a human. 🙂 Her perseverance and the love of her family is both extraordinary and amazing.   histroy dog 7

 

BOBBI. A story of hope… Bobbi left with her family in Oregon to go on a family Road trip. While stopping over in Indiana, Bobbie disappeared. Her family looked everywhere for her and stopped the search when they felt she was nowhere to be found. 6 months later, Bobbi showed up on their front door step, having found her way back  home, from 2,800 miles away. Upon her return, Bobbie became a National celebrity.  bobbi

 

These stories are not about dogs that have made the headlines, the history books or America’s greatest hero list…they are just a few heart warming tales of some precious, beloved dogs that have brought joy, smiles, tears and a will to live to their very blessed owners.

CHEYENNE, AN ANGEL IN DISGUISE.” ~ A true story written by Catherine Moore (This heartwarming story is a bit longer, but truly worth the read. ) :)

“Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!” My father yelled at me. “Can’t you do anything right?”

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn’t prepared for another battle.

“I saw the car, Dad . Please don’t yell at me when I’m driving…” My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at  me, then turned away and settled back.

At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts… dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? Dad had been a  lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the  forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack  competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his  prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn’t lift  a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him  outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever  anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn’t do something he had done as a younger man. Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor’s  orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone..

My husband,Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small  farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would  help him adjust.  Within a week  after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed  nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At  the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad’s troubled mind.

But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it. The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed,”I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article..” I listened as  she read. The article described a  remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had proved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.. I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon.. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons too big, too small, too much hair.

As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world’s aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly. I pointed to the dog. “Can you tell me about him?” The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. “He’s a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we’ve  heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.” He gestured helplessly. As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror.. “You mean you’re going to kill him?” “Ma’am,”  he said gently, “that’s our policy. We don’t  have room for every unclaimed dog.” I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. “I’ll take him,” I said.

I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me.. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch… “Ta-da ! Look what I got for you, Dad !” I said excitedly. Dad looked, then  wrinkled his face in disgust. “If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don’t want it” Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house. Anger rose inside me.. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. “You’d better get used to him, Dad. He’s staying!” Dad ignored me.. “Did you hear me, Dad ?” I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.. pointer1Dad’s lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees  hugging the animal. It was the  beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the  community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams,  angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet. Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad’s bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends.

Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne ‘s cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night.. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father’s room. Dad lay in his bed, his face  serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the  night. Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad’s bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad’s peace of mind. The morning of Dad’s funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church.. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” “I’ve often thanked God for sending that angel,” he said.  For me, the past  dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article… Cheyenne ‘s unexpected appearance at the animal shelter ..his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. . and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

 

“A LADY, friend and companion like no other.”

Living in a new state, feeling down, missing family and friends, and dealing with physical pain from an illness, a dear friend of mine was surprised with a gift that would not take away all of her ailments, but it was sure to “lighten them”… This gift? A mixed breed dog that was given to her…She had always owned show dogs, purebreds…but this little dog, (named Lady,)  was totally the opposite… As they began to get acquainted…a bond she never expected birthed…suddenly, she did not feel so alone, she had a new joy as well as a new little friend to take care of...Lady needed her. They began doing everything together, watching classic movies, cooking, (Lady loves the delicious tidbits that just happen to fall upon the  kitchen floor,) 🙂 they snuggle at bedtime, plant their beautiful spring  garden together  and keep each other company in the ominous  mid west weather. Who would have known that such a loving heart and handpicked companion would show up like she did ‘at just the right time.’ virginia

 

“Hey guys when I said I wanted to be a part of your family, I really meant it.”

The perfect weekend….Kit , graham and I arrived to one of our favorite places on earth…Mystic Connecticut. We had rented a little cottage adjoined to an old seafaring Bed and breakfast on the Mystic River.We got a fire started in the living room hearth, poured a glass of wine and went out to the jacuzzi…(another one of our ‘fav’s’ in this world.) 🙂 It was the most beautiful night, crisp with a soft breeze, the sky, Stygian black embellished with thousands of glittering stars…Graham was happily laying down on the wood planked deck. (If there is one thing he absolutely hates, its  water  and ‘hot water‘ is an absolute “No -Way-Jose,” in his little world.)  If you just say the word  bath, he goes running.  As we sat in the hot tub, reminiscing and relaxing, suddenly, without any warning, Grantham jumped into the jacuzzi… His eyes were as big as saucers…Kit and I were shocked, perplexed and quickly guided him to the deck where we got out and dried him off…He just kept looking at us…(130 pound of wet) as if to say, “I just want to BE WITH YOU , that’s all. 🙂 We went inside by the fire, got warm, and put on a movie. (The three of us snuggled up together…does it get any better? )     graham111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Who is the alpha in this family anyway?”

  I laugh so hard when I think about my friend Sara and her black Lab, Obediah…”Obie” for short. Obie arrived to her  new home at only 8 weeks and had turned 6 years old when it all began… (now we are talking about a dog that was trained, exceedingly obedient  and well, almost perfect.) First, Obie began “marking her territory”  whenever Sara’s company left from a wondrous evening of entertaining. (It took a lot of ‘Natures Miracle cleaner‘ to get her carpet back to normal.) Then Obie began sneaking food, (anything left out on a table..chocolate chip cookies, a whole stick of butter, but what really did it was an entire block of Brie cheese.  Obie’s tummy reacted, (very predictable) but it happened in the middle of the night before Sara’s (very classy) ladies luncheon the next day…she was up all night cleaning, but just could not get rid of the smell. A call for help was needed…(For Obie, not the carpet.) 🙂 When the dog trainer arrived, his questions to Sara and her husband were quick and easy to answer. (In which they answered yes to everyone.) “Do you allow Obie on the couch? Does he sleep with you? Do you walk him without a leash? Does he walk ahead of you every time you go outside?  Has he stopped responding to your “No’s?” His final answer?  “You have allowed Obie to become the alpha in your home.” …Who would have thought? I am happy to say, everything turned around after a few changes were implemented and Obie now knows who the Big cheese is in the family… and it’s not him…(no pun intended. ) 🙂

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“Hey Susan, I think you dropped something.”

It was a beautiful, sunny South Carolina morning. We were staying with my cousin and his family who lived on  several acres of beautiful land out in the country. My exercise routine was to run (OK, walk-jog) around their property until I couldn’t breathe any longer. 🙂 I always jog-walked with two hand weights…Graham just had to come outside with me every morning… either because he loved being with me  so much or he was protecting me in case a big bear came out of the neighboring woods…anyhow, as I ran each lap, he just stared at me, wagging his tail playfully as I would run by him. (His endearing presence made my endeavor a lot more bearable. 🙂   I decided to lay one of my hand weights down after about 20 minutes and run with just one….a few minutes later as I looked up, there was Graham…running towards me with a pink hand weight in his mouth….he ran right up to me and dropped it at my feet and sat down, out of breath. I could not stop laughing at this hilarious and captivating moment…how thoughtful of him to bring me my weight…but that is just who Grantham is. 🙂

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(My last story about Grantham, I promise.) 🙂

“Don’t worry guys, I am not going anywhere.”

Suddenly, out of nowhere, our 12 year old Grantham could not get up…It shook our entire world. Kit began using a bath towel supported around Grahams waste to help him stand up to a limping-walk to get outside or he would carry him…We took him immediately to our vet and upon examination was told he had literally torn the tendon in his back leg off the bone. Their thought? “Because he is so big, (105 pounds,)  surgery wouldn’t work so it may be best to put him down.” Our hearts were broken as he is our baby… The other option, was to begin laser treatment and massage therapy…we prayed and felt that was the way to go. The one thing the tech told us was; “The Laser therapy will only help if Graham will take walks every day, even if he doesn’t want to…” (and he has to lose weight.) Graham became our full time job…Laser therapy three times a week, massages day and night and  walks and exercising his leg several times daily. What began happening was truly a miracle…He stopped fighting us with his walks, (the diet took a little longer as HE LOVES TO EAT,) 🙂   he was eager and ready everyday to ‘get moving’…(he loved his massages and his therapist. 🙂  In a matter of months, he was out running again, chasing the bunnies and squirrels…just like he did as a puppy. He has lost weight and is very healthy and happy, and we just celebrated his 13th birthday this month. He knew all along, it was not his time…his body, (at the time,)  may have felt like it needed to give up, but his big, beautiful brown eyes were saying something entirely different…He wanted to live. I thank God everyday that He has given us more time with  one of the most wonderful gifts He has ever given us.

(Grantham now.) 🙂

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Lastly, for those of you who do not own a dog, I am sure that you got a “tug at your heartstrings” from one of these Hollywood movies, where the lead actor/actress was none other than a famous, loveable D-O-G. 🙂 .

The delight-some “Air Bud,” and comical and entertaining “Zeus and Roxanne.”

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Who can forget the suspenseful classic, “White Fang,” or ingenious “Fire House Dog?” flanders41 whitefangflanders40 firehouse dog

I loved the heartwarming story of “The adventures of Yellow Dog,” and who doesn’t love “Scooby Doo?”

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One of my all time favorites is “Fluke,” (the master of the home coming back as a dog,) and the adorable, flirtatious Chloe of “Beverly Hills Chihuahua?” flanders28 fllukeflanders25 bev hills chi Chloe

Diane Lane and her gorgeous “newfie” in “Must love Dogs,” as well as the hilarious Jim Belushi in K-9 with Jerry lee, the infamous dog.

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One of my favorite actors Tom Hanks and Beasley in the slap happy  movie “Turner and Hooch” and everyone’s favorite “Snoopy”, (whether he is celebrating Halloween or Christmas with his “gang,” he is a welcomed sight in all of our homes. 🙂 flanders11 Turner and hoochflanders10 snoopy

One of the most renowned dogs in the world, Toto, in “The Wizard of OZ” and the frolicking, lovable Dalmatians  we all grew up with, as children…in  Disney’s “101 Dalmatians.”

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Loyal, faithful and the dog we all wish our dogs took after in the “obedience” factor, LASSIE!  I don’t which way I enjoyed Tim Allen the most… as a dog or a human being in “The Shaggy Dog.”

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In elementary  school, when our teacher read “Old Yeller” to us, I must have used up an entire box of tissues…and as a movie, it was just as tear jerking. A beautiful  classic. Another great film is “Marmaduke”… He looks like he has found his “Lassie.” 🙂 flanders4 old yellerflanders3 Marmeduke

 

Two more fantastic movies…”Snow Dogs” and one of my top five picks, (if you have not seen it,) “Dog of Flanders.”  There is nothing as  heartwarming as the bond between a boy and his dog.

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Life seemed so carefree and simple when “Please don’t eat the Daisey’s” was on with Doris Day and Ladadog,  Hollywood’s prestigious English Sheep Dog.  “101 Dalmatians 2” was another hit with the wickedly funny Glen Close as Cruella  deville. flanders hobo in please dont eatthe daisysflanders 102 dalmations

The adorable, lovable pup in the film  “CHOMPS,” and Diane Keaton giving her new found puppy a bath in “Darling Companions” …another great family movie.. flanders chompsflanders 49 darlinng companions

 

The endearing coonhounds in “Where the Red fern grows” and the gleeful, jovial dogs in “All Dogs go to Heaven.” Two inspirational movies for both the young and old! flanders 31 where he red fern growsflanders 30 all dogs go to heaven In “Oh Heavenly Dog,”  Benji (AKA) Browning, captured our hearts over and over again. This dauntless and brave little guy in the Benji movies stole our hearts as well…a mixed breed known as Higgins in real life.

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A dynamic and lovable little beagle finds he has super powers in “Underdog,” and if your in the mood for a very emotional and tenderhearted tale of a boy and his dog, “My Dog Skip” is a fabulous pick.

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A face every mother could love. 🙂 The  St. Bernard in the movie “Beethoven” will steal your heart! Disney’s  lovely Lady and the Tramp will live on forever in all of our hearts. flanders 15 beethoven 1&2flanders 14 lady in the tramp

Once living in an animal shelter, with only 24 hours to live, (his true life story,)  Rudy was rescued and became a Hollywood movie star in “Marley and me.” This Yellow Labrador retriever stole my heart and I am sure all of America’s. Another heart string puller, is the love story between Richard Geer and Hachi….beautifully filmed and written. (A true story about an Akita dog.)

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gentle giants1I hope somewhere in this vignette you have found your little, (Or big) angel in a fur coat, are reminded of the one you already have…are tempted to go out and get your new addition to your family or perhaps have smiled at some of these stories in realizing what a miracle and wonderment these critters are to our lives. 🙂

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHS: If you place your computer mouse upon any of the photos or graphics, it will display where the picture originated from.

A Mother and Child.

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before.The woman existed, but the mother, never. A MOTHER is something absolutely new.
~ Bhagwan Shree Rajneeshmom205

There are so many wonderment’s and miracles in our world, but I have to say, for me, the phenomenon of childbirth takes the cake. I am forever amazed at the mere fact that a woman’s body is capable of conceiving a life and has the ability to sustain and nurture this precious gift for nine months, bringing a new human being into this world.

From the very moment life is breathed into a baby within their mothers womb, an awesome bond, (both physical as well as emotional)  is immediately formed between the two of them. The physical bond beginning with the incredibly astounding umbilical cord…How can one fathom that the human body knows exactly when and how to begin to incubate and nourish this new life within?  As the baby begins to grow and develop, a wondrous romance begins… a love that the woman has never known envelops her. She’s willing to do anything to make sure her baby comes first and is healthy… She keeps weekly logs of her babies development and has now become an avid reader of every pregnancy book on  the market. She finds herself talking to her unborn child all the time, singing lullabies her mom sang to her, rubbing her tummy continuously and even though there are two of them, she feels as if they are ONE.you When her baby is born, an entirely new constellation of bonding occurs as the new mother holds her baby in her arms and in seeing one another for the first time, an even stronger “love affair” begins to happen between them.

I can’t think of any other relationship likened to this beautiful bond of love.

The love of a mother, truly is one in a million…a love that puts self last and is committed to totally taking care of this precious new life. Staying awake each night for her new babies every need, giving up looking and feeling beautiful because she is so tired, her friendships and ‘normal way of living’ are put on hold as her baby takes up all of her time. (And she doesn’t mind one bit.) 🙂  She rejoices when her new little one shows “the firsts” of everything…a smile, a sound, a crawl, a new tooth, a first step, and they begin their usher50journey together, seeing the world anew…(everything looks different through a babies eyes and each new mother is tremendously blessed , to get that magical view that has been somewhat lost along the way, becoming a ‘grown up.’) Her child’s dreams become Her dreams,  their needs are needs only she can fill. Yes, there may also be a ‘little bit’ of anxiety going on as the mother feels such a  great responsibility to shape and mold her child, make sure they are always safe, healthy, secure, happy and educated. When you think about it, its a HUGE job, but oh what a relationship and privilege.

This year, for Mothers Day, I decided to write on this special relationship… sharing 5, (I love this number as it symbolizes  ‘grace,’) things that are priceless gifts our moms bestow upon us, as well as five things we give back to her life, (surprisingly, not even knowing we do.) I hope these thoughts bring about an even stronger depth of celebration as you celebrate your one and only MOM and the relationship you share today.

 

The wonderful gifts our mothers give to us.

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THE FIRST BEING THE GIFT OF LIFE.

Becoming a MOM! Its something we as women think and dream about for  many years, (some of us since we were little girls.) For some, it is totally unexpected, unplanned and yet, everything else that was supposed to be completed before that little life began inside of us, surprisingly doesn’t  matter any more… For others, they begin trying right after they say “I do,” and because they want that baby more than anything in life, it seems as if it is taking forever to arrive...There is nothing that can be likened to being pregnant, carrying a life inside of you, giving birth  and being a part of  one of the most precious miracles ever created.

Do you ever wonder what your mom was doing the day she found out she was pregnant with YOU? Was she working full time at a career? Was she trying to get pregnant? Have you ever asked her how she felt when she heard the words from her doctor; “Yes, you are definitely going to have a baby and will be delivering by this certain date…? “

usher9I love to hear stories about my mom when she was young and single. I often wonder if I had met her as a young woman, if we would have become best friends like we did as mother and daughter. She literally gave up every ambition and thoughts of grandeur to be a mom. It was her dream to have children, stay at home and spend time with each of her precious gifts. Just to think to myself, I was one of my moms, ( a beautiful woman in this world who whether or not she had kids was exceedingly smart, creative and talented) dreams come true. WOW… She gave her life to be my mom. From the time life was first breathed into me within her womb, until the day she died…She put me first…. how can you ever thank someone enough for that?

The same is true for every woman who can’t have a child and decides to adopt or choose a surrogate mother for her baby. The dream, the passion, planning, love, and miracle come true is beyond words and when she holds that baby, or toddler, or older child that becomes her son or daughter, for the first time, her heart bursts with fulfillment, just  like the mom who is holding her newborn baby in the hospital room.

Secondly, Your Mom creates a safe nesting place for you…your home

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I think that if a woman got shipwrecked on a desert island and was able to get the natives to build her a big tree house, (like Swiss family Robinson,) that she alone could turn it into a beautiful dwelling place. They say that “Home is where the heart is” and in taking that  a little further, I believe, “Home is where our mom is.” 🙂 Our moms have such a knack of creating coziness, warmth and beauty wherever they go…

In my memories of growing up, I can honestly say that every home we lived in was filled with beauty, love and altogether inviting. (Being that my dad was in the service tells you, we moved a lot.) 🙂  Both my parents had great taste in home decor, but it was more than that. It was my mom’s loving touches that created a home that all of her children and  husband wanted to spend time in and come home to. She had a creative, genteel and polished signature style all of her  own and she made each room alluring and warm, whether with fresh flowers, a beautifully set table, magical candle light, bright and cheery window treatments or her  animated and felicitous seasonal decor she always took out for the holidays.  The home she made, influenced all my siblings as well as myself in how we decorate and create our own homes today.  Our moms are also fantastic chefs … they busily do all the meal planning, grocery shopping and cook for us meals that you just can’t find in a restaurant. My moms spectacular, southern home-cooking created an abundance of memorable, delightful gatherings around our dining table and also inspired her children, now adults, to learn to cook…(We had to or we’d never taste her Shrimp creole, homemade spaghetti sauce or savory, fresh water-Crab casserole again.) 🙂

Thirdly, HER FAITH IN US!

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 Our moms are our biggest cheerleaders…they believe in us and are always encouraging us to do our best , persevere and become all that we dream of being. My mom always made me feel that I was someone of significance. She took me shopping for beautiful, (in style) school clothes, taught me how to wear makeup and encouraged me in my talents when I was growing up,(dance class, piano and writing.) She had to check out every potential new boyfriend… if they were not up to her liking, she let me know it. (She absolutely adored Kit.) 🙂 She always was there for me no matter what… I don’t know what my life would have been like without her faith and belief in me. It shaped my entire world. Our moms will do that you know? 🙂

Fourth, HER PRAYERS

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 No matter what your family faith is , many of the moms that I know are the “Prayer warriors ” behind the family…spending many an hour praying when we don’t come home by our curfew, praying when we have our first job interview, talking to God ‘big time’ when we are going through a rough patch in life and  rejoice with us when everything is gong so well. My mom and dad both came from a Christian background. As my mom grew in her faith, I longed for the love relationship she had with the Lord, her strength and the quiet,yet infectious joy she had within. My mom told me once that she prayed non stop for all of her children to come to know the Lord in the way that she did, as His love had changed her life immensely. Now that she is gone and I see all my siblings, as well as myself, embodying that same love relationship with God that she had, I smile, thank her and thank God for giving me a praying mom. The prayers of a mother are  a wondrous, cherished gift…

Lastly, (but not really, as I could go on and on…) 🙂 Their hearts.

I’LL LOVE YOU FOREVER, I’LL LIKE YOU FOR ALWAYS, AS LONG AS I AM LIVING, MY BABY YOU’LL BE.miracle

From the moment our moms hear, “You have got a  bun in the oven” to the day one of you leaves this earth….their entire heart  is yours,  24/7. There is no one that will ever love you with the love of your mother. Our moms hearts are so devoted  to us making them a  safe place for us to take refuge, in all  the storms of life. They’re  our (very wise) counselors  when we are so beyond confusion and frustration in our paths of life, a wonderful, tangible  warm hug when we need it most, a friend to cry with who does not judge and probably the best friend in life we will ever have. They never leave you, and they never threaten to. They are solid, filled with an unconditional love that many we will meet in life, will not have for us. They are our rock in many ways…In all the years I was blessed to have my mom on this earth, I never doubted her heart of love for me…it was, ( and still is) one of my greatest blessings in life.

WHAT DO WE GIVE IN RETURN TO  OUR MOMS?

First off, we fulfill their dream to have a baby.mom105

 YES…Your a dream come true for your mom.

I can still  remember driving in our Red Jeep Cherokee one day when my husband Kit looked over at me and said; “You know what Susan, you really are my dream come true. When I was in high school, I prayed and asked God for a wife and I gave him all the qualities I wanted in the woman who I would spend my life with. I am looking at you now and you are everything I asked for, you really are my dream…” I still blush like crazy even thinking about Kits words that day, (and I am reminded I need to go and get my hair highlighted SOON, as the ‘blonde hair part’ was in his dream too. 🙂 (Just joshing…but I do  need to make that appointment.) 🙂   I share this because it feels absolutely euphoric to be told that you are someones dream come true.

Have you ever  thought to yourself that out of all the dreams your mom could have pursued, she chose to pursue you? You were her choice.. having you and raising you was how she wanted to spend her life.She spent much of her time dreaming of  what your name would be, how she would decorate and create your nursery,  and at least a hundred ways she was going to spoil you, love you and bring your life happiness and joy.

Secondly,  Your able to touch their life like no one else can.

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You are unique. Whether you are an only child or one of many, there is only one you... My mom had 8 children… When asked by her kids, “Mom who is your very favorite?” She would always answer with her sweet smile and charming southern drawl; “Yooo-uuu.”  🙂 I had a fabulous seat in the family birth-line to watch my siblings in action with my mom… I was blessed to witness how each of her children had  their own special way of making her eyes beam with joy and bring a smile to her face that began deep within her heart. One of my brothers,usher10 Rob, lit up her eyes every time he’d come home from school, or as he got older and visited with his daughter, as he always called her by her first name…”Well hello there Kathryn W.” He’d say, accompanied by a hug. That was all she needed to make her day. One of my other brothers, Jim, was a gift giver…When he chose a gift, it was the kind of present that you knew he had searched high and low for, the kind that made you cry as jimbo218he cared and loved so deeply. He blessed her beyond and back with his loving , thoughtful heart. The stories could go one and on…but it is so true, you are the only one who can touch your moms heart the special way that you do.   No one has your talents, touch, voice, hug, heart or expresses themselves as you do… your the only one who can give that to your mom, blessing her life to overflowing.

Thirdly, Your the only one who can leave a part of them on this earth, long after they are gone.

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My mom use to say, (as many grandmothers often do, ) “I love this part of life because I get to spend as much time with my grand baby as I want, but then when I am tired, I get to send them home. ” 🙂  I never knew the ‘grandmother’ in my mom,  until one of my siblings had their first child. OH MY GOSH…whenever my mom got a call to come and babysit, you would have thought it was Christmas morning. She absolutely loved and adored all of her grand kids. I can’t fathom what  it would feel like to see a third generation in a family as a mom…seeing your own child’s baby for the first time and then watching them grow…perhaps with her own fathers eyes or her mothers long fingers,( a destined piano player already.)  What a joy, miracle and gift to her… Its just one of those wondrous gifts you give to her life that fills her with awe.

Fourth, You fulfill the need inside your mom, like only you can, to be needed, allowing her to nurture  and love. (No Matter your age. 🙂

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Lets face it…a mothers second name is NURTURER… Its in their blood. They love to feel needed and loved by their kids, and for us , that is the easy part…(well, until we turn 13, and that’s just temporary.) 🙂 Each child has a different way of allowing their mom to nurture and love them. For my five brothers, they loved her southern cooking, her special touch in cleaning up their rooms, the in-style T shirts she’d buy them, but mostly, they loved her listening ear. Many a time I would pass one of them in a deep conversation with her over a cup of Louisiana chicory coffee at the kitchen nook.  I’d hear the word “girlfriend” a lot… either with a voice of excitement and happiness or a tone of sadness and daunted emotions.  My sister, my mom and I talked each others heads off every chance we could get…(the three of us being the only women in a household with an overabundance of  testosterone.) 🙂 But seriously, my mom was the nurturer of nurturer’s and we were blessed and quiet happy to let her dote upon us any time she wanted. 🙂

And lastly, Your friendship… You’re one of the best friends she’ll ever have.

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When we are babies, we’re our moms best ‘little’ friend…the one person she’d  gladly get up for, (day or night,) with a smile. She can’t wait to hold you, ask you how you’ve slept, sing to you, give you baths…she plans her entire day around your napping schedule. As a toddler, the friendship between you is deepening. Now you can talk…oh the laughter and conversations you both are having.(You both wish you had recorded each one, so that you’d never lose those precious moments.) 🙂  Now when the stories are read,  you get to ask an abundance  of questions and she loves answering every one of them. You both enjoy watching all the Disney movies together, (over and over,) just to cuddle up on the couch together…and there is nothing quite like your mom and you sharing your first trip to the zoo or Disneyland.   As a teen, sometimes we grow closer as friends, other times, there is a little (temporary) distance, but once that strange awkward time is over, your mom is your new best friend forever. As we become young adults, (often times moving out of the nest,) its hard to understand why its so hard for her as we are so excited to get out  on our own and she wants us to stay close forever. But the friendship  grows in a new way. Your now sharing your lives as adults, discovering new likenesses and the friendship keeps on growing.It is by far, the most wondrous feeling to be a grown up and have the one person who has stood by your side your entire life, knows everything about you and loves you to the moon and back, as your very best friend in life, and at the same time, have them feel the same way. I will never forget one the last days I had with my mom before she died…her priceless words will stay etched upon my heart forever;    “Susan, the gift of your friendship to me, since you were born has meant more to me than words can ever express. You have brought me so much joy and I thank God everyday for the bond He has given us.”

I could  never touch on all the gifts of this special relationship a mother and child share...Here are a few other people who have put their hearts on paper, or shared their hearts and someone remembered. ENJOY!

 (I loved this woman’s, witty and humorous writing on being a mom to a wonderul daughter. Great read.) 🙂

A tribute to Mom~ Tammy Black

The other day, a man yelled from his car window “you mother *&%*” as he waved his finger at me. I just smiled. It’s good to be somebody’s mother. Where would the world be without us?

I agree that we can sometimes be bossy, overbearing and worry-warts. But I need to interject that it’s in the job description.We are also our children’s biggest fan, loudest cheerleader, and life’s leaning pole. We love our kids endlessly and protect them at all costs. Nobody does it better. It is a blessing and a curse.

Anyone who knows me knows I love my kid. She has come first in my life since she entered it. She is my light and my pride and my joy. I love her with the breath of me.Still, motherhood has not been easy.

You know that excruciating labor pain and delivery? The yelling, screaming, crying and cursing? The blood, the sweat and the terror? That was the easy part.Being a mom is tough business. Once you’re there, nothing is optional. You’re in. You can’t change your mind, you can’t call in sick, and you can’t take a day off. It’s a lifetime gig.

There were a lot of different hats to wear, big decisions to make and curfews to levy. I confess that I didn’t always make the right decisions, but I always made them for the right reasons.There were late nights sitting up soothing an upset tummy or calming a nightmare. That matured into waiting up for her to come home. The younger years were easier.

The sleepovers, the parties, the boys, the tears, the dances, the heartbreaks, the carpools, the shopping excursions, the drama!  I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for a million bucks.Teenage years were beyond challenging.  I personally think that all mothers of girls between the ages of 13 and 21 should be given a medal of valor and a lifetime supply of chocolate brownie ice-cream.  It’s only fair. They say boys are easier. I hope so, but I think it all evens out in the end.

I still don’t know why we don’t get paid for this job. I am venturing to guess that the pay level would be in the 6 figure range. Whatever it would be, it wouldn’t be enough.Mothers are the only sure thing most of us can count on our entire lives.

I remember being with my boyfriend as we cleared out dozens of boxes that he had saved from his deceased parents. He had never gone through them and they had died a decade prior. We dove in.I was not surprised to find that one entire box was filled with cards he had given his mother throughout the years. She saved every single one of them. That’s what mothers do. We preserve and we cherish. We save memories for when we are no longer here to hug and to hold.

Cherishing is a good thing and no one does it better than moms.It would be a mistake to underestimate mothers. A mom will be the first to remind you that she brought you into this world and she can take you out. It would be foolish to challenge her.

I always said if my daughter didn’t fear me, then I was doing something wrong. She did. But what I later found out, was that she feared disappointing me most of all. What she didn’t know, is that she never could.Mothers will always remind us of who we are, what we are worth, and how we should be proud of ourselves. Mothers see what others miss and what we forget about ourselves.

As mothers, we are proud to see our babies fly on their own, accomplish their goals, live loving lives. The fact is we were always proud of them no matter what they did … or didn’t do. What moms don’t tell their kids when they have left the nest … is that we miss them every single day.At the end of the day, my biggest and best accomplishment isn’t the money I made, the businesses I ran or the big homes I lived in. It is that I am the mother of a beautiful little girl who grew to be a beautiful, responsible, funny and wicked smart young woman. That is my mother’s day celebration. That is my gift.

And so, I say thank you to all the mothers who have sacrificed so much, cried rivers, spent many a sleepless night worrying, cleaned up vomit, buried fish and hamsters, forfeited the vacation for fender repairs, went without so their kids could have. YOU are my heroes.

 MY BABY ~ Author unknown

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I felt you.You were a pea. Then a lemon. Then an eggplant. I followed advice. I read twelve books. I quite coffee. Could you tell I was scared?

I talked to you, sang to you…I wasn’t ready.

But then You were here. Ten toes. Eight pounds. LOVE. Big fat love.

I held you. I fed you. I realized that I would spend my life doing things to make you happy…and that would make me happy.

And then there are the times I wanted to give up. You’ve made me rethink my sanity. You’ve made me want to fall f on my mothers feet and tell her that “I get it.”

But then you smile and you say my name…and you grab my hand with those little fingers. We’re growing together. We are seeing the world like its new. I will open my heart and love will rain down all over you. You’ll giggle, and I’ll do it all over again. And we will walk hand in hand, until you let go.

I made you, but you made me a MOTHER. ~ Author unknown

 

 

An excerpt from from Richard Sherman’s ‘ Barrow Street.’

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From the kitchen, she went into the hall and from there to the nursery. She had left the door partially open, and now she entered the room softly. A small, rose shaded night light burned in one corner, atop the ivory chest of drawers, and the crib stood in the opposite corner, against the wall. Moving toward the crib, the girl paused by it, looking downward and smiling. A dark fuzz of hair lay against the white satin pillows, and below it was a profiled roundness of cream and pink, bounded by blue blankets. HE SLEPT. Mr Timothy Ryder Jr., slept. “Hello, Tim,”  whispered the girl, leaning over the rail of the crib. “Hello, Timmy. My baby, my baby, my baby.”

The miracle of life~ Author unknown

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Before you were conceived, I wanted YOU.  Before you were born, I loved YOU.

Before you were here an hour, I would die for YOU. This is the miracle of Life.

 

Your little boy ~ author unknown

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You’ll be his first kiss…his first love, his first friend…You are his momma and he is your whole world. He is YOUR LITTLE BOY.

I just had to share a Facebook post “Just a mom” by David Sommers…it SO TRUE!

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JUST A MOM??? !!!!  JUST A MOM????… I can’t stand it when people say “Your just a mom?”  YES I AM A MOM (and a Damn good one!)

That makes me an alarm clock, cook, maid, waitress, teacher, nurse, referee, handy man, security officer, photographer, counselor, chauffeur, event planner, hair dresser, personal assistant, ATM and I scare away the boogie men. I don’t get paid holidays, sick pay or days off. I work DAY and NIGHT. I am on call 24/7 for the rest of my life. That just being a MOM!! I may not be anything to you, but I am everything to someone. “Re-post this if you are a proud mom who would do anything on this planet for your children.”

A Special tribute to their moms or motherhood from renowned, (grown up kids.) 

usher15“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”
~ Abraham Lincoln

usher30 “Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers  with ease.”
~Best selling author, Lisa Alther

 

Stevie Wonder performs during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”
~Stevie Wonder

98CN21978BIO-PICASSO“My mother said to me, “”If you become a soldier you’ll be a general; if you become a monk you’ll end up as the pope.”” Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.”
~Pablo Picasso

 

 

usher20“It is not until you become a mother that your judgment slowly turns to compassion and understanding. “
~Erma Bombeck

 

usher17“My mother never gave up one me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back.”
~Denzel Washington

 

 

A beautiful tribute to his mom, written by Frances Johansan

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You painted no Madonnas
on chapel walls in Rome
But with a touch divine
you lived one in your home

You wrote no lofty poems
that critics counted art
But with a nobler vision
you lived them in your heart

You carved no shapeless marble
into some high soul design
But with a finer sculpture
you shaped this soul of mine

You built no great cathedrals
that centuries applaud
But with a grace exquisite
your life cathedraled God

Had I the gift of Raphael
or that of Michelangelo
Oh, what a rare Madonna
my mother’s life would show.

 A Poem to his mother, written by Nicholas Gordon

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Mothers are the gardeners
Of wind-blown wild flowers.
They water them with happy tears,
Happy with them many years,
Even as the hours
Ring with sweet, sad melodies
Sighing through their bowers.

 

I was so touched in watching one of our favorite shows, “The Voice” as the contestants and judges gave tributes to their moms. I especially remember two that stood out…

usher3Carston Daily said; “My mother is and has been the most inspirational person to me in my life.”

usher2 Usher Raymond said; “I would not be the man that I am if not for my mom, Jonetta Patton.” I love how Usher credited her by saying her name.

 

 

In closing this vignette, I want to leave you with one more short story…

A day with  my Mom.

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There are thousands of “Favorite days” spent with my mom…its so hard to pick one, but if I have to, I’ll go with the “Lets sneak away to the Mall” day.

You know how when someone you love gets diagnosed with a serious illness, it changes everything inside your world? Just the thought of losing that person, creates the desire to spend as much time with them as possible, and you find that even the simplest hour spent together, is a rare gift, even if you do nothing but sit and talk over a cup of coffee.

When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, it turned our family’s world upside down. Walking through it with her was one of the hardest times our family faced…but we all did it together. My mom had surgery and went through months of chemotherapy and radiation.  After her last treatment, when the doctors met with my mom and dad, they were happy to report that her cancer was gone and she was now in remission.  I don’t need to tell you that we were all on cloud nine, celebrating , thanking God and were filled with a new hope and peace.

About a year later, my mom began to feel sick again. We were all hoping and praying that her cancer had not returned. Her doctors began running a series of new tests. It was at this time that my mom and I shared this very special day together.

Because she was not feeling well, her daily routine was taking an early morning drive to the beautiful, serene, harbor jetty in Dana Point, California. She and my father would park the car, get a cup of coffee and watch all the sea birds gliding above the swaying boats upon the choppy waters, and listen to the sound of the soothing waves as they splashed  upon the wharfs rocks. They’d come home, where she would spend many an hour in her beautiful, Southern style bedroom…It was the place that all of her kids came to see her, plus many  a friend and extended family members. There she would sit, in her dreamy and dulcet bed with its embroidered linens and tailored comforter, a comedy classic or one of her favorite TV pastors on, or a tape playing one of her favorite sounds in the world…an east coast thunder and rain storm.

I waked into her room that morning and she was in rare form…as I hugged her hello,she whispered to me, (as my dad was still home,)  “Susan, I want you to take me to the mall today. I want to buy a pretty night gown.  Now I’m not telling your dad were going as he would say ‘no, it will tire you out to much,’ but he will be gone for awhile so lets go and come back before he gets home.”   I laughed. We felt like we were sneaking away on a secret mission together…

My dad left and we headed for the mall… Upon entering, it was like walking down memory lane. We had spent so many of our days together, doing the one thing she and I always had done since I was a little girl...going to the mall, shopping, getting lunch and we knew there would be a quick stop off at Sees candies for our “drive home chocolate indulgence.” It was our special thing.

We ended up in May Company and they had an abundance of racks, filled with gorgeous nightgowns. We had more fun laughing and talking as she was picking out her new treasure. She’d hold up one or two she really liked, and ask; “Susan, what do you think?”  Every one she held up was beautiful…but watching the joy in her eyes and all the fun she was having was all that mattered.

She began to get really tired…supporting her weight , (which was hardly anything as she was so petite,) on the metal racks…I asked her if she was ready to go home and rest. She looked at me with her big brown eyes, “Absolutely not… we’re just getting started.”

Between resting and looking, she finally found the right one…It was beautiful.

“Lets go get some lunch, I am starving.” she said smiling over her victorious fete.

We went to the cutest bistro filled with the glorious aromas of home cooked pastas and fresh baked breads. Their salads and desserts were also homemade and we were both hungry. The meal was delicious. We talked about any and everything as we enjoyed the rest and our numerous refills of hot coffee.

After feeling ‘all fueled up,’ she said; “I want to get a bathrobe to go with my new night gown.” So we were off on our new quest. We saw a few at our return visit to  May Company that she liked, but suddenly she became so worn out, she said it was time to go home.  As we were leaving, she sat down on one of the indoor mall benches and said she wanted to rest before heading back to the car.  I told her I’d be right back and ran over to get her one of the bathrobes she really liked…actually, I got her two as I couldn’t decide which one she’d commented on the most.

usher 30We got our Sees candy on the way out and slowly walked to the car.  She was so tired, she could barely stay awake. When we arrived home, I walked with her upstairs and helped her get ready for bed. After she put on her pretty new nightgown, I took out her two new bathrobes…she was joyfully surprised as she loved them both and couldn’t believe I went back to get them for her.  We sat  together on her bed, listening to the sounds of an East Coast Thunderstorm, we talked, I rubbed her forehead and we laughed… “Now Susan, you know if your dad finds out we went today, he will not  be happy.” Shaking my head, I replied,  “I know Mom…but it was so much fun, I wouldn’t trade today for the world.”  I heard her say; ” Me too,” as she reached down and touched my hand…though not spoken, I  believe that we both had a knowing within our hearts that our memorable and adventurous  day together at the mall was never going to happen again…but we didn’t want to even think about it as we had the best time ever.

Well, my dad came home, and he did find out what we’d been up to… and lets just say, my name was not real popular for a day , (he forgave quickly)  but forever I will remember my mom having her last day at the mall, something we did together once a week, all my life, and believe me, she gave it her all..

As I hugged her and said goodnight, I smiled looking at her sitting in her lovely bed, looking so beautiful in her newly acquired bedroom attire…She looked like a million bucks.    I thank God for that day 23 years ago  and remember it today, with all of its splendid details as if it were yesterday…

How loving of God to give us one last shopping day together as He knew it was our most favorite thing to do together. 🙂

 

mothersday

In losing my mom at the age of 33, I have  been blessed with many wonderful women who  have been a fabulous mother figure to me for a season in my life that I really needed a mom…  I know some of you have been blessed in the same way…So , Whether your a mother, a mom to be, a second mom to a child  you took under your wing  or a child celebrating with your mom(s)...I hope your day together is blessed and that it is a day filled with many happy memories for the both of you, as you celebrate your special relationship of a Mother and child.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS: In placing your computer mouse upon any of the graphics or photos, it will display where the picture originated from.