The first of these anniversaries is Dixie Lee's upcoming 13th birthday -- a celebratory occasion -- which will be on August 1st if she is able to stay the course for the next four weeks. For a dog her large size (Rhodesian Ridgeback), 13 is very old. She has been at varying degrees of deafness for the past couple of years (sometimes her hearing briefly seems to partially return); she has cataracts that are quite progressed; she has small bumpy growths on various body parts that her vet and I are reluctant to tamper with because giving her anesthesia at this stage of her life would be risky. I know that sounds perversely comical as she could slip away at any moment during a nap.
She sleeps a lot; she loves to eat; she has maintained the utmost ladylike hygiene. Always an "aloof" dog (her breed description very accurately uses the word "aloof"), she has never been aggressive ... until now. I think she has become fearful. When people come to the house now, I need to put her in my/her bedroom where she remains quiet and content.
The other anniversary that I will privately observe, is the upcoming 7th anniversary of the church shooting at TVUUC. At five years, the church (perhaps rightfully) decided that there would be no future observances. For me, there is so much that permanently affected me -- emotionally of course. And physically -- the residuals are rather constant reminders. Most importantly, spiritually ... in the months and years that followed the event, a part of me awakened and helps me live my life, has helped open the door for beauty and appreciation and gratitude.
So the day is one that is meaningful for me. Last year on the sixth anniversary, I walked in my favorite local park where there are lots of trees. Trees, I find, are so able and willing to absorb human sorrows and to reflect human joys ... and to offer strengthening energies. My walk was one of meditation and gratitude; then I visited with my dear friend and we talked of gentle and beautiful things and had tea.
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2 comments:
Thank you for sharing these very important times in your life and the gratitude that has sustained you through them. I wish all the best for you and Dixie through her transition. The most dramatic events in our lives prompt the biggest game changes.
You said that so very well ... about the most dramatic events in our lives prompting the biggest game changes. Absolutely. And it was and is, in all reality, a game change, isn't it?
Thanks, also, for your good wishes for Dixie; very appreciated :)
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