Where do the years go? One problem with getting older is that your siblings and friends are there too. I know many who have lost a sibling. My sister is still here. But she has permanent damage to her eyesight due to the stroke. The other symptoms will improve over time. She's ready to leave the hospital. She is in no shape to go anywhere.
I have told all my family members that I will barge into their homes when they don't answer the door. Hollow words in that the damage was done. If she had gotten treatment shortly after the event, she may have recovered better.
Meanwhile, I'm still rescuing dogs. Two red tick hound puppies were walking down the road. When I stopped my car, one ran to me. The other one ran to hide. When I come down the road now, I am seeing it. I have left food out. This morning it squealed at me before running off. I hope it comes back for it's food and water.
As good as the world can be, right now it feels like a crappy place. Why have you got to have sorrow. Why does the dog always die in the movie?
So I'm here, with a red tick hound curled under my chin. A small creature who has learned in two days here that it wants to get in my chair with me and be comforted. It is inordinately curious about my trashcan outside. I wonder was mom a trashcan robbing stray that got killed. This puppy is too young to be from it's mother.
Grief comes in spurts. My mother is not taking it well. When we came back from grocery shopping, she was shedding tears in the car. Her dog Daisy had returned to the car to comfort her. Like so much, when it happens to you, it cuts deeper and bleeds more when you have time to think.
So my family is getting a new normal.
I think too there is certain validity to have one of those life alert type of gadgets too. Can't tell you how many reports I have typed with people that have fallen and can't get up, have been down for a significant time before found. I am sorry about your sister. I wonder with my 2 siblings who of us will die first. Heard about a cousin who died 2 weekends ago in a freaky accident and that confirms how short life continues to be. In the meantime continue to rescue dogs. Some good sometimes needs to come out of it all.
ReplyDeleteBetty
It was about ten years ago, a woman who did bus tours commented that our lives were actually very short. It was one of those moments when I knew she was right but wanted to think otherwise. We are blessed each day we get. I have been very sad about my sister. However, my mother's grief is equally painful. I doubt my sister lives alone anymore. She has always been so independent and it will be an adjustment for her.
DeleteDear Ann - I am so sorry ... having experienced my mother with a stroke I can sort of feel what is happening. Now you too have your sister and your mother .. my thoughts go out to you and the family. Daisy will be a relief ... yes the cut will be deep ... take care and all the very best - inadequate words ... but my thoughts are with you. Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you Hilary. Even though I am so sad about my sister, I have to recognize that she survived and can have a good quality of life. I appreciate your kind words.
DeleteAnn, so sorry about your sister. Hope she continues to heal and does better than the doctors expect. You are giving good to the darkness by rescuing dogs. They are such amazing creatures that love unconditionally and yet get treated so harshly. Praying for you and your family (and that the other puppy decides to let you rescue it). Take care of yourself. Others will need your strength.
ReplyDeleteI have the hope her eyesight will be better than they are predicting. I appreciate your prayers.
DeleteWalking down the road to sit where I saw the puppy disappear in the brush, a woman stopped her car to make sure I was OK. Her comment was "Some people have no heart". She rescues cats on the road.
It is hard when we have the illnesses attributed with age. I have outlived my siblings and wonder when my time will come.Stroke can be reversed now days, I have worked around a few cases in my family.I am having pet withdrawal and have looked at a number of shelters.It is sad when people just dump them off.
ReplyDeleteI've had an animal with me for most of my life which was my four years at college. I've wanted to get out of the animal business. I just got this love affair with them going. I'm already attached to the newcomers; but, I hope to find them homes.
DeleteI can't imagine losing my siblings. Gagging them at times seems reasonable at moments. You don't know what you have until it is gone. Each day is a gift.
Sorry about your sister! At least you did find her. Hope she recovers.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alex. It stings to see someone you love diminished by illness. But she is still here and has purpose in her life.
DeleteHopefully she recovers quickly as she can. The older we get the more such things weigh and come to be indeed. Pathetic how some people leave poor animals on the side of the road.
ReplyDeleteYou're a good friend Pat. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteOh Ann, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I pray for a good recovery for her.
ReplyDeleteThank you Katie.
DeleteI admire your strength and serene acceptance, dear Ann. It appears that the rescued are as good for the rescuer as she is for them! My thoughts are with you and your family and I wish you peaceful days ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diedre. You have kind words for my sore soul.
DeleteWhat a shock to find your sister in the state that you did. She was lucky that you found her in time. Don't see stray dogs in this urban area where I live. I used to when I lived with my parents in Tennessee and I liked to make friends with them. Our house would be a regular stop for those strays, but they seemed to enjoy their freedom and didn't stay long at any one place.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I like the idea of friendly strays. Here they usually get killed or starve. Sometimes packs of wild dogs become a nuisance but not too often. I guess it is the hotter climate.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your sister. I hope she can return to an independent life. How kind to take in the strays. The poor things.
ReplyDelete