5.22.2011

May 22, 2011

White Dog rested her back as the others supervised Steve who was trying to organize the storage shed to hold just a few more things. She watched from the arm of my chair and the others surged from window to window and then out the door to the yard as Steve and Michael moved the last things from his family's storage unit to our house. Sadly, it is pretty much a certainty that his mother will spend the rest of her life in the sheltered care of assisted living so over the past few months we have slowly whittled things down to these last boxes which Michael will watch over and manage. Today's move will save them the cost of storage.

Feeling a bit bittersweet, from this acceptance of reality coupled with White Dog's neurological issues and joined by the fact that so many we know are in pain, we pulled close together and spent most of the day spiritually recharging and sending healing energy to those in need. As we focused on positive thoughts, our spirits lifted and we reminded each other of our bounty.

By the time Dragon, Sen-ge and their pawrents joined us we were able to relax into the warm comfort of family and share a meal and conversation. Gregg and Candace prepared ahi sashimi with spicy mango salsa, fish tacos, and sauteed kale. Candace had thoughtfully made frozen pumpkin and yogurt cubes, knowing that White Dog LOVES both...and WD (as well as the rest of WDA) was very appreciative. Humans had pumpkin yogurt parfaits layered with berries and topped with homemade granola.

It always amazes us what incredible magic rises out of our Sunday ritual. All 7 of the pups (White Dog, The Other White Dog, Another White Dog, Still Another White Dog, Yet Another White Dog, the Honorary White Dog and the White Puppy) helped by offering ears to scritch and giving kisses and just leaning against a knee. The conversation ranged from heartbreaking (a documentary watched about dolphin kills in Japan) to silly (if dogs are not allowed in heaven, I am not going) to hopeful (discussion of the 2MillionDog march). Around and underneath it all the richness of true communion reached deeply, quietly inside and fed the soul. Though not one of us said it, we all felt it, even the pups, and we offered thanks.

It is our wish that each of you had a similar moment of being refreshed and that your week begins on a note of positive balance.

13 comments:

TwoSpecialWires said...

This is brief, but heartfelt, and full of love and caring for all of your family. Please read the paragraphs that are hidden between the short words. We care. Deeply.

Much love
Jake and Fergi and OurFamily

Suka said...

hey White Dog Army,

What a sad and happy post. Moving things out of storage adds such a permanence to Michael's situation. We hope he is O.K. Considering the incredible changes he has had to endure this year, he has truly blossomed and survived. We are sorry to read of his mom and feel sad for her situation. Peace to her.

Sounds like you had a lovely time with your friends and their pups. Tasty food and interesting conversation, such a nice way to spend the day! Hope your feelings of refreshment and positive stay with you all week!

Suka and K

Teddy Bear said...

We hope and pray that Michael is doing ok after today. We know it must have been a tough day for all. We are so glad you spent a relaxing day with dear friends and hope you fill refueled for the week.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

The Daily Pip said...

Balance is SO important. Thanks for reminding us - my silly mom often forgets this and goes full speed ahead until she crashes, but she is slowly learning other ways.

Your pal, Pip

Brian's Home Blog said...

I know the love and friendship will help Michael cope with these challenges and the WD Army always shares the right love at the right time!

Remington said...

A very touching post....

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Bittersweet indeed. But the joy has to win out. So much good has happened for Michael and we are sure his mother is in very good hands. You are all so fortunate to have the wonderful and caring friends you have in Gregg and Candace. We can always feel the tremendous bond of love your families share.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

meowmeowmans said...

It does sound bittersweet. Surely the love and friendship that you, Steve and the White Dog Army share with Michael will be of comfort during this time of difficult transition. Purrs and prayers to you all.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

A mixture of sadness, happiness and hope. I am sure Michael's mum will be happier for knowing her son is safe and lookeed after and Michael will be happier knowing his mum will be better staying where she is so looked after. So many thoughts there but you will get through because you all stay together and you care and love..Together.. Hugs GJ

Kari in Alaska said...

Your Sunday ritual sounds like it is good for the soul

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Mack said...

My mom was busy helping cousin Katie move, but she promised herself this next weekend would be a relaxing one.
Our prayers are with Michael - we hope that he is doing okay with the news.

ForPetsSake said...

"positive balance"
**sigh**
It's been a struggle. We'll get there, but having reminders like these helps more than you know!

Jacqueline said...

Wishing Michael comfort at this difficult time of acceptance over his Mom's changing life situation; it is not easy to see our loved ones have health issues, but there is such unconditional love in your home and relationships, no doubt a place of calm and healing and spending time together such a lovely way to soothe life's sorrows...Sending big hugs...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki