Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Wisdom of a Child and the Dog Who Loved Him
He hasn't climbed mountains or collected millions for charity; Benjamin is amazing because he's taught me courage, hope and unconditional love. Our Pomeranian of 17 years died three days ago. We were heartbroken; she's nothing less than our first child. I was alone when she died. Benjamin, only eight years old, asked if he could see her before she was buried. He cried so softly as he held her, kissed her, rubbed her tummy, sang to her and let her go. Finding me sobbing in my bedroom later that night, he comforted me. Benjamin said that Ginger loved me unconditionally, that we gave her the gift of freedom from her pain, and that she'd always be with us in our hearts. I was overwhelmed by his compassion in the face of his own grief. No, he hasn't saved the world but this little boy . . . he will someday.
Ginger died on January 15, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. She was seventeen years and five months young. Young . . . I must say young because she walked and ran, she pounced and played with her toys, she climbed onto her "brother" and kissed him, putting her paws on either side of his face seemingly to hold him down and hug him at the same time. Neighbors and friends were astounded at her energy at seventeen. She had a personality and GREAT love for us all. To that end, I can only hope and pray that there is a very special place for her in heaven where we'll all be attacked by her with kisses the second we reach our destination. Controversial, I know, this idea of pets going to heaven . . . but if heaven consists of our favorite things . . . Ginger will be there. She will once again be able to hear us tell her how much we love her and she'll smile and cock her head with delight when she hears us sing Happy Birthday as she always did and as she did the day that Benjamin held her and said goodbye. He was preparing her for her first day in heaven, her new birthday.
Our lives will forever be affected by this tiny dog who came home to our little Jersey apartment years ago before we were even married. And our son will forever be stronger and more compassionate because of the love he had for that dog . . . and the admiration and love she had for him.
God bless Ginger for the gifts she gave to us all.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Hustle and Bustle of the Season
What a busy year we've had . . .and it's winding down as busily as it started . . .
Eli celebrated his first birthday on the 21st of December with a Mickey Mouse cake and Mickey Mouse wrapped gifts. Mickey happens to be Eli's favorite thing on Earth besides his daddy! Nanny and Granddaddy visited for his birthday and we've got plans to celebrate Christmas with Uncle Ron and Aunt Wendy. Earlier in the month, Grandma and Grandpa came up for a quick visit. And in November, I ventured to Arkansas alone with the kids to meet many of their relatives for the first time . . . most importantly, their Pappy, my father. The kids were able to see so many cousins, aunts and uncles that the ride back to Illinois was a very peaceful one . . . everyone was exhausted from our big adventure!
Christmas will be very different this year as it's the first year EVER that Dale has to work. He'll be here for Santa's visit first thing in the morning and that's what really excites Benjamin.
Work is fine . . . Dale is settling into his new position with all its scheduling surprises (working every holiday thus far this year) and new things to learn. My job is as wonderful as always.
Benjamin and Eli are precious, growing, changing and the the biggest blessings in our lives. Ginger's well, too. . . . as shocking as that is!
We're looking forward to lots of new adventures in 2009 . . . maybe a vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia, and work trips to the Virgin Islands and maybe even Monaco for Dale and me (if the year ends on an upward trend professionally).
Blessings to you and yours this holiday season! More photos to come - check back soon!
Eli celebrated his first birthday on the 21st of December with a Mickey Mouse cake and Mickey Mouse wrapped gifts. Mickey happens to be Eli's favorite thing on Earth besides his daddy! Nanny and Granddaddy visited for his birthday and we've got plans to celebrate Christmas with Uncle Ron and Aunt Wendy. Earlier in the month, Grandma and Grandpa came up for a quick visit. And in November, I ventured to Arkansas alone with the kids to meet many of their relatives for the first time . . . most importantly, their Pappy, my father. The kids were able to see so many cousins, aunts and uncles that the ride back to Illinois was a very peaceful one . . . everyone was exhausted from our big adventure!
Christmas will be very different this year as it's the first year EVER that Dale has to work. He'll be here for Santa's visit first thing in the morning and that's what really excites Benjamin.
Work is fine . . . Dale is settling into his new position with all its scheduling surprises (working every holiday thus far this year) and new things to learn. My job is as wonderful as always.
Benjamin and Eli are precious, growing, changing and the the biggest blessings in our lives. Ginger's well, too. . . . as shocking as that is!
We're looking forward to lots of new adventures in 2009 . . . maybe a vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia, and work trips to the Virgin Islands and maybe even Monaco for Dale and me (if the year ends on an upward trend professionally).
Blessings to you and yours this holiday season! More photos to come - check back soon!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Best Place
My Favorite Place to Be
Dale's favorite place to be . . . . teaching his kids silly games that scare Mommy to death!
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