I received an email a few days ago. It was from Pat. Pat, the woman Chester and I met in the grocery store. The woman who buried her face in Chester's soft fur and let the tears flow. The woman who Chester smooched with kisses. The woman we sat with on the floor, in the Christmas section.
Pat sent me an email, telling me that her husband had been in a severe accident, fracturing his skull. He was home now, recovering. Would we come for a visit?
Yesterday we knocked on Pat's door. When the door opened, it was like long lost friends finding each other again. We hugged. Chester went a tad bonkers and smothered Pat with kisses. (I'm way glad she likes kisses)
"Daddy, I have a surprise for you," she said to her husband. Her voice oozed with excitement as we kinda skipped down the hallway
We walked into the darkened bedroom, walker resting close to the bed, Ralph laying flat on the king sized bed watching TV.
"Oh My!" he exclaimed.
Chester, Ralph, and Pat were in heaven....me too. There we all were, laying/sitting on the giant bed for an hour. Chester moved between kissing Pat, getting tummy rubs from Ralph, and watching TV (Sean Connery riding horses across the desert). Chester's favorite TV programs include dogs....horse shows come in second, maybe because they look like big dogs. Sort of.
Anyways, that's what we did. Just hung out together.
Ralph said it made his day and he was already feeling better.
I think we all felt the same way.
We prayed together before we left, asking God for His love and healing touch on Ralph, thanking Him for our new friendship and how He our crossed our paths at just the right moment.
I'm so thankful the Lord is so good at fitting the pieces together... and especially thankful He sits on grocery store floors in the middle of the Christmas rush & shares His love.
Friday, February 17, 2012
I Don't Like Good-Byes
I don't like good-byes. The word sounds so....so.....final. Maybe that's why I especially appreciate the Hawaiian language so much ~ in Hawaiian good-bye sounds so much softer...aloha, meaning both hello & good-bye & may love and blessings be yours. I like that. Well ,today we needed to say aloha to Max and his Mom.
We've been working with Max for a few months in his home. Max, little blond Max, a bright, amazing preschooler, who is faced with challenges of delayed speech and processing skills. Max and Chester bonded instantly,the two clearly having a connection right from the start. They played together. They did follow the leader around the kitchen, dining room, living room loop. Max introduced Chester to new toys and cars and trucks. And, they just enjoyed the boy & puppy-dog bond that comes with sitting on the floor together. Chester helped Max grow in language and social skills . Max helped Chester begin to overcome his umbrella-phobia. Yup, the brave therapy dog thinks umbrellas are evil monsters. (Chester is making good progress....thanks to his buddy Max!)
As I said, this was our final session with Max. For a variety of reasons, it was time for Chester and me to pass the therapy-baton on to another amazing KPETS dog, Sam, (also known as Sam the Ham!). He's a lovable Golden Retriever and a friend of Chester's :-). Though we we were certain this was the best decision for all..........alohas & good-byes still are not easy.
When our session was finished, we sang our good-byes,"Good-bye Max, good-bye Max, good-bye Max, it's time for us to go." Max patted Chester, while Mom and I were dripping tears down our cheeks. Hugs were given all around, encouragement and hope and sadness all mingled together.
And then.... The most amazing thing happened.
Max spoke..... He really did!!!!
Max said, "Buh Buh," to Chester for the very first time.
As I said, I'm not too fond of "bye"............but I tell you, in that moment it was the sweetest sound to my ears. Oh my.
And on that note, we walked out the door. May love and blessings be yours sweet Max. Have fun with Sammy ~~~ he will be another wonderful doggy to fill your heart and life with Golden Moments!
~ Aloha~
We've been working with Max for a few months in his home. Max, little blond Max, a bright, amazing preschooler, who is faced with challenges of delayed speech and processing skills. Max and Chester bonded instantly,the two clearly having a connection right from the start. They played together. They did follow the leader around the kitchen, dining room, living room loop. Max introduced Chester to new toys and cars and trucks. And, they just enjoyed the boy & puppy-dog bond that comes with sitting on the floor together. Chester helped Max grow in language and social skills . Max helped Chester begin to overcome his umbrella-phobia. Yup, the brave therapy dog thinks umbrellas are evil monsters. (Chester is making good progress....thanks to his buddy Max!)
As I said, this was our final session with Max. For a variety of reasons, it was time for Chester and me to pass the therapy-baton on to another amazing KPETS dog, Sam, (also known as Sam the Ham!). He's a lovable Golden Retriever and a friend of Chester's :-). Though we we were certain this was the best decision for all..........alohas & good-byes still are not easy.
When our session was finished, we sang our good-byes,"Good-bye Max, good-bye Max, good-bye Max, it's time for us to go." Max patted Chester, while Mom and I were dripping tears down our cheeks. Hugs were given all around, encouragement and hope and sadness all mingled together.
And then.... The most amazing thing happened.
Max spoke..... He really did!!!!
Max said, "Buh Buh," to Chester for the very first time.
As I said, I'm not too fond of "bye"............but I tell you, in that moment it was the sweetest sound to my ears. Oh my.
And on that note, we walked out the door. May love and blessings be yours sweet Max. Have fun with Sammy ~~~ he will be another wonderful doggy to fill your heart and life with Golden Moments!
~ Aloha~
I love surprises..... this one came in snazzy suspenders!
Yesterday at Willow Valley we had a wonderful surprise. Willard was sitting up straight and tall in his chair, dressed in white short-sleeved button down shirt, black pants, and snazzy suspenders. He was awake and perky, teeth in place, and grinning from ear to ear!
Earlier in the day Willard's comfy mattress had been replaced with a new one to prevent bed sores. Willard communicated to his nurses that he wasn't sure Chester would be able to jump up on this new bed. This IS a situation to be considered! So, knowing it was Chester day, he decided to sit in his chair and wait for his 4-legged friend. When we rounded the corner & walked into the familiar room, Chester immediately looked at the bed, then to the chair, then smiled and said, "NO WAY!" (Ok, he didn't actually SAY No Way! but he was thinkin' it, he was...) When Willared saw his buddy, he waved his arms and opened them wide.
What a difference from the first time we met. Way back when, in the summer months, when Chester first trotted in to Willard's life, the room was dimly lit, and a man lay quietly, curled in bed. Dory even had to wake him. Chester, without hesitating climbed up and nestled in. Willard made happy noises and stroked the soft fur. Thus our friendship began.
Today the room was bright with light, Willard was bright, and well.......it just felt... bright! While Chester and Willard visited, Dory and I noticed how engaged and alert Willard was. ....And so we began to ask him questions about the framed mementos on the wall. One by one we took them down.
The first one was a black and white aerial photo of homes, out-buildings, and evenly lined farmland. He pointed. "Home. Greenhouse." "Is this your family farm?" we asked him. "Yes. My Father's. Home." He then places his finger on some land adjacent to the large famhouse, "Road!" Willard said. "There's a road there now?" we asked. He shook his head yes, seemingly not-too-happy about the progress that now divided his family's land.
Another picture, in sepia tones, of children in front of a brick school house. He pointed to the little boy on the top step and said, "Me!" We oohed and ahhed over what a handsome little guy stood in the back row! Willard moved his finger to an older girl in the front row, adorned with blond curly pig tails and puffed sleeves, "My Sister!" he said. "What's her name?" I asked. "Margaret," Willard answered. Three times he answered. Three times because I couldn't understand. He is a very patient man. :-)
Next we pulled his certificate of honor off the wall. "Purple Heart," he spoke, carefully touching the words on this framed treasure. "Were you in the war?" Dory asked. Our brave veteran nodded ,Yes, ...... It was clear he was thinking, remembering. We waited, and sat quietly.
After placing the memories back in their proper places, Willard continued his visit with Chester. I think Chester took at least a kazillion treats from these large, gentle hands.
When it was time to go, I gave Willard's hand a squeeze, while he patted Chester's head with the other. "We will see you soon," I said.
Willard waved good-bye.
As we walked down the hallway towards the elevator, I went over and over the visit in my mind 'n heart. There we were, on the Alzheimer's floor, the floor where memories are hard to come by. We sat with a dear man, a man who remembered Chester's name and knew we were visiting today. A man who spoke of his memories from long ago, of his sister, and his family farm, and his service to his country.
Who woulda thought today would be FILLED with so many wonderful memories .... & miracles :-)
Earlier in the day Willard's comfy mattress had been replaced with a new one to prevent bed sores. Willard communicated to his nurses that he wasn't sure Chester would be able to jump up on this new bed. This IS a situation to be considered! So, knowing it was Chester day, he decided to sit in his chair and wait for his 4-legged friend. When we rounded the corner & walked into the familiar room, Chester immediately looked at the bed, then to the chair, then smiled and said, "NO WAY!" (Ok, he didn't actually SAY No Way! but he was thinkin' it, he was...) When Willared saw his buddy, he waved his arms and opened them wide.
What a difference from the first time we met. Way back when, in the summer months, when Chester first trotted in to Willard's life, the room was dimly lit, and a man lay quietly, curled in bed. Dory even had to wake him. Chester, without hesitating climbed up and nestled in. Willard made happy noises and stroked the soft fur. Thus our friendship began.
Today the room was bright with light, Willard was bright, and well.......it just felt... bright! While Chester and Willard visited, Dory and I noticed how engaged and alert Willard was. ....And so we began to ask him questions about the framed mementos on the wall. One by one we took them down.
The first one was a black and white aerial photo of homes, out-buildings, and evenly lined farmland. He pointed. "Home. Greenhouse." "Is this your family farm?" we asked him. "Yes. My Father's. Home." He then places his finger on some land adjacent to the large famhouse, "Road!" Willard said. "There's a road there now?" we asked. He shook his head yes, seemingly not-too-happy about the progress that now divided his family's land.
Another picture, in sepia tones, of children in front of a brick school house. He pointed to the little boy on the top step and said, "Me!" We oohed and ahhed over what a handsome little guy stood in the back row! Willard moved his finger to an older girl in the front row, adorned with blond curly pig tails and puffed sleeves, "My Sister!" he said. "What's her name?" I asked. "Margaret," Willard answered. Three times he answered. Three times because I couldn't understand. He is a very patient man. :-)
Next we pulled his certificate of honor off the wall. "Purple Heart," he spoke, carefully touching the words on this framed treasure. "Were you in the war?" Dory asked. Our brave veteran nodded ,Yes, ...... It was clear he was thinking, remembering. We waited, and sat quietly.
After placing the memories back in their proper places, Willard continued his visit with Chester. I think Chester took at least a kazillion treats from these large, gentle hands.
When it was time to go, I gave Willard's hand a squeeze, while he patted Chester's head with the other. "We will see you soon," I said.
Willard waved good-bye.
As we walked down the hallway towards the elevator, I went over and over the visit in my mind 'n heart. There we were, on the Alzheimer's floor, the floor where memories are hard to come by. We sat with a dear man, a man who remembered Chester's name and knew we were visiting today. A man who spoke of his memories from long ago, of his sister, and his family farm, and his service to his country.
Who woulda thought today would be FILLED with so many wonderful memories .... & miracles :-)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Chester's First Wedding
It was just one year ago that we met new friends, Chris and Victoria. One week ago today, February 4, 2012, we were blessed to attend their wedding.
Twinkle Lights, and Twinkling eyes. What a beautiful day.
I love happy endings....and new beginnings.
Congratulations, Blessings, and Tail Wags, to our dear friends!
Oh Happy Day!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Second Floor
When we visit the 2nd Floor at Willow Valley, not many words are spoken.
Sometimes we just hold hands.
(this hand is now in heaven)
Sometimes, together, we enjoy the view.
(Squirrels look especially amazing from the second floor)
Sometimes we rest and snuggle.
That's all.
Sometimes that's all a friend needs.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Divine Grocery Store Appointments
I was coming home from a Chester appointment yesterday and swung into a grocery store to pick up a few needed items. Since Chester was still in his vest, I decided to take him in with me ~~ after all, who wants to sit alone in the dark, in the car, in the cold? (I thought it was my idea to take him in....not really)
We zipped through the store picking up a few things and rounded the corner where the Christmas items lined the aisle. There stood a woman appearing to have a serious conversation on her phone. Her eyes lit up with longing when she noticed Chester.
Would you like to pet him?
Since she could not manage to wrap both arms around Chester and hold her phone at the same time ~~ Chester won, and the call ended.
She got down on her knees, held Chester's head in both hands, over and over she said, Did my Roxy send you to me? Did my Roxy send you to me? Tears leaked out her eyes and mascara smeared.
She looked up to me. I lost my Roxy in October, not a day goes by that I don't miss her. You have no idea all that I am going through right now. Roxy sent you, I just know it. The words tumbled out and Chester anointed her already tear-drenched cheeks with a kazillion kisses, then burried his face in her lap.
I got down on the floor. And there the three of us sat, in the Christmas aisle. A man came by. Chester went to say hi, then returned and gave more kisses to the woman.
I noticed he didn't give the man kisses, she said.
I smiled. I noticed that too.
God sent me a miracle. She looked at me...and Chester.
I think he did. He loves you so much, he sent you a dog. I laughed. Actually, he loves you so much that he sent you His Son! And a dog :-).
Her face became a little brighter. Yes, He did, He sent me a miracle.
I looked directly into her eyes. God wants you to know He loves you, and He hasn't forgotten you. He cares about you more than you can imagine, He knew what you needed today, and sent you Chester as a reminder, a reminder of what a treasure you are to Him.
We stood. I wrapped both arms around her, Chester leaned into our sides. I held her tightly. She rested her head on my shoulder and did not let go for a very long time.
When it was time to go, we hugged one more time, Chester gave one more smooch and she gave him one more lasting squeeze.
I don't usually shop here, she mentioned.
You know what, neither do I.
We zipped through the store picking up a few things and rounded the corner where the Christmas items lined the aisle. There stood a woman appearing to have a serious conversation on her phone. Her eyes lit up with longing when she noticed Chester.
Would you like to pet him?
Since she could not manage to wrap both arms around Chester and hold her phone at the same time ~~ Chester won, and the call ended.
She got down on her knees, held Chester's head in both hands, over and over she said, Did my Roxy send you to me? Did my Roxy send you to me? Tears leaked out her eyes and mascara smeared.
She looked up to me. I lost my Roxy in October, not a day goes by that I don't miss her. You have no idea all that I am going through right now. Roxy sent you, I just know it. The words tumbled out and Chester anointed her already tear-drenched cheeks with a kazillion kisses, then burried his face in her lap.
I got down on the floor. And there the three of us sat, in the Christmas aisle. A man came by. Chester went to say hi, then returned and gave more kisses to the woman.
I noticed he didn't give the man kisses, she said.
I smiled. I noticed that too.
God sent me a miracle. She looked at me...and Chester.
I think he did. He loves you so much, he sent you a dog. I laughed. Actually, he loves you so much that he sent you His Son! And a dog :-).
Her face became a little brighter. Yes, He did, He sent me a miracle.
I looked directly into her eyes. God wants you to know He loves you, and He hasn't forgotten you. He cares about you more than you can imagine, He knew what you needed today, and sent you Chester as a reminder, a reminder of what a treasure you are to Him.
We stood. I wrapped both arms around her, Chester leaned into our sides. I held her tightly. She rested her head on my shoulder and did not let go for a very long time.
When it was time to go, we hugged one more time, Chester gave one more smooch and she gave him one more lasting squeeze.
I don't usually shop here, she mentioned.
You know what, neither do I.
Just the Right Time....
It usually takes me between 15-20-30+ minutes to get to Willard's place; depending upon red lights, green lights, construction delays, traffic ~~ you know how it goes. And usually, I am not thinking the delays are Divine, if you catch my drift. Today when I arrived at Willard's assisted living community, I don't know if I arrived late or on time. All I know is that I arrived at just the right time. As Chester and I got out of the car, a woman was just leaving the building. She greeted us and gushed over Chester and he of course soaked it up. She mentioned she had just spent quite a bit of time with a woman on the first floor who LOVED dogs. She asked where I was visiting and I told her the second floor, but but would try to see her as well. She told me the woman's name and room #. I prayed I would remember :-) if I was supposed to visit.
After Chester snuggled with Willard on floor two, the Lord indeed jogged my memory (miracles happen everyday!). The receptionist beeped us through the secure doorway into the memory loss unit. Chester and I trotted through the lovely living room area and down the hallway. We knocked on Gladys' door and asked if she would like to have a visit from a doggie.
Oh Yes!
Precious Gladys, dressed in a bright red Christmas sweater and black pants (of course black pants that will show every golden hair !) sat in a soft rocking chair thumbing through a magazine. Her soft gray curls framed her face, bright with smiles and crinkled with love lines. As soon as Chester came near she gently set her magazine aside and opened her arms wide.
Come see me!
Oh my goodness, my heart welled up as I watched these two. She knew just how to kneed his ears and stroke his back and whisper doggie-words to him.
On her counter were framed family pictures and a small watercolor of a golden retriever. I asked her if this was her dog.
I used to have a dog. I love dogs. My dog's name was......was........ I can't remember.
That's OK, sometimes I can't remember names. I smiled. Chester sure loves being with you. I can tell you love dogs. His tail thumped against her bed and he buried his nose into her once spotless black pants.
Though Gladys' memory was fading there was a look in her eyes that brought tears to mine. It was a familiar look. The way she knew just how to love-on Chester, and the twinkle of affection in her eyes as she did so. This look, this tenderness, this expression..... well, it reminded me of me. How I feel about Goldens, the love God put in my heart for them, how I can't imagine my life without one by my side.
Though Gladys could not remember the name, or why the framed watercolor adorned her counter top, I knew there was a Golden Pup in her heart, and it was a blessing for me to share my golden pup with her.
We'll be back.
Thank you, Lord, for moments like these.
After Chester snuggled with Willard on floor two, the Lord indeed jogged my memory (miracles happen everyday!). The receptionist beeped us through the secure doorway into the memory loss unit. Chester and I trotted through the lovely living room area and down the hallway. We knocked on Gladys' door and asked if she would like to have a visit from a doggie.
Oh Yes!
Precious Gladys, dressed in a bright red Christmas sweater and black pants (of course black pants that will show every golden hair !) sat in a soft rocking chair thumbing through a magazine. Her soft gray curls framed her face, bright with smiles and crinkled with love lines. As soon as Chester came near she gently set her magazine aside and opened her arms wide.
Come see me!
Oh my goodness, my heart welled up as I watched these two. She knew just how to kneed his ears and stroke his back and whisper doggie-words to him.
On her counter were framed family pictures and a small watercolor of a golden retriever. I asked her if this was her dog.
I used to have a dog. I love dogs. My dog's name was......was........ I can't remember.
That's OK, sometimes I can't remember names. I smiled. Chester sure loves being with you. I can tell you love dogs. His tail thumped against her bed and he buried his nose into her once spotless black pants.
Though Gladys' memory was fading there was a look in her eyes that brought tears to mine. It was a familiar look. The way she knew just how to love-on Chester, and the twinkle of affection in her eyes as she did so. This look, this tenderness, this expression..... well, it reminded me of me. How I feel about Goldens, the love God put in my heart for them, how I can't imagine my life without one by my side.
Though Gladys could not remember the name, or why the framed watercolor adorned her counter top, I knew there was a Golden Pup in her heart, and it was a blessing for me to share my golden pup with her.
We'll be back.
Thank you, Lord, for moments like these.
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