November 2008

Right now I am actually watching a gray squirrel climbing down the trunk of a Ponderosa Pine to check on its nest (a comfy little niche of pine needles packed into the fork of the tree about three stories high). I’ve lived here long enough to know a squirrel’s life isn’t easy. We had one named Scarface, who looked like he’d tussled with a lawn mower, another we called Three Legs (obvious reason). So I’m aware these animals have their challenges, but they also know how to have fun. I think we can learn from them.

Another animal who taught us much (how to enjoy a walk in the woods or a good nap or simply being together) was our Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Our sweet Bailey was a beloved member of our family for nearly eleven years, but he took us by surprise when he was diagnosed with an “aggressive cancer” that literally took him down in a few days. On Thursday he was happy to go for a walk, by Sunday he couldn’t get out of bed. We said our final goodbye to him on the front porch where the vet gently put him out of his misery. Even now, more than a month later, I get teary just thinking about him and I can’t believe what a hole his absence has made in our lives. And yet I am so thankful that we got to enjoy him for all those years. He was a truly wonderful dog.

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is next week, but we look forward to spending time with family and friends—and really what is better than that? Oh, sure, we know some of our family members are struggling with some things…what family doesn’t? Perhaps that makes these times together even more special and precious. More and more, I am realizing that holidays and gatherings are not about putting everything together perfectly (eat your heart out, Martha Stewart) but simply in putting people first. That’s my goal for this holiday season…and hopefully for my life in general.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving…and that you’ll take the time to remember and celebrate the real reasons you are thankful…family, friends, faith….

Blessings!

Melody