Mary Oliver has a new book coming out in October that I could not resist pre-ordering.
Boeuf, like I need more to savor in my life– I can hardly keep up with the saturation of color, sound, breeze, sweet scents, farm-grown vegetables, morning light and evening sky. There’s a new baby in town, joy — but yesterday at the park a guy made me see that Henry is not being ‘weird’ when he lags behind us– my darling boy-o has arthritis, heartache.
Life– there’s no separating out the delight from the sorrow— it’s all of a piece and you have to accept it whole — but man, it’s quite a thing. I refuse to live ahead of myself. Right now, Henry is here– always at my feet no matter how many times I get up and move about during the day– both of them, a pair of partridges are they.
Henry will be 10 in September, Daisy will be 6.
And I am going to do all I can to stay in this moment, right here, back from the park– another visit to the beach ahead of us — soft-boiled eggs on toast with a sliced garden tomato sprinkled with sea salt on the side. Fresh hot coffee with milk. Some wonderful creative projects underway.
Flowers on the porch that greet me every morning as we stumble out into the day.
Oh, poor Henry. Kiss his sweet soft snout for me. This post is so wonderful…full of life and love. Just like you.
Henry? 10?
And Daisy 6? I remember when you got her…
It's been a while.
Oh, how I relate to this today. So much joy – family, friends, the abundance of health and delight I'm finding every single day – all tempered with a small bit of sorrow. My own dog is 13 years old and while he has no health issues to date, I am aware of his age and watching him slow down is painful.
Sending you much love.
xo
I read this today … trotted off to find it after reading you here. I do love reading your posts!! But this: http://lakesuperiorcards.com/p96728378 the story:'This 19 year old Shep being cradled in his father's arms last night in Lake Superior. Shep falls asleep every night when he is carried into the lake. The buoyancy of the water soothes his arthritic bones. Lake Superior is very warm right now, so the temp of the water is perfect.
I was so happy I got to capture this moment for John. By the way, John rescued Shep as an 8 month old puppy, and he's been by his side through many adventures :).'
Oh, hun. Love to you. And sweet Henry. Is it too over the top to suggest acupuncture? homeopathy? There's got to be something that will help at least make him more comfortable. At the least, the promise of some (new?!) Mary Oliver lovely words to soothe his Mama should help all around. xo
Oh, I'm so sad to hear about Henry. I love that dog, even though I only know him through your stories and pictures. Wish I could kiss this sweet, smiling snout. And lay next to him as he rests his aching bones and joints. 🙁
If you don't live in the present with your pets, you can't live at all. They fill up our hearts, don't they? I can't wait to see those two YOUNGSTERS in person AND YOU soon! SO SOON!!! Squee!
Hi, sorry to hear about Henry. It's very upsetting isn't it. My cavalier has just been diagnosed with a heart murmur, he's eight. Apparently this is common place for cavaliers but quite a surprise all the same. He can't play the way he did but hopefully his new medication will help give him back some of his playfulness.
Sandra
Ireland
http://www.sandy-quilts.blogspot.co.uk
oh beautiful henry – handsomest pup i've ever seen. my boy is 11 and getting slow and becoming more and more needy by the day. rarely ever leaves my side when i'm home. i too treasure each and every minute. in the now. while he's still by my side.
please bring them to squam this fall. i would love to meet them and have them hang out with us! oh, but pets aren't allowed in the cottages, i think… shucks.
oh, sweet henry.
i am poeming it out with liz lamoreux this month. this morning's post was an interview with michelle ensminger. she began her answer to the first interview question with a favorite quote. now, stopping in to visit you, i am reminded of the quote:
“here is the world. beautiful and terrible things will happen. don’t be afraid.” {frederick buechner}
you are an inspiration, the way you place yourself in the moment, in all of your moments…henry's arthritis, the beach, the coffee with milk and soft-boiled eggs, the flowers on the porch.
so happy to stumble along with you here…
Ah, Michelle beat me to the quote for the day! 🙂
I was fortunate my cat lived to 18 1/2 (she was diagnosed with a heart condition at 7 and i was told the amount of time she had was uncertain … never challenge a cat!) and my dog 14 1/2. Each day with them was just more frosting heaped upon two already rich cakes. When my dog slowed down (he would pause in a shady spot as if he was “just taking in the view” and not tired) it was a good reminder for me to slow down even more. But you know that, don't you? Funny, now I am hungry and craving good coffee … xo
Please look into acupuncture and supplements for Henry, they truly helped my Golden after she tore her ACL's at 4 years old. She had to have surgery to repair both of her knees, and acupuncture along with Glucosamine/Chondrotin, Salmon Oil and DGP (“Dog Gone Pain”…it really works, and quickly) kept her comfortable after the surgery, and for most of her life. My sweet girl passed this past June, at 12 1/2 years old, and she made it til 11 1/2 before needing to go on NSAID's for pain. When Henry needs NSAID's, you will know, but try other routes first. Sending hugs to those sweet doggies of yours!
Michelle, thanks so much for sharing that quote! It's beautiful and is inspiring me today. xo