Ms. Phoebe arrived in her new home with my daughter and has settled in very well indeed. She follows K around the apartment and frequently talks about whatever, maybe the weather. Just adorable, she is. Makes me want to go back to the shelter to adopt that little stinker who was just as pretty and loving but also sprinkled with a dash of crazy, I think. Mike says no, no, and ten more nos. So I think it’s a no go.
When you rescue an animal and provide the home and love they’ve never known, there is no question they realize their sudden good fortune, you see and feel their appreciation. Want a natural high? This is one of the best. For those of you who have adopted homeless animals, you know what I’m talking about.
Yesterday mom and I drove to Staten Island to say good bye to a wonderful, genuine, kind, no-bullshit, give- you- the- shirt- off -his- back kind of guy… My Uncle Guy. Loved him, miss him, what a gem. He lived a full 84 years, healthy until the end, still walking two-three miles a day, cooking for himself, visited his wife daily on his walks in the cemetery. Christmas Eve he was told by his Dr. the aches and pains he was feeling weren’t just old age, he had bone cancer. Everywhere. With the dignity and grace and common sense he’s always embodied.. he simply said to his doctor with his son by his side…..
“It’s OK. In every book and story I’ve ever known, there is a beginning, a middle and an end”. This is my end, and I lived a full life. I’ve traveled, I’ve shared my life with my wife of 55 years, raised two boys, had three wonderful grandchildren and knew my great grandchildren. Life Was Good”.
Not three weeks later he passed. This picture was taken at a family celebration for my college graduation and my sisters HS graduation. He was as proud of us as any father would be and at times throughout my life when I needed the advice of a Dad figure, he was often the voice of reason.
During yesterdays visit to the funeral home, I got to visit with cousins I don’t see often . This family of ours always manages laughter and keeping it real regardless of the circumstances. Now and again I am reminded of this and I’ll always be grateful.