It happened on the heels of a wonderful weekend away. I had just spent four days and three nights on a spiritual retreat praying and meditating, contemplating the gifts of life. I was aglow with gratitude. And then, shortly after…
Life after Death
Saying goodbye last year to my sweet furry friend, Hickory, was heartbreaking. My constant companion of 15 years, he was with me as I raised and launched my children. He followed me as I lived with one husband and then…
When A Dream Is More Than A Dream
I was lying there with him on the blue rug in my home office. He was youthful and energetic, kicking his furry legs out joyfully — a playful gesture that I had always called “Kangaroo Jack.” I felt his fur. …
Dog Gone
Why do they say “man’s best friend?” Surely, women and children are also succeptible to a dog’s unconditional love and bountiful affection. For me, Hickory, a golden retriever, was truly one of my dearest friends and companions for almost 15…
When Cancer Calls
On Friday June 1st, my beloved husband, Daniel, was diagnosed with colon cancer. He is one of the 112,000 people annually who receive such news. The following week he, at age 46, had his first ever CAT scan, his first…
Living With a Zen Master
Often when I get up in the morning, just as I begin the routine of showering, dressing, and eating, I am halted by my Zen master. He insists that I stop, and asks me to be mindfully aware of the…
Every Day Gravy
My trusted friend Hickory, my old man golden retriever, had major surgery. He has an incision running the length of his belly. It makes it hard for him, in his recovery, to lie down in his favorite spot on the…
Ode to Bella
A few weeks ago I blogged about freeing my bunny, Bella. Amazingly, for three weeks, she hung around our back yard as happy as could be. I would feed her a daily treat, hold her in my lap and sing…
Healing Hearts
I have a tiger cat who lounges on the floor of my office or purrs in my lap when I write. She has the most gorgeous markings: black stripes on tawny fur, sand colored chin, pale emerald eyes. As a…
Dog Gone
He slid down the final three stairs, his four furry legs splayed beneath him. He landed on the floor with a groan and a humph. Poor Hickory! My 12 year old golden retriever has lived a remarkably healthy, veterinarian-free life. …