“First and Last”

Having Famous by my side has constantly opened the door to discovery and new opportunity. This evening we experienced another first, and it was the last thing I ever expected. Returning home from our after dinner walk, who did we meet but the mayor of Winston-Salem, the Honorable Allen Joines! Now, I have always considered Famous the mayor of Polo Oaks, but this was the mayor of our city walking on our street. I had only seen our mayor in public functions, so it was thrilling to stop and say hello in a more casual setting. Famous was not bashful and greeted his fellow politician immediately. I received a COVID “elbow”, and Famous was honored with a benevolent pat on the head. Mayor Joines is an advocate of our city’s Physician Assistant program and apparently a dog fan as well!

“Silver and Gold”

Saturday was lazy, but Sunday was relaxed. We are long passed the days where we would rise before the sun, hit the road and climb a mountain before lunch. I might have dictated that itinerary, but Famous is now in charge of the time and place. Silver has woven its way into his ears and into my beard. If he takes us across the street to find the smells of the park, we could easily be out for an hour. Or, if instead, he stops and looks at me just a few houses from our own, I let him know it is okay for us to turn around and go back home. Life is slower as it speeds towards the day when he will no longer be able to look at me and I will no longer be able to see him. But days like today, when we abide each hour without agenda, except to be together, are golden.

“Calm and Funny”

We had a lazy Saturday as rain set in today. Fortunately, it was calm and overcast as the day started, so Famous and I were able to enjoy a walk through Reynolda Gardens which ended just as the first raindrops appeared. Famous received his share of compliments as usual, many surprised to learn he is thirteen. We napped on the bed together once the rain picked up after lunch, which is always a treat because he has stopped sleeping on the bed this past year. He turned comedian as he was wiping his chin on the blanket covering a living room chair after supper. He managed to pull the blanket over himself and had to figure out how to get out from under it.

“INS AND OUTS”

Today I was able to work two different jobs from home and keep company with Famous. He got several walks and his midweek bath and brush. On a day like today we are in and out the door several times. I feel he should have ample opportunities to see the world knowing on a typical workday he has to be inside and isolated for several hours. He knows the in and out routine, our usual directions, and excitement of seeing our neighbors and their pets. Today was cool and windy, but it was happy and productive.

“My tongue will speak of your praises all day long.” (Psalm 35:28)

“WINDS AND BREEZES”

What is the difference between a wind and a breeze? If you are walking a dog, you usually prefer the breeze to the wind. A breeze is perceived as refreshing, cooling, and uplifting whereas a wind makes you wrap up, hurry up, and look up for sudden storms.

Today was a windy day. I had to shorten Famous’s morning walk because I had an early schedule at the hospital. When I did get back, the wind kicked up the pollen and all of the maple “helicopters” on our path. But by evening when it was “dog o’clock” and the neighborhood doggie parade commenced, there was just the gentlest warm breeze wrapping around us.

“The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes;” — (John 3:8)

“AZALEAS AND ROSES”

So Monday happened, and we were back into our routines. I was back at the hospital, and Famous was able to nap at home and recover from the weekend. His birthday felt like a great accomplishment, but I understand it was a generous gift. He had well over one hundred well-wishers sending him greetings. He seemed to have plenty of energy this afternoon when I returned to take him on his walk, interacting with the other two-legged and four-legged friends in our neighborhood.

The yard seemed to be celebrating as well. Mid-spring has arrived and the red azaleas and pink roses have begun to burst open just in time to decorate our house for a party. I will always think of new life whenever I see them and remember Famous’s birthday.

Life is sweeter with a garden and a dog. And come to think of it, today was not routine at all!

“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.'” — (Psalm 118:24)

“A PILLOW AND A THROW”

Famous turned thirteen today. It has been a wonderful spring day, although perhaps one not very different from his perspective. He may not comprehend its full significance, but he is wise enough to know every good day is significant. He has noticed a few more familiar faces around our home this weekend, and he has had an appropriate complement of pats on the head, kisses, gifts and obligatory treats.

His birthday gift from me is a red plaid faux suede throw and matching pillow in the shape of a bone. I purchased them on sale after Christmas thinking they would make a nice gift for his next Christmas. Now I realize how quickly he is aging and decided he should enjoy them while he can. After all, sleeping has become one of his favorite pastimes.

This year will be filled with significant days — days full of blessing and gratitude. Each bark, each tail wag, each slumbering breath will anchor me in the present moment and soften the future quiet which is inevitable.

“. . . ‘My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint.'” — (Job 7:13)