For many years of my life, I had this fantasy that at some point, my life would settle into a clear and peaceful pattern. I did not understand that crisis, surprise and confusion was not the exception, but the rule of life, and that stability and peace of mind came not from avoiding trouble, but from the way one learned to handle it.
A writer’s life is not stable to begin with, and mine was, for some years, utter chaos. While there is no dearth of confusion or difficulty – I get it – some clarity does emerge. I am marrying Maria. I am staying on the farm. I am getting some animals back. I wrote a novel. I wrote a short story collection. I wrote three children’s books. I am going to write a book on animal grieving. I am publishing and selling notecards, the correct use of my photographs for me. I have four dogs – Lenore, Izzy, Rose and Frieda – and I cannot imagine not having all of them, or having other dogs. I am getting some animals back, at least for the summer. I understand my life, and am, more or less managing it. No, that is not honest. I am managing it well. I know what I have, what I need.
Out of chaos, clarity. Out of fear, determination. Out of pain, understanding. Out of loss, gain. Out of sadness, joy. That is, perhaps, a peaceful life.
Did you ever have one of those days where a big challenge almost got you down? And then you find something like this that profoundly helps you?
This happened to me today! I was feeling a bit defeated and down about something… not to mention I teach kids about facing challenges with a positive attitude and I lost my way for a bit… but I bounced right back, then opened this in my email box, and aha! yes, challenges are meant to help us evolve and grow and what makes our life what it is… thanks for the reminder Jon Katz. I love this so much I have printed it out and put it on the wall near my computer…. for the next time a challenge presents itself and it reminds me these are moments of clarity, determination, understanding and joy… wow, just love, love, love this!!
What could be worse than being in hospice care and having to give up your most precious possession – your cherished pet? Yes, they are “possessions” in the sense that they possess our hearts and souls, and in times of crisis, they are there for us unconditionally.
Imagine being so ill that you know the end is near. Imagine being elderly and having to give up your beloved dog or cat. Today, on Be the Change Day, I want to make sure everyone knows about this fabulous program on Pepsi Refresh Project. It was started by Banfield Charitable Trust, and they need our help keeping it alive.
Pet Peace of Mind gives hospice patients a choice. It allows them to keep their dear, dear pets with them, until the end. And, it then helps relocate the pets, or make sure they will be cared for after the patient is gone.
There is a Facebook page that describes it all, and we all need to go to the Pepsi Refresh Project page and vote for this deserving project. We need to BE the Change today and every day. Lend a Paw, today, to be part of this worthy, worthy cause.
The more I learn about hospice the more I see the beauty and grace of transitioning from this world to the next… wherever that may be. I personally believe it is a wondrous place of absolute love, and that we are all reunited again… and reunited with the love of the animals we have had in our lives.
I just ran across this story about hospice care for pets. It had many emotions in my heart swirling for many different reasons, as you will see when you watch the video.
I think it is great hospice care for our animals is gaining more acceptance and understanding. It is something I give more thought to now than I did with my other pets. Working as a volunteer in hospice I see some tough situations, but I also see many beautiful moments… and our pets should have the same dignity and respect as they make their journey to the other side.
