My friend Julie and her daughter, Lyla gifted us recently with this darling ornament! I don’t know how they could have possibly known I LOVE dachshunds. Is it that obvious? <GRIN>
Miss Frankie & Miss Lyla- Best Friends Forever
Miss Lyla visiting her BFF at a recent Bookworm Gardens Event
Miss Lyla will be three in January. She has known Frankie her whole life! Lyla’s mom Julie, is someone who came into my life because of my work with Frankie. She is an elementary teacher and one of the first teachers to book me for a Frankie presentation in her classroom. We were destined to be friends from the first day we met…
Julie saw in Frankie a therapy dog, which had been a dream of mine to have a therapy dog. She calmed my fears that just because Frankie was in a wheelchair didn’t mean she couldn’t pass the test to become certified. At the time she was a tester for Therapy Dogs Incorporated and worked with us so we could become a team, which happened in 2008. I’ll always be grateful to Julie for her belief in us.
In return Julie was able to take her mind off her disappointment of not having a baby for seven years. She had resolved herself to the fact that she may never have children, though this was hard for her. Frankie and I worked with Julie, visiting a nearby nursing home, to earn our certification, throughout the summer of 2008.
On our last visit to the nursing home, which was also our “graduation” day I noticed something different about Julie. With a glowing smile she said, “I’m pregnant.” What a gift to share in that moment with her. It only made our friendship even more special.
Julie’s beautiful daughter, Lyla was born in January of 2009. I dedicated one of the characters in Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House as Lyla, as well as Julie is featured in the book when we are going through the training process.
As Lyla has gotten older she has become good friends with Frankie. Today, Julie and I had lunch in my kitchen and Lyla got to visit with her BFF. Lyla told me that she likes it when Frankie smells her ears. 🙂
Every time Frankie makes a connection with a child it warms my heart to know she could be a part of their lives… but it is especially endearing and special because of the connection we all share together.
Miss Lyla and Miss Frankie hanging together at a recent Bookworm Gardens Event
First Draft of My New Book Now Complete
Frankie snuggled in as I read last night
Though I’m not satisfied with the last chapter I wrote, I also know ending a book, or article for that matter, is usually a challenge for me. So letting it rest, I know in time, the end will work out perfectly. But I’m taking great joy in knowing the first draft of my book is complete– now the real work begins.
I welcome the “real work.” I can now plunge back in and concentrate on each chapter, word by word, thought by thought. Getting it all out onto the pages was the first step and that is complete. I struggled greatly with writing the last chapter. In part because I talk about my thoughts on Frankie dying one day- which was prompted this summer by it seeming like so many people asking me what I will do when Frankie is gone. She turned 12 in August, so I suspect people worry the end is nearer than further away. I suppose they have a point. But none of knows when we are going to die.
The other part I struggled with, not only with the last chapter, but in my writing of late is because of some things that have been bothering me. While I don’t want to go into the particulars, I was very aware of how when my mind is full of other worries, I find it hard to come to my writing. This in turn upsets me and I have a little war that goes on inside my head. Today I had enough with the million thoughts in my head and sat down to write. I’m so glad I did. It felt so good.
My writing brought me back to what has meaning to me– what makes me happy– what brings me joy. Though yes, I was writing about grief, I’ve learned so much in the past two years about myself and new possibilities when Frankie does pass on.
I’m still not quite sure of the title, Through Frankie’s Eyes, Lessons Learned from a Dachshund on Wheels but I try not to put too much thought into that for now. I’m better now at being open and knowing all things have their time and place. It will all come together. Trust the process, I remind myself.
So today I celebrate that I wrote my first draft of my very first nonfiction book! Woo hoo! Next I will print out the pages and begin dissecting each page of each chapter. Once that is complete I will have my 2nd draft which will then go to my editor. Life is good.
PS: My reward is that I will put up my Christmas decorations in my studio now. Oh, what joy!