![]() A Time to Mourn ~ A Time to Lose On May 4th, 2014, Aunt Baby celebrated her tenth birthday with us. Just a few weeks later, we said goodbye to her on May 29th. I could hear Mom's voice in my head: "It was her time." After Aunt Baby's death, there was a beautiful outpouring of support from family and friends - a reflection of the imprint this loving Labrador left on our world. There are two special gifts that remind me daily of the adventure and joy this little lady brought to me. ![]() My husband planted a white crape myrtle outside our dining room window the day after Aunt Baby's death. Today, just over two months later, this bush is thriving and ready to bloom. Without a doubt, my girl is smiling on us and showing us the beauty in a new season. One of my dearest friends, Anne, gave us a statue in remembrance of Aunt Baby. This loyal, protective pose is signature Aunt Baby - anyone who knew her can relate. ![]() My husband aptly placed her on watch in a flower bed looking directly into the pool - the furever lifeguard on duty. A Time to Heal ~ A Time to Seek It's now August. Our Aunt Baby statue has recently inherited additional duties. She now sagely watches over 27-pounds of rambunctious, awkward, shy and adorably loving black Labrador Retriever that has invaded our home. Please meet Andy Jordan! We estimate that he is five months old, so have determined that his birthday will be hereby celebrated on March 15th, the same day as his Pop. On any given day, I am now disheveled, exhausted and thoroughly smitten with this bundle of pure love and devotion. And I can feel Aunt Baby's approval - knowing how good she would have been to her young brother. While Andy has a completely different personality, he has the same sweet, protective and curious nature as his sister and brother, another black Labrador named Alvin, before him. A Time to Embrace ~ A Time to Laugh Andy's first visitor was my good friend, nurse and author, Gail Sobotkin. Her words sum up our boy beautifully ... "Little Andy was very shy at first, but by the end of the day he was eating snacks out of my hand. He's very good looking and has a sweet playful side to him. On the day of Gail's visit, I was expecting a phone call from my South African Sista and fellow author, Martie Coetser. Naturally I picked up my phone when it rang - so excited to surprise Gail with Martie's voice. I was shocked, angered and ready to explode when a stern man's voice informed me he was Andy's original breeder. He had an accusing demeanor - insisting he would need to make a home inspection because of our pool. I hurled my harshest, administrative-type responses, yet he would not back down. I would have seriously packed a bag for Andy and high-tailed it out of Dodge before meeting this man! And, as I was thinking furtively, I began to hear an ever-familiar giggle on the other side of his voice. And two realizations became immediately apparent: 1. For the first time in my life, I had been truly punked. (Note to self: Do not answer the phone on April 1st.) 2. I would go to war for my boy. So thanks to Martie and her Barend for the life lesson and a wonderful opportunity to talk to you both. (Note to others: Mr. B is a sweetheart to talk to once one's feathers are unruffled...!) In closing, the song that feels right to include is this beautiful adaptation of Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 The Byrds: Turn Turn Turn / To Everything There Is A Season We thank our friends for your words of support, patience and guidance over this long, lonely summer. Indeed our hearts and Aunt Baby have led us to Andy Jordan.
Love and hugs, mar
34 Comments
Maria.....You sure know hoe to make a girl cry tears of joy on a Saturday afternoon......I'm feeling all the emotion.....sadness from the Farewell to sweet Aunt baby, excitement over your adoption of "Andy" and happiness all the way around!....He's too precious....I could kiss his face!....Hugs, Paula
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Vicki
8/9/2014 07:36:09 am
Dear Maria,
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Mike
8/9/2014 07:39:33 am
Just a note to say I
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8/9/2014 07:44:44 am
Maria, Andy is precious! Now, as for Martie and Berend...... no treats for them! Seriously, I'm sure your phone call will bring many laughs for years to come.
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8/9/2014 09:36:33 am
Mar,
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Gail Sobotkin
8/9/2014 09:43:37 am
Dear Maria,
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8/9/2014 03:30:47 pm
Gail, it was wonderful to hear your voice. I am so glad you were there to keep Mar from doing something irresponsible to Barend all the way through the telephone cable. You must have seen her spitting fire, but, of course, you will not tell. Thanks for a beautiful memory :)
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Dear Martie,
Thank you for vouching for me, my dear friend, Gail. I also had the distinct feeling that you "had our back" during the punk call...and the perfect getaway car was right in the driveway for the three of us...oh, and let's not forget Andy's treats!
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Theresa
8/9/2014 10:31:38 am
Awweee, this brought tears of joy for you, dear Maria. Look at that handsome sight. He looks like he is posing for GQ Awesome Dogs! I wish I could get his bro friend from the South here, Max, to be still enough to get such a lovely photo : ) ... I love how is red color pops against his shiny black coat.
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Dear Theresa,
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Sunshine
8/9/2014 10:32:35 am
Love everything about this tribute!! :)
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Theresa
8/9/2014 10:32:59 am
Oops, meant red collar ...
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Kim Casey
8/9/2014 11:33:00 am
Maria,
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Dear Kim,
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Mar, Andy is so cute. I know he is a happy camper because he was meant to be. I can't believe the trick Martie and Mr B pulled on you, but what fun to be able to hear their voice. Really it's such a small world and it is full of loving people who care. I listened to the video and the words rang true, " To everything there is a season. " Loved it and you too. May your day's be filled with happiness and joy.
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8/9/2014 03:17:19 pm
Oh, Maria, I am laughing all over again. I was just as surprise as you when Barend started to punk you. He did not warn me. I thought he was going to give the phone to me the moment you answer. So here I was, between the devil and the deep blue sea, listening how the man I love traumatizes my dearest, adorable sista. Honestly, I wanted to give him a backhand. But then I could hear you clearly, and you were telling him in plain terms what he could do with his intention to make a home inspection, and I thought, boy oh boy, in a previous life that sista of mine must have been the mother superior of the Greek furies.
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Dear Martie,
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Peg Cole
8/10/2014 09:21:48 am
This is such a delightful post, from the fur baby (that looks like Tony's younger brother) to the statue of dear Aunt Baby. I can feel the ease with which you've moved into a new realm. Taking care of a lovable pup is such a joy. I'm thrilled for you and yours.
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Lucy
8/11/2014 03:27:24 am
Maria~ so happy for you & Geoff,the statue is BEAUTIFUL.I'm so happy you now have Andy.No one will EVER replace Aunt Baby as you well know but I'm sure she's smiling down.Thank you for my LOVELY bday card,you are the card Queen.lol Enjoy your handsome little man.heart you gf.Lu
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8/12/2014 04:28:13 am
Oh, Maria, I'm so happy for you and Geoff. How wonderful it must be to have a darling and playful puppy roaming around in the house again. I know that's what Aunt Baby had wanted. Oh, I know if Aunt Baby had been a frolicking young lass she would have fallen head over heals in love with the very handsome and dapper Andy. He sure melts my heart!
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Dear Sannel,
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Judy Vuotto
8/22/2014 12:27:50 pm
We've been on vacation and I'm just now getting to all my e-mail. What an adorable puppy! Can't wait to meet him. Let's get together soon. Love to you, Geoff and Andy. Judy
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