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mar's Desk

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mar's desk: to everything there is a season

8/9/2014

34 Comments

 
Picture
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.


Picture







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.

 

Picture









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.
Picture
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.

"The loving bond between him and Maria is already palpable and he follows her around like a little black shadow.

"He definitely captured my own heart and I'm sure he's going to be good for Maria's spirits."
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
paula link
8/9/2014 07:21:54 am

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
I like Marie's STYLE!! Girl after my own heart. LOL

Reply
Maria link
8/9/2014 07:54:35 am

Dear Paula,

Welcome to my world! I can laugh and cry without pausing to breathe most days...and this silly boy would kiss your face right back.

And Martie is a gal after my heart too...gotta love a rascal!

Reply
Vicki
8/9/2014 07:36:09 am

Dear Maria,

So happy that you have fallen in love again. I just knew you would have an eye for the most good looking guy you could find. Funny to think he's giving you such a run-around! But that's what these boys do, when they find such a sweet girl who's putty in their hands!

Thrilled to have you writing and laughing again, sweet Maria. Love, Vicki

Reply
Maria link
8/9/2014 07:59:11 am

Dear Vickster,

"Run-around"..."putty in their hands"...! Yup, you sure do 'have my number'!

And Andy has your number too...! He knows he now has the coolest Auntie in the world...who 'willed' him into mine. Thanks for helping me fall in love again, dear friend.

Reply
Mike
8/9/2014 07:39:33 am

Just a note to say I
think it’s dandy
Though around the eyes
he looks a bit randy
But he will be
forever handy
This new furball
you named Andy

Reply
Maria link
8/9/2014 08:03:43 am

And you, Mr. Friedman seem to have young Andy's number, go figure?!

I am hopeful my little guy can learn some 'social skills' from Duncan-Waffles. I am reading your stories to him and he is staring at me funny - oh sorry...gotta go (LOL)!

Reply
Shauna L Bowling link
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.

Reply
Maria link
8/9/2014 08:09:41 am

Thanks, dear Sha... he is a doll, a Chuckie doll...but you get the idea!

And yes, I will always love that story and the naughty imps behind it.

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
8/9/2014 09:36:33 am

Mar,

I'm smitten with the newest member of your family. He's sincerely adorable!

Welcome home, Andy. You're gonna fit right in!

femme

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 02:40:40 am

Dear femme,

If by 'fitting right in', you mean that Andy is effusive, exhaustive and thoroughly endearing... I would have to agree!

Thanks so much for your help...everything is beautiful. Thinking of you and wishing you a peaceful day. Love, mar

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
8/9/2014 09:43:37 am

Dear Maria,
I can surely back up your story about being punked by Barend and his lovely accomplice, Martie! I was prepared to protect Andy right along with you. Hehe. Thank goodness it was just a joke, and then, when the laughter stopped I had the chance to speak to our dear friend Martie who has a beautiful voice.
I can also vouch for the way that the crape myrtle is thriving and about how the Labradour statue stands watch over the pool.
Love the photo of Andy--he surely looks like he's feeling content and at home.
This is a great introduction to Andy and the way he's already impacted your life with love and joy.
Sending Love & Hugs to You, Andy & Geoff,
Gail

Reply
Martie Coetser Pozyn link
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 :)

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 02:57:24 am

Dear Martie,

You comment to Gail makes me start laughing all over again...once again convinced you have installed a nanny cam in my home that you 'predict' my behavior so well...gosh, I haven't 'spit fire' in a long time - guess it's like riding a bike (Gail, thanks for you discretion on this entire comment - LOL)!

Love and hugs to you both, Maria

Maria link
8/10/2014 02:45:57 am

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!

Thanks for the love and hugs...sending some back to you and Mr. F.
Maria

Reply
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.

This is such a beautiful story of love and life and the seasons we all must endure. I love that Geoff has planted the white crepe myrtle in remembrance of dear Aunt Baby. How beautiful, especially being it is already in bloom. That is the perfect spot to place the statue of Aunt Baby no doubt.

Oh me, I could picture you grabbing up sweet Andy about ready to head for the hills after that phone call ... Martie and Barend are a hoot, as we say in the South.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 is the perfect scripture to sum it all up as in this life we certainly go through the different seasons. The Byrds video is awesome too. I have always loved listening to it.

Here's to many years to come of sloppy doggie kisses.

Love you,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 03:05:19 am

Dear Theresa,

Thank you for such a beautiful comment. You are surely a friend through all the seasons and through all types of times ... it was your sweet words of Max and all the exhaustion / energy and enduring joy he brings to your home that served as the 'icing on my cake' that I needed this zany madcap whirling dervish to invade our home and leave his pawprint on our hearts.

Andy and Max are going to become proper doggie gentlemen...and are already the bestest of friends, just like their Mommas.

Have a pawsitively peaceful Sunday. Love you both, Maria

Reply
Sunshine
8/9/2014 10:32:35 am

Love everything about this tribute!! :)

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 02:53:51 am

Love everything about you, Sunshine. Thanks for sharing this news with us and have a great day!

Reply
Theresa
8/9/2014 10:32:59 am

Oops, meant red collar ...

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 03:08:08 am

That's it...I am hereby sending your tablet and Martie's to "Obedience Training"!

btw, I always know what you mean, girlfriend! Love, Maria

Reply
Kim Casey
8/9/2014 11:33:00 am

Maria,
What a beautiful black lab! I'm so glad Andy has such a kind caring mommy. I love the dog statue! Do you know where your friend bought it? Hope everything is well with you.

Sincerely,

Your bsn student and dog lover,
Kim Casey

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 02:51:40 am

Dear Kim,

I will never forget your kind card, as Aunt Baby died when I was teaching you and your other wonderful peers. And I wanted to share that I was 'back in the saddle' again, with this bundle of love and stuff.

I will ask my friend where she got the statue and get back to you.

All is well, hope you are also. TTYS and take care, Maria

Reply
Ruby link
8/9/2014 12:07:49 pm

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.

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 07:24:42 am

Dear Ruby,

Thanks for stopping by... and so happy you like Andy too! I hope one day to hear your voice and agree, it makes me feel as though we are in the same room having tea. Love you, mar

Reply
Martie Coetser Pozyn link
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.

This will be 'furever' a delightful memory - Andy was baptised with fire and brimstone during a long-distance call from South African.

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful picture of Andy. He looks like a prince soon to be inaugurated as king of the house. Oh, and I agree with you - Aunt Baby is smiling down on you all.

This story is yet another proof that all things in life have a beginning and an end. There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance... A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away... etc.etc. (Ecclesiastes 3)

Mar, with all my heart I pray that Andy may be a blessing to you and Geoff for many years to come.

Love you lots!

Reply
Maria link
8/10/2014 07:29:49 am

Dear Martie,

Oh your comment is as delightful as you are..."and I thought, boy oh boy, in a previous life that sista of mine must have been the mother superior of the Greek furies". You know I have been wondering about this and I think you are spot on (LOL)!

Thank you for your close friendship and support of me through my ups and downs...you know there are so many more to come. Love you, mar

Reply
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.
Jim is talking about getting a new pup for our family, but I'm ambivalent, as Tony is my little shadow. I don't want to mess with that in any way and he would be so jealous. As it is, I can't pet our Cookie without him pushing his way between us.
Loved reading your wonderful post.
Peg

Reply
Maria link
8/11/2014 04:48:25 am

Hi Peg,

Yes, Tony and Andy are cousins 'fur sure'! It's hard to introduce a new pup when you have such a dynamic duo, I admit...you will know when the time is right. Always so great to see you and my love to all...Maria

Reply
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

Reply
Maria link
8/11/2014 04:45:41 am

Dear Lu,

So nice to see you here and thanks for such a sweet comment. Hoping your birthday was as sweet as you. Love ya, G, M & A

Reply
Sannel Larson link
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!
Your husband is a very sweet and loving man, with a very good heart. I loved to hear about the white crape myrtle and the beautiful statue of Aunt Baby. I could not hold my tears back as I was reading about that. What a beautiful thing to do.

Martie and Barend are definitely an innovative and mischievous couple. Haha! They sure had smoke coming out of your ears. Lol!

Take care of yourself now. Give a kiss to Andy for me, will ya.
Love you lots!
Hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
8/22/2014 01:28:43 pm

Dear Sannel,

Oh my word, I read your heartfelt comment and was immediately distracted by "you know who"...!! I agree that Aunt Baby would have been so very fond of this loving boy - he just grows on us more each day.

And I will happily give my boy a hug and a kiss from his Aunt Sannel...have a peaceful weekend.

Love, Maria

Reply
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

Reply
Maria link
8/22/2014 01:31:56 pm

Dear Judy,

Hoping you and Guy had a wonderful vacation and anniversary.

I would love to get together for a birthday lunch and for you to meet Mr. Andy...will e-mail you soon. Love, Maria

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me