~~~~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME~~~~~~

Dear Diary,

As I try to think of something witty and funny to write about, my mind comes up blank.  That's not unusual these days - the blank mind.  I am 17 today, ya know!  

Yesterday was my pre-birthday celebration which included a walk on the towpath and chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A.  I got the best Mom and Dad ever!  Well, I did yesterday, anyway.  Today Mom wiped my butt with an oatmeal wipe so I had to take her from the nice list to the naughty list.  Once a nag, always a nag, I suppose.

Yesterday's walk was wonderful.  Ahhhh the smells!  I can only do half the walk I used to do, or at least that's what the nag Mom is telling me.

As much as yesterday was a good day, today started out not so good.  I was confused and got lost in the yard.  I kept walking in circles.  Around and around and around I went.  Then I couldn't find the house or the door to go inside.  Mom says she was right there leading me in, but I could not see nor hear her.  And when she placed her hand on me, trying to lead me inside, I just became more confused and kept veering to the left.  Left. Left. Left.  Same as my head tilt. I'm a mess, says Mom.  

Okay.  She's not really that much of a nag.  She's trying to help me I believe.  But I'm not really sure I can be helped.  

I did make it over to the office for my morning fortune cookie.  Yes, I got lost on the way.  Around and around and around I go.  

Mom teared up a little, reading my fortune for the day.  I think she and dad are really going to miss me when I go.

She asks me to tell her when I'm tired and don't want to do this anymore.  I promised her I would.  But this is my birthday.  I'm expecting another walk, some good eatin', and a lot of rubdowns.  So I'm not quite ready.  Not today.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!  

GRACIE.

 

Gracie's Sweet Sixteen

 I can only imagine the cuteness that took place 16 years ago today, as a litter of adorable cockapoos were born into this world.

Months later, when I was met with the decision of which one would go home with me, I could see for myself the cuteness they had all grown into.  Eeenie, Meenie, Minnie, Moe.... which one shall I pick to go (home with me).  I picked up the cutest, curliest, most adorable one, and I asked, "male or female?"  After kissing him on his head, I returned him to his siblings. I wanted a girl.

"Who's this little cutie?" I asked, as I picked up the shy one.  *Her puppy breath was amazing*  

"That's a girl," the owner of the litter said.  

We bonded immediately, and Gracie came home with me.

Gary and I have been married 18 years.  Gracie has been with us for 16 of those years.  We barely know life without her.  I imagine when her time on earth is thru, I will still see her, sneaking around the corner to check on dinner.  I will feel her walking behind me to receive her daily fortune cookie when I go to my office in the morning.  Her bark will be heard from inside when she is out and ready to come in.  Her presence will be felt each evening as we settle in to watch some TV and she lays resting beside us on the sofa.  I'll hear the patter of her paws making her way up the ramp at night to join us in bed.  When we come home from being out somewhere, I will look around the house for her to greet us.  I will smell her sweet smell after a day at the spa.  But all this, will be a memory.

Maybe Jesus will come and take us all home before her departure from this planet.  We don't know what tomorrow may bring, but what I do know is that I am thankful for God's goodness, and these past years with my girl, Gracie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACIE!

 James 1:17 NIV  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.