Halloweens With Suzy

This will be the first Halloween in 14 years without Suzy.  When she was a pup, she'd charge the door whenever trick-or-treaters came a'calling.  Full of anticipation, curiosity and joy, Suzy was totally involved in the festivities, the life-of-the-party, the bell-of-the-ball.

As years went by, she grew more self-controlled (for a Sheltie, that is) and would be right by my side as I handed out Butterfingers and Snickers Bars.  Often a few kids, or their parents, would oogle and ahh over Suzy's beauty and charm.  Sometimes we'd get requests to pet or let her come out on the porch. She always obliged, with wagging tail and big Suzy-smile!  The kids were as thrilled as I.

In recent years, Suzy lay in the living room and watched the festivities from afar.  Now a senior citizen, she was content to preside but not participate.  To observe rather than officiate.  Yet, if kids or parents ever got a glimpse of her through the front door, they'd still request a pet or a pat, still oogle and ahh, still be entranced by her presence and beauty.  No matter the occasion, it was fun with Suzy around.

This year I'm going to dinner and a play.  The house will be dark.

Listen to the Beat

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.

What is essential is invisible to the eye."

--Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Inner knowing.  We all have it.  Especially when it comes to matters of the heart.  Ever meet someone you felt as if you'd known all your life?  Or maybe even all of eternity?  It could be a person, a pet, a plant or even a feeling.  The familiarity with which you connect with that Being is everything and tells your nervous system that you're home at last.

Usually we bond with our pets in this atmosphere of gentle companionship.  When nothing special is asked of us and nothing special expected.  Just being together is enough.  And being together is, therefore, healing.  For when we feel comfortable, at ease and relaxed, we are in healing mode.  Our nerve endings can go off duty.  Our breathing deepens and relaxes every muscle in our bodies.  Grace tends to work that way.

Suzy taught me so many lessons about grace.  And patience, forgiveness, sharing, caring, forebearance, loyalty, true friendship and love.  Suzy was my little professor of the heart and taught her only student well.  She was always an open book & instructed me to look forward never back.  Anticipate life with a smile not a frown.  Give others the benefit of the doubt and never question one's motives.  Always accept others at their word, and don't try to read into anything one says, for you'll most assuredly be wrong at least 50% of the time.

Suzy stressed the importance of really being with someone when you're together.  Listen not only to what people say but how they say it, the tone they use.  Watch body language.   A firm, "no" might mean one thing, while a smile and a nod definitely mean something else.  Often silence was the best way we could share each other's company fully and deeply.  Whether through walks in the woods or sharing a fireside belly rub and chat, words were not necessary when we felt undivided attention and strong bonds of friendship between us.

"Be here now" was a popular phrase in the 60s, originally coined by transendental guru, Ram Das.  I never knew where it originated but, now, I think he got it from his dog.

Memories Are Friends

"Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life." --John Muir

 

Happy Sunday to All
  Enjoy Our Season of Autumn Delights!