It’s been nearly a year since I posted as a guest blogger on Midge’s site, but I have an important reason for wanting to write tonight.
Because I turned 13 in October, I am now 91 years old – and feeling my age. Like many 90-somethings, I can’t hear very well and no longer notice when someone raps on the door. The vet told Midge I have cataracts in both eyes, and one eye has a small tumor under the lid, keeping it in a constant state of irritation.
But my biggest problem is a degenerative spinal disease that causes me pain, along with arthritis that has literally frozen my back leg joints. Going up stairs is almost impossible, and I don’t like it when Midge tries to help by lifting my rear – it just hurts too much. With such bad hip dysplasia, my whole back end is in crisis.
I also have a skin disease that causes me to lose hair in big splotches, exposing raw irritation. The hair does grow back, but the infection just moves elsewhere. My heavy panting is always a problem, even in the cooler weather. And to top it all off, I’ve got a belly filled with something called fat tumors, some the size of golf balls, others like baseballs. One of those tumors near my shoulder is responsible for my limp.
And then of course there’s my doggie dementia, which I wrote about earlier. It keeps me confused and wondering what’s coming next, which isn’t a good feeling.
You blog readers have always been kind to me. That’s why I wanted to write you tonight. You see, this might be my last post.
I know Midge has been agonizing about what to do with me, since she is about to leave town for quite a while and knows I’ll be searching for her every day. But I’m not the least bit worried. She shouldn’t worry, either. My life is happy and full of love, and all along, I’ve felt God’s hand of blessing on me.
A hearty thanks to you, cyber-friends, for being so good to me. And now it’s time for another deep, snoring sleep on my comfy bed.
Night-night….
God made the animals…. and saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:25)
OK, NOW I’m crying! Love you, Jack!! BIG HUGE HUGS to you and Margaret!!
I feel sad, Jack, but as you wrote, you’re “not the least bit worried.” {Midge} shouldn’t worry, either, because your life is happy and full of love, and all along, you’ve felt God’s hand of blessing.
I will be praying, Margaret.
Oh my good friend, Jack! I miss you and your tail wagging, smiling face. I know how you and Midge have been there for each other. Blessings to you both as you continue to love and care for each other. ❤️
Oh sweet Jack and Margaret,
I’m waiting outside Jenn’s dressing room, checking my emails to pass the time. I’m soaked in tears. I’m having to leave our dog, Nessie, in LA for a month or more while I deal with some things and Jenn leaves for England for six months. All that emotion was right on the surface when I read your post, Jack. I’ve often thanked God that you were there for Margaret during these years. Thank you for watching over your family. You have loved well, and you are certainly well-loved. Goodbyes are the hardest part of life for me so I’ll just go hug Nessie extra hard and send love to you and your family. ❤️😘
Awwww, Jackie-boy! You’ve been such a good pal to Marni! We’re sending buckets of love from Asheville!!
Brings tears to my eyes. First Christmas was hard after my husband passed away then the next Christmas my dog got old and sick. I had to have her put to sleep day after Christmas. It is so hard to lose those faithful companions that we have grown close to and help us through the lonely days of widowhood. My heart goes out to you. It is so hard to make those decisions even when you know it is the best for them. I pray we can have our wonderful pets in Heaven. I bought your book of prayers for Widows. What another wonderful book you have done. Love the story you wrote using the dog as illustration of God’s love. I think of that often when I look at my dog and how she never leaves my side. Thank you for you writings. You bless many people. Thinking of you
Thanks for all the walks, Jack. Good job loving your family.