Last night, I told The Story Of Red, from his life in Ireland to his coming to America to Karen Thompson’s idea that he should come to me, to our very powerful hospice and therapy work together. Red and I are fused, as spirit dogs and their humans often are. I don’t know any more where he begins and I end.
I suppose I will soon find out. I told the audience Red is failing, yet it was not a sad or discouraging story, I think – hope – it was filled with gratitude and hope. Red has been perhaps the greatest gift I have ever received, apart from Maria, and I’m not going to mourn that.
Maria took this photo of me on her Iphone. I wore my slouch hat to keep the lights from blinding people with my bald spot. I felt at home at the Oldcastle Theater in Bennington, in my element, surrounded by people I like and am comfortable with.
This theater company is creative without being elitist or standoffish. People just feel at home there, I want to be a part of the Oldcastle. I’ll start by putting up a photo show there, at their request. I think I’ve said enough about Red for the moment, I know there’ll be more to come.
While Red’s story is definitely not sad or discouraging, I can feel your heart breaking a little more with every post about him. God bless you both during this transition.
BRAVO
Jon, I just have to say that although I am not an expert on body language……I *see* in this photo how relaxed you appear to be, telling the story of Red. To me…… I can sense it in your posture and overall demeanor…….it is refreshing and I trust that you felt very much calm and relaxed as you told the story. Bravo to you! (and to Red, the *star*)
Susan M
I hope you have much more time w Red. I think it so wonderful you told his story. And I know about having a dog like red. Where you don’t know where you begin and he ends. The fusion. I have had it three times. Just when I’ve needed it. I see the path. I survived each loss. It was very hard to say goodbye. It was. But in one instance i let one go and had the other lifetime dog already here. He took over where the other left off. And it was a necessary thing I see now. Bc of my cancer and some other huge stressors that were about to come. Maybe bud is that next dog for you. Maybe not. But he will help you smile for a good while. I’m still rooting for red and much more time for him. Blessings.
Blessings to you, Anne, thinking of you…