I returned home from New York State last Saturday evening weary from spending time processing the loss of my mother with family members. The cold temps and emotional exhaustion caught up with me and by Monday I was not feeling well and rested up for the tasks that rise up before me now.
When I need to feel in control of my life (or think that I am, at least), I often turn to household improvements and the moving of furniture. When I’d come to live here last fall, a very large wrap around sectional sofa was inherited. Although it was comfortable, I’d purchased a new sleep sofa that also occupied that room and the living room was beginning to look like a sofa showroom. I finally listed it as free-to-good home on Facebook Marketplace hoping for someone to come and take it away. I truly believed I’d get no response, but the pings started coming immediately. By late the next day I had over 100 inquiries, but didn’t have the energy to answer anyone.
It became somewhat stressful – whenever I glanced at my phone I felt like the Miss Lonely Hearts of Sofadom. The situation resolved itself – a strong team with a big truck was able to come that same day and take it away. I felt a lightness in its removal, a sense of renewal. I love they way the room looks now, a fresh start in a still new place.
A few weeks ago, I received a message from a good friend of Rich’s and I named Brian who contacted me to share that his daughter, Stephanie, had a horse-shoe shaped ring that Rich had given to her when she was just a kid. Back in New Jersey, Rich and Brian were were members of a volley ball league that played once a week at a local gym. Stephanie often joined her Dad. She called Rich the “Silver Hawk” as he had grey hair and he wore sweats that said “Hawk”. I imagine Rich finding the ring and giving it to her for good luck. Brian told me Stephanie wanted me to have it and it arrived in the mail this week. It was a nice gesture and I took it as a much-needed sign of encouragement and a “hello” from another place.
While feeding Jackson the other day, I noticed that the spot on the back of his neck is actually heart-shaped. As we’d adopted him on Valentine’s Day, this was very fitting and his Middle Name is now Valentino. He’s a pip as they say, sassy and funny. He will be a smart, funny athletic dog and I will need patience and fortitude to raise him as one. It’s a challenge I accept as the housebreaking continues.
The week ended with a sweet gift from Merrie Meyers, of the Dog Writers Association of America, a nice “Dog Mom” thanks for my involvement in the Annual DWAA Writing Competition and my year-round contributions. I love working with this group of talented writers who focus their time and energy on all issues of canine welfare. Congratulations to all of our Finalists and Winners in all Categories.
And also on Friday, a young actress/song writer contacted me about using this property for a short film shoot. I’d forgotten I’d registered this home with the Florida Film Commission back in November. We spoke and we are trying to work things out. A log cabin in these parts is not easy to come by – if you are a film maker or commercial producer filming in this region, please feel free to contact me. This property is truly magical.
All these things keep my mind busy and occupied. But each night between 5:30 and 6:30 I find myself waiting for the nightly call I’d come to expect from my mom. I knew there would come a time when there would be no more; but that doesn’t make things easier.
Rich and my Mom got along, but often bantered about what was good or right for me (some control issues there). Exasperated at times, I’d say, “I’m right here!” Literally. “I can hear you.” But I understood they always wanted the best for me. I was lucky to have people who cared. Who could’ve guessed my mom would outlive Rich. These days I picture them discussing my activities and choices from safely above, but always sending down inspiriation in ways I think I have yet to realize.
Happy March. Here’s to another interesting week ahead. Thanks for reading and your support.
