Things Live in Memories January 10, 2015

I would say I’ve lived a pretty full life. This year I will turn seven doggie years old, and I’ve seen a lot, witnessed a lot and learned a lot in my time living joy from the ground up. But even though that makes me the equivalent of almost 50 people years old, I know I haven’t seen it all. There are lots of people in my life who have been around a lot longer and seen a lot more.

Change. From the ground up, I find it’s everywhere. People change and adapt as the world around them evolves. I’ve even seen it as I’ve seen my dear forever mom grow (what some might say is) a bit too attached to her cell phone. The same conceptual device that she used to use to call loved ones has developed into a multi-functional tool. Heck, I can even remember in one of my other (temporary) adoptive homes, they had a phone that was attached to the wall. They had other things I rarely see anymore too, like a humongous box for a television and a record player.

From what I can tell, technology is one of the most rapidly changing things people need to adapt to. And while I feel there is a certain degree of caution that needs to be taken with any and all aforementioned devices, the concept behind the continued modification of society isn’t necessarily a bad one in my mind. Today will become tomorrow whether we like it or not. And that’s nothing to be afraid of in my humble doggie opinion. 

I’ve seen a lot in my doggie life. I aspire to see a lot more. But that doesn’t give any less meaning to the things of the past. Though the things themselves may no longer be around, that doesn’t mean they can’t live on through the memories they helped create.

Like this person mom was talking to the other day who fondly remembers when he was seven years old watching the historic 1967 Ice Bowl on 12-inch black and white television with his family. He remembers everything about that day, in part because of that tiny little box that made it all possible.

All good things from the past are not lost. Sure, they are just things. But they are also memories. And memories are meant to hold on to for as long as we’d like.

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The Solid Foundation December 6, 2014

For some of us, I think it starts day one. From the moment we begin taking in the world around us, the foundation on which we will build the rest of our lives is built. Day by day, memory by memory, the foundation is built and layered upon as life goes on.

For others, I don’t think it’s that easy. I think there is a hurdle (or set of them) that manages to break away that foundation. I’m sure it happens at a variety of times in life. And perhaps it even happens more than once. Be it a negative life event, bad decision, or combination of the two, the result is a shattered core. A broken foundation upon which even a healthy heart could not stand. I’ve heard of this place referred to as rock bottom. 

I don’t think it is a place I’ve ever visited. I feel like I would know it if I had. Sure, I had some awful times. One night in particular I remember not knowing for sure I would make it to the morning. But rock bottom? I don’t know that it ever happened to me. To my people? They too have been shaken a few times. Struggled through it. Rock bottom? Maybe. But I don’t think so.

But I know it’s happened to others. Others who weren’t fortunate or blessed enough to avoid encountering anything that completely and totally overwhelmingly devastating. Others who have had their entire world shaken to its core and can’t recognize their foundation, let alone begin rebuilding it.

I thought fondly for these people today as I read the words of British novelist J.K. Rowling, who said “rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

For me, I think it started day one. From the moment I entered the world, I was building my foundation the solid ground of optimism. But because of this I am definitely a fan of new beginnings. Second chances. Life’s opportunities to push the “reset” button. So to anyone out there who might be at that place called rock bottom, you are not alone. And life is not over. Only brightness lies in front of you. Just look up.

 

Those Little Moments May 28, 2014

It was one of those moments you try to take a snapshot of in your heart. Or your head. Or both. If I’m being totally honest, I was just kind of happy to witness it first hand. Or first paw.

Dad was out running errands last night during what is usually family time. It didn’t bother mom, who rushed around the house to make sure everything was set for dear baby Carter’s bed time while feeding him and cleaning up the dishes and doing the laundry. This thing that people can do with multi-tasking continues to amaze me on a daily basis. But that is (by far) not the most amazing thing that happened yesterday.

Mom was feeding Carter when it happened. Dad got home from running errands and his words paused time. “You make me so happy,” he said to Carter. Or mom. Or both. It certainly didn’t matter who he meant to address. What mattered was the feelings behind the words he said. They made mom cry. They would have made Carter cry if he understood. As for me, I was doing as us canines do – standing by looking all strong while we are all-the-while breaking into little bitty emotional pieces inside.

But none of these pieces are the bad kind. They are all so very good.

Because I know this was one of those moment you try to take a snapshot of in your heart. Or your head. Or both. I’m not sure it matters where the moment is stored, as long as it is. That is why I chose to share it with you, my blogosphere family, because it is special to me. It’s one of those things you can’t un=see, but wish you could store in your heart forever.

This is one of those rare instances where I will disagree with a philosophical mastermind. “Take care of all your memories,” suggested American musician Bob Dylan, ” for you cannot relive them.”

To that I say, these little moments are the moments we live that bring life to each day.