If you were to ask mom about her favorite animal, she would say "llamas"..... maybe. She was never an animal person, but these past few years she did look forward to watching for the one llama we would pass on the way to church every Sunday. She even fed carrots to the therapy llama that came to visit the assisted living, and pet him! She marveled at how soft he was.
Mom knew her family loved animals, so she let us have many over the years – Tippy, Spike, Suzka, and Whiskey (the dogs); Izzy, Woby, Meesha, Rocky, Annie, Vanilla, and Nutmeg (the cats). Dad even named the steer we had when we first moved to Oregon – Murgatroyd, Darth Vader, Carbon Copy. And Igor the attack rooster.
Long after the Hawley household pets were gone, the Jude puppy came to live at our home. Mom was a frequent visitor and then a resident of ours for a time. As expected, Mom never took any special liking to Jude, and Jude did her obligatory sniffing, but steered clear of her walker. They ignored each other for the most part. But an uncanny thing began to happen as they grew old together – their ailments seemed to mirror one another. Together, they developed arthritis, cataracts, hearing difficulties, and a fondness for LOTS of napping. If mom had a fall, Jude almost on cue would wake up more stiff than usual the next day- sympathy stiffness I guess. When mom complained about her 91 year old body and all it’s aches and pains, I might mention that Jude had her beat at 119 dog years. At that she could share a little sympathy with our 17 year old Jude.
Maybe it was a God-thing when mom went to heaven last month and Jude followed 9 days later. I like to think about all the wonderful things that the Bible tells us about heaven. All our aches and pains? Gone. All our broken parts? Healed. No more tears. No more sadness. Maybe we even find joy in some things we never thought we would while we are here. If so, maybe mom and Jude are finally enjoying each others company. Jude chasing her soccer ball and mom playing the piano. And Jesus of course.
Maybe those are in heaven, too.)
9 comments:
I enjoyed this Bec. I remember mom saving an injured bird. Just a memory of protecting it in a shoe box with some soft material.
She was compassionate - even towards injured animals.
Beautiful sentiments!
Great
This is Susie—-Becky, this is beautiful. It’s lovely to picture your mom and Jude taking a long walk with Jesus. No more worries ❤️
A very sweet remembrance of your Sweet Mom and Jude your sweet Pup 🥰
What a beautiful memory, your mom was always that quiet one, a beautiful smile and lots of quiet love to give...Just think now she doesn't have to use that walker or wheelchair, she is without pain and in a wonderful place..hugs and love to each of you during this time....
How you must miss both of them! But the joy that is to come!!
Joan has gone to heaven? My husband Glenn, has gone to heaven too, on Jul 14. I Loved Joan as we made music 🎶 together. She was so patient with my attempts at singing. She had a delicious giggle too. Your family was here before us, and you all were welcoming. Your Dad gave our oldest son Mark a job! So many memories…. And Joan and Glenn are happy 😊 in their new home! Much love….❤️
So enjoyed this...beautifully said 💕
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