Let's Dance-r

Life is certainly not fair sometimes. We often, no, actually always want the easy road. However, I must admit that adversity almost always gives us strength and discretion when it arises. For without adversity, we would not have those gifts that allow us to rise to the occasion. I have been given one of those unforeseen adversities today. It was one that I had been praying truly would not be given to me. And yet, I knew somehow it was out of my hands and the "luck of the draw". There is the old adage, "what does not kill us, makes us stronger". I can only say that it will be my faith and the power of prayer that will see us through.

My "Big Boy" Dancer, was diagnosed with a nasal tumor. And while he lies in a crate in the vet's office, most probably with a runny discharge from the procedure, my prayers will call out that I be blessed to have many more years with him. This is where the power of the internet becomes a pariah. For in the very knowledge that it bequeaths to us, there is that same knowledge that breaks our heart. If anyone reads this blog and you have a pet, (or don't, it really doesn't matter) say a special prayer for my boy tonight....thanks.

"FOR IT IS MARY"

"For it is Mary, Mary
Plain as any name can be
But with propriety, society will say Marie
But is was Mary, Mary
Long before the fashions
came
And there is something there that sounds so
square
It's a grand old name"

And with those inimitable words, George M. Cohan described her to a T. For she was a woman without reproach, with an unflailing manner to her life. And yet she came from somewhat aristocratic beginnings. The daughter of a Hispanic draftsman she lived with her mother and father and four brothers and sisters in a stately hacienda with servants and the "good life"in the little town of Arichega, Mexico. Only to be uprooted at an early age and brought to St. Louis with them and eventually abandoned by her father, life was not easy for them. She never finished high school and worked menial jobs as they struggled for their existence. She would eventually marry, have a daughter and then divorce until she met the love of her life for 45 years. And even then, that did not bring her to the Promised Land as she struggled with not only her husband's alcoholism but hers as well. And she would endure the gut wrenching pain of having her daughter emotionally and physically stripped from her by her sister. And she had to bear the most "via dolorosa" of her life and watch that very daughter to die before her. But she persevered as only a mother can do. She and her husband eventually reached sobriety. She became the "breadwinner" in the family and with "her" money they would travel and see the "Promised Land". She became an avid Bingo player and to see her come out of a bingo hall smiling like a Cheshire Cat because she had won $499 jackpot for the night was worth its' weight in gold. With her two daughters and one son she buried her beloved Paul. She would follow him 7 years later. It was an indelicate and inauspicious death for with the tracheotomy that had to be performed her sweet, delicate voice was silenced. It was a resounding silence that left all numb. You may be be wondering who and why I speak of such a rather diffident and quite unassuming woman named Mary. And let's face it, "Mary" is a common name but it does have one universal and global appeal, for Mary was the mother of Jesus. To me she was just "Mom" and today would have been her 99th birthday. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you.

In an earlier post I spoke of the two questions that were asked of the ancient Egyptians before they could enter heaven, "did I find joy in my life?" and "has my life brought joy to others?" I can only hope that the latter question is answered by that my life brought joy to Mary and Paul. For me, it will all have been worth it knowing that.

We all have been faced with that unparalleled question of "what if" as we walk out the door leaving our loved one and never seeing them again. If only I had told them I loved them, or if I could take that back and try again. I dedicate this short video to Mom (and Dad)....."one more day" is all I would ask.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UWx-shGM0g

LINDA'S DAY (a little late)

Better late than never.....right??? I wanted to dedicate this post to a very special lady in my life who's undying love and care for me speaks volumes to me of how much I love her. She is someone who would literally do anything for me and basically has. For many years I was motorcycling, seeing the "world" (or actually the U.S.) her and her late husband were always there to babysit my "beasts". On top of taking care of her two little lovable dachshunds, she would add to her brood with my 6 loves. And on top being somewhat allergic to cats, she would (and still does) load up on anti inflammatory decongestants to have her eyes from swelling to the size of a blowfish and sneezing enough to start a hurricane all to keep me from having to board them in some unwelcomed shelter.

I thought when Mom died 16yrs. ago that I had indeed lost my Mom. Little did I realize that she was reincarnated in the spitting image of this woman. It used to be that when I went on one of my many motorcycle tours, Mom would always be there to stuff an extra $300 in my pocket. I would tell her I didn't need the money, but she was always quick to respond...."just take it, you never know when you're going to need extra money." This other lady is just like that....always saying, 'you may see something you want to buy". And she's still there today, saying the same thing. Here's a few pics of her with a couple of loves of her life, her now deceased husband, her now deceased Max and Mausi, and her new loves in her life that I (against her wishes) gave her two Christmas' ago.....Kris Kringle and Holly!!

So, here's to my rock, my Gibraltar, my sister-Linda who just celebrated her 63rd. birthday on July 1. Happy Birthday, Sis, I love you!!!
Lil Bro'