"I'm, so glad we had this time together..."

I once was asked what my favorite job in the world was. Without even blinking I said parenthood. I knew the time would come when I would no longer be a "mom on site" but just the same a mom. The role just changes. Crowding around a dinner table is no longer an issue. Instead of telling my oldest to get off the phone (pre-cell phone days), it now rings for me from guess-who? Before they were gone it was the sound of laughter, tears, bouncing basketballs, and the beetle-e-beep of video games. I finally have peace and quiet even if I don't desire it. I now have two more rooms in the house in which to decorate, fill with odds and ends, even make a sewing room or library out of them. I know the day will come but at the moment all I seem to be able to do is sit in them and listen to my voice echo off the walls. Yesterday I found a super ball in the corner of one room. It had a picture of Mickey Mouse in the middle. I put it in my jewelry box. I know, I'm hopeless. I also know that life will go on and God will carry me through it. The empty rooms will become something functional and welcome. Dinner will be candlelight and a loving husband. Even the bathroom I shared with my daughter and son will be mine alone with candles and pretty hand towels. Even though I will look forward to holidays more than I have before, I now know how my mom felt when I left home for good.

Do dogs REALLY go to heaven??

Every October 4th or the Sunday closest to it Comet and I head over to Woodlake Lutheran Church in Richfield, the church I was confirmed in and join in the service recognising the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. They call it "The Blessing of the Animals". They start outside after bringing out the piano and pass out programs and the pastor gives a short service in regard to St. Francis and his love for animals. there is a little box of plastic bags for those that might feel the need for, well, you know. Sometimes a dog will disagree with what the pastor's message is and bite another dog but for the most part everyone gets along. Then we head inside and down the hall to the small chapel so that each animal, fin, fur or feather receives an individual blessing from the pastor. Upon leaving the chapel each person receives a little St. Francis metal to put on their animal's collar or cage. We all join in at the end in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments for man and beast (cookies and dog treats).

This gentleman brought his hamster in a small exercise ball wrapped in a blanket.
I always enjoy just seeing how people really love their pets.