You are Forever Young, but the Orange Juice Lasts Twice as Long

Harris Beach Oregon

I like to think of you wandering around, with Lizzie, in all the places you loved.

Grand Coulee

Steamboat Springs State Park

At Home-Remember How the Pups Would Wait for You?

Lizzie - Washington State

Stanley Idaho After Her Swim

Silverton

Out in back of Silverton

Grand Canyon

Herb and me at Bonanza up by Tahoe

Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho

Leavenworth, WA

Deadhorse

A Man and His Dog in Durango

Tillamook - Revisiting the Past

Timpanagos Caves, Utah

Hebo Where You Were Stationed

Meeting Susan at Mt. Ranier
Before We Almost Lost the Truck (Toad) on the way down. By the look on my face, I must have had a premonition!

Too many places and too many pictures--I can hear you saying, "Enough, already!" But, I want our kids to see how happy we were so you'll have to be patient with me.

As each year passes, I wonder what our lives would have been like if you were still here. I know the orange juice wouldn't have lasted twice as long no matter where we were, but I wonder where we would have been and where we would be thinking of going. I wish you were here to see your kids--you'd be so proud of each of them, and so amazed by our grandkids, too. Can you believe Amanda is a nurse and reaching for further degrees. Missy (your office manager) is in college and deep into calculus and things I will never understand--she'd like to go into cancer research. And, Kellie is graduating from high school-still the animal lover! Keely is allowed to drive a golf cart, now, and is enjoying summer with her friends, and our baby, Peyton, is about to be in high school! Hard to believe, huh?

There's never a time that I reach for the orange juice in the morning that I'm not saddened because I know it's going to last twice as long. I remember the first time thinking that after you were gone, and it broke me into tiny pieces like humpty dumpty who took a great fall and couldn't be put back together, again. That probably sounds crazy, but it represented reality and finality-that life had changed forever in a split second. Our morning talks before going to the office (solving the problems of the world) are over--at least your side of the conversation, but I pretty much know what you would be saying. Memories of all the years we spent together fill my days and nights. Jack is my constant companion--he's still the kind dog you knew. I bake him sweet potato chips for treats as he can't have any fat--sometimes reminds me how I used to surprise you with Apple Sauce Cake because it was a healthy snack. I miss you. I still haven't found my way, and probably never will. Did I tell you I miss you? Well, I could get good and soppy about, now, but that belongs in my private diary. It's the birthday you should have had this week that stirs me to write. I love you.

Remember when the kids were little and we dumped the big canvas tent ("Don't Touch the Sides!") and we went to our luxurious pop-up?

Cherokee NC - Scanning is not my forte', but I'm trying to learn.

The kids grew up in a blink of our eyes. I need to find pictures of when they were little and I'll fill in.

And before we knew it, along came the grandkids

...and they grew up. Then it was our time, but it wasn't meant to be.

Your birthday reminds me that you'll be forever young and forever missed. You were a wonderful Man, a wonderful Husband, and a wonderful Father. You have always been my hero and you are still my hero. I wrote a little poem to you many years ago. Remember? We put it on the Christmas tree each year. How corny it seems, now, but so true after all these years.

I thrive on the LOVER in you--

The private moments of our lives.

I joy at the FATHER in you

With trust and pride.

I need the MAN in you

To arouse the woman in me.

And the BOY in you

To delight the girl in me.

But it's the FRIEND who makes the bond grow strong,

And he's the one I've loved all along.

~ Nancy ~

We made the best of the time we had, and though you left us far too early, you left us with the memory of a man who always provided for his family, and kept us safe, whose children respected him, always, and with a hole in our hearts that no one can ever fill. Retirement, together, was never meant to be, but we had fun and laughed not only at the antics of the kids, but at the pups we both so loved. Here's a few more scanned photos that bring a smile to my face. I send memories to you on the wind, my sweet man.

The Princess

The Prince

How He Loved Her!

How I Loved to Dance with You

I'll Be Seeing You (Link)

Whoo Hoo! A Break in the Heat...

Nancy and I have been stuck in the house because of the weather, and because of her back. Fortunately, Susie has been on vacation so she has taken me for my walks which has given Nancy's back a chance to rest.

Yesterday, though, it was cool compared to what it has been. She said, "C'mon, pal, let's blow this place. I have a surprise for you."

Well, we went to a dog park that our friend, Rani, told us about. There were SO many dogs! I loved the sign with the line that crossed out the people! I've seen enough with lines through dogs, that's for sure!

None of the dogs were barking, but when I saw the balls all around, I couldn't help myself. "SOMEONE THROW THIS BALL!"

Well, actually, the first thing I did was go right into the middle of the grass to poop. I think that's the way I'm supposed to mark my territory. Of course, Nancy came running with her pink bags (there were stations all around with black bags), but oh no, she has to embarrass me with pink. Nancy said she's going to write to the company to see if they'll consider making blue bags for boys.

I collected most of the balls I could find in the park. It kept me very busy. The other dogs didn't seem interested in them so I wasn't being selfish. Some nice young man, who thought it was funny, picked one up and threw it for me and I ran for the first time in a long time. Nancy was making more noise than anyone telling me not to run...yeah, right!

Here's another one. They're not the balls I like, but they're balls and I haven't been able to play in a long time so I wasn't fussy.

Maybe there's one in the woods.

They even had all kinds of drinking fountains in this park and a place where water came up out of the ground! Lizzie would have loved it, here. So did the little kids!

Then, all of a sudden there was a dog fight between two german shepherds. Nancy got nervous and put my leash on. I think they were just trying to decide who was boss, and probably weren't hurting each other, but it was a scary sound. So, Nancy decided it was time to go. On the way out we saw a beautiful Weimaraner. Nancy said he was like the one she grew up with. His name was Baron. I wanted to go over to him because he looked so much like Bella.

Well, the park wasn't the last surprise Nancy had up her sleeve. We went to a place called Petco which is a lot like PetSmart, and she let me go shopping. I came home with two rawhide bones. Yippee! I love them. This has been the best day in a long time.

I'm hoping when I go back to the doctor on the August 3rd that he'll tell Nancy she doesn't need to worry so much.

Good News About Jack!

We went back for a check, today, and Jack has less fluid in his chest than he did the last visit. That means that his body is absorbing some of the fluid as it is supposed to do. He is carrying a little less than a liter which isn't causing him any discomfort or symptoms so his Vet didn't want to put him through tapping. We're not out of the woods, yet, but it's the first glimmer of hope since last November.

We don't have to go back until August 3rd unless something changes. We should know more by then. For now, I'll take this news!

He was funny this morning. When I got him into the lobby, he started to carry on and cry. I signed in and sat down to wait, calming him down. The handler came down and said they were running behind, and thought it might be best to leave him with me, as he's more comfortable than with them, and they'd come and get him when they were ready to do the ultrasound. When she left, he put his head on my shoe and went to sleep.

Once they came back for him, he went without any hesitation, and it was only a short while before I heard him coming back (vet in tow) to give me the good news. I can't begin to describe how thankful I am to our vet, here, and the surgeon from Texas.

On the way home, we stopped at his favorite place, The Nature Center, where I let him celebrate by sniffing whatever it is that he loves to sniff. He was a happy boy.

I was very nervous before going this morning so I feel like a weight has been lifted from my heart and shoulders.

I didn't get much sleep last night, but as you can see, the patient had no problem. When he sleeps, he sleeps!

Surprise!

Gotcha!

Today was my eldest son, John's birthday. His sister, Susan, and Lisa, his wife threw a "black 50" birthday party at Susan's house. He really was surprised.

How'd you do that?

Lisa's Mom and Dad and sisters and brother were there. I missed getting a good picture of Martha. But, here's a good one of Lisa and Jim.

Daddy's Little Girl

We have such a good time whenever we get together. Odd, how 50 sounds young at this point in my life!

I was trying to get a good picture of all the granddaughters, together, but that's easier said than done.

Could Just One of You Be Serious?

I kept missing Susan as well--in my defense, son number 2 had my camera part of the time.

Hostess with the Mostest

Jack was wearing this shirt when John and Lisa arrived.

Son, Michael, relaxing.

I didn't get Lisa's sisters and brothers in one shot as I meant to, but I'm hoping someone else did and they will send me a picture to post.

Of course what kind of party would it be without crazy dogs!!!

Jack

Bella and her Shadow

Bogy

Another happy note for the day. I called my sister and Mary was able to receive chemo on Friday, got her spinal, and the 2nd of four shots that go with this course. Jenny wrote the other day that it was the first time she'd seen her laughing and playing with her sister in a long time. So far so good, but on with the business of a cure. My granddaughters wrapped stacked coins for her while they were here last night, and I will take them to the bank and have a check cut for Mary from all of them.

Never Pass Up a Good Piece of Cake-Birthday or Not!

Susan has had a lopsided birdbath in her front yard for two years, now. It's been damaged since she bought the house. It's big, but the ice over the years has taken its toll. I noticed last week, when I tried to move it and couldn't, that one pie shape piece was ready to just fall off. I thought, "Hmmm, when all the guys are at the party, I'll ask them, as they leave, whether they would straighten it for Susan. That will be good for a laugh (never thinking anyone could get hurt!)" Well, we were saying goodbye to Lisa's family (only Michael had escaped early) and I ran back in for my camera to make sure I caught the action, when I heard someone yell, "Oh, my gosh!". I turned around only to find poor Leland who had taken it upon himself to help Susan. Shows you what a nice guy he is--never had to ask him. We all had a good laugh at poor Leland's expense. I couldn't click fast enough to get all of his reaction or expressions, but take my word for it, they were funny! The last two say it all!

Not far from my mind, this day, are thoughts of my Mom. She passed away 16 years ago. I miss her every day of my life. Kisses in the wind. Love you, Mom.

Words of a Mother Whose Heart is Breaking...

"How do you explain to a 7 year old...you don't look 'funny' without hair? I wish I could do this for her. She has been soo sooo good about everything, but once in a while it really hits her. As she is brushing her teeth and looking in the mirror after a week of not looking in the mirror while she was in the hospital, she's crying because most of her hair is gone and I can't help her."

These are the words of my niece about her little 7 year old. How I wish I could take the disease from her and make it mine. It's just not fair, you know? We ask why? But there's no answer.

I Did It!

Taken From Mr. Nimble on the Move

I imported posts from another little blog that I had started when I had anticipated traveling, again. It turned into a mish-mosh of random thoughts, etc. Only I would confuse myself on purpose. I didn't want to pull all of it over, so I just chose individual posts. It was easy peasy to do! There's one post left--I need to ask permission to use a picture and name. I'm still hoping that Jack will take over the blogging duties when we travel, again.

Fingers Still Crossed

Jack had his staples out, yesterday. He had a little more fluid than last time, but not enough to drain. His Dr., here in Georgia, is cautious about declaring complete cure, yet. He has been wonderful as has the surgeon in Texas. I don't mention names because I don't know that they would want to be mentioned in a blog. The surgeon in Texas says her fingers are crossed right along with mine; it's reassuring to hear from her. She is an incredibly wonderful and kind person. Still hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. I love this pup.

Sound Asleep

Sporting Yellow

Tongue Still Works

If Only I Could Go Out!

Enough With The Camera...I want to go to sleep.

A Long Week

Jack has been a trooper. Most of his pain is not so much from his large incisions, but from where they spread his ribs to access the lymphatic vessels.

The surgeon from Texas has been in touch twice, now, inquiring about his recovery. She is going above and beyond what I ever expected. Just couldn't ask for a nicer person.

I'm a little apprehensive about taking Jack back to GVS on Wednesday, though I don't think they will have to do much--just a quick ultrasound to check for fluid in his chest. They don't expect to know much because he is a slow leaker, thus the 2 week to a month wait. I just worry that he's going to be frightened. I'll give him pain meds before I take him in at 8 a.m. to calm him, and I'll wait for him.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to take him camping and traveling once again. I loved seeing him out of suburbia and urbia - free to run, swim, an explore as a free spirit. I thought I had a lot to write about, but my mind is cluttered with worry about Jack and other things happening at the moment. Not sure, even whether I will publish this.

Until We Meet Again, Jazz...

Gentle Leader

Last night, Nancy told me that you went to Rainbow Bridge to wait for your Mom and Molly. You were our "gentle leader", and I'll miss you, dear friend. Until it's time for all of us to see you, again, have fun with Rich and Lizzie. Stretch your legs and run as fast as you can run! You are young, again.

A Long Week

Jack has been a trooper. Most of his pain is not so much from his large incisions, but from where they spread his ribs to access the lymphatic vessels.

The surgeon from Texas has been in touch twice, now, inquiring about his recovery. She is going above and beyond what I ever expected. Just couldn't ask for a nicer person.

I'm a little apprehensive about taking Jack back to GVS on Wednesday, though I don't think they will have to do much--just a quick ultrasound to check for fluid in his chest. They don't expect to know much because he is a slow leaker, thus the 2 week to a month wait. I just worry that he's going to be frightened. I'll give him pain meds before I take him in at 8 a.m. to calm him, and I'll wait for him.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to take him camping and traveling once again. I loved seeing him out of suburbia and urbia - free to run, swim, an explore as a free spirit. I thought I had a lot to write about, but my mind is cluttered with worry about Jack and other things happening at the moment. Not sure, even whether I will publish this.

Back for recheck-Not Quite Ready to Yell "Victory"!

Just a quick update today. I took Jack back in for a check and he had accumulated fluid. It was a bummer (my heart just sank). Though the surgeon at the Atlanta hospital said he was worried, he is not ready to call the surgery a failure.

As promised, I emailed the surgeon in Texas with the update as she had requested and she returned my email within minutes. "No worries, yet." It's actually normal for a dog to drain a bit after surgery, and she said she left a bit in their to see if it would reabsorb over a month's time. She has a more optimistic view, and says we don't have to worry until a month or more as long as he doesn't start breathing heavily or show other changes.

Fortunately, it was a short visit, and he was one dog in a hurry to get out of the hospital! I only had one pain pill left, and I don't think I'll need more, but the vet said he'd be happy to call in a prescription to my pharmacy for my peace of mind. I would hate to wake up in the middle of the night to a pup in pain and not be able to do anything. So far he hasn't had anything since 6 a.m., and appears to be comfortable I think he feels naked without his Georgia State University t-shirt!

I was going to take a picture of his staples, but I figured I'd give the poor guy some privacy.

We go back next Wednesday to the internist to have the stitches out.

Been hot and muggy in Atlanta-hate it, but I hear thunder in the distance. Let's hope the rain comes. Everything is bone dry.

Good news for little Mary. The chemo is working and they will take a middle of the road approach toward a cure. She's not the best, but more importantly, isn't the worst. Sweet little thing. Time is moving slowly for her though they feel at this point she may be able to stop chemo 2 months short of the full 3 years.

Maybe This Blog Wasn't Meant to Be...(Mr. Nimble on the Move)

I confused myself. I actually started this blog thinking it would be a journal of our next trip west. Of course, Jack was going to write it. Everything has gone haywire, though. I'm in limbo as far as whether we'll be able to travel, again, we got the terrible news about Mary which leaves us with helpless and very sad feelings. I feel guilt for being alive while a little  seven year old suffers, and it's so frustrating that we can't turn back the clock and change it. It is so sad to me that I can't write about it because there are no words to describe what I'm feeling and how terrible I feel not only for her, but for her parents and grandparents. I've always given to St. Judes; come on, let's find an easier cure for this thing.

My back is in bad shape, I can't stand or walk after 5 minutes. I'm fine sitting or lying down, so that means I can still hitch up and go at the first opportunity. The problem will be walking Jack, but I'll figure something out--find fields, etc., though he'll wonder why I'm not walking him on the leash.

We lost another beautiful soul, yesterday. Nigel, Matt and Stephanie's pup had to be put to sleep. He lived a good long life, but no matter it's hard to hear that he's gone. Judy was crazy about him--such a nice dog. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I liked him because of what she told me, and all dogs have good souls.

Now, what to do about blogs. I think I'll just keep writing my thoughts down. Something's going on as I can't edit the older posts and I already spotted a grammatical error. Anyway, this is the blog written as a person with TBI plunders through.

Maybe There's a Miracle

Jack had a restless night last night, but he ate some yogurt this morning, some of his food, and of course some sweet potato chips. Susan game him some pain medicine before she left for work at 5 a.m. She's been wonderful staying with me for a month now in case of an emergency. There's no way I could lift him up into my truck. With her medical background, she is a great comfort to be around and she surprised me with dinner last night! It's also good for Jack that she's here as he loves her as much as he loves me; and she loves him right back. We share him.;-)

I'm encouraged by his progress. The doctor was going to keep him for another day because he wouldn't eat for them and he usually likes his patients to eat before they leave. He called, yesterday, and asked me to come over to see if he would eat for me. He would only drink a little water and eat some sweet potato chips. If he got any closer to me he would have been inside me. The doctor felt that he might be better off at home--more comfortable, and I think he is. He was anxious to get to the car as we headed out the door.

I got an email from the surgeon in Texas, today, and she had been checking on Jack since arriving back in Austin. She's encouraged so far, but we still know that we won't know the success of the surgery for 2-4 weeks.

I didn't write much about the surgery-things were just so turned upside down. The Dr. from TAMU, a very pretty woman, came out of surgery looking stressed. It was the look I didn't want to see. It seems that Jack doesn't have the main lymphatic vessel that goes up to the duct so she could not do the dye test to see where the leak was coming from. Instead, he has many small vessels some of which were leaking. She did her best to find them all so she could tie them off. It's very difficult to know if she got them all. She also found a mass in his belly that looked to be lymphatic vessels that had sealed themselves. She didn't touch it as she felt it  might cause more harm than good. I'm not sure if I've described the surgery correctly, but you get the idea. Jack's anatomy is different than what they expected. Dr. F. was disappointed that it wasn't as straight forward as she had hoped. By all his records, there was nothing to indicate that it wouldn't be. So...we hope.

He ate some yogurt and some of his food this morning. I can get him to drink if I offer it in different size little cups. You know, I'm thinking Jack might just pull off a miracle, thanks to the help of his medical team-I couldn't have asked for more.

So, here he is in "one" of his beds-he actually wanted to climb on the sofa with me last night, but of course that wasn't possible, so his other bed is right next to me where I could reach down and touch him during the night. That seems to calm him. Here he is in a T-Shirt to keep his incisions clean and away from his reach.

Who knows, maybe if all goes well, we can hit the road, again, together. I sure hope so, but if that isn't in the cards I'm hoping to give him good quality of life - I'm sure he's not quite convinced at the moment, but I see improvement each day. I'm betting that in a week, I won't be able to keep him still!

The Final Chapter?

Pay attention, Nancy. I can't stop your tears but when the time comes for us to say good bye, take comfort that maybe...just maybe I will be with our beloved Rich and Lizzie, waiting for you. I will never leave your heart, just as they have never left mine~I promise.

When the pain of parting seems too much to bear, think of Rich singing this to you, Lizzie, and me. Weren't we surprised, to say the least, riding along a country road out west when he burst into song, knowing all the words (so, not like him). Who knew?  How we laughed, do you remember?

Big Rock Candy Mountain (1st right after Rainbow Bridge)

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me know. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to the bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you, rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands provide me the merciful boon of eternal rest, and I will leave you knowing with the last breath, I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

~ Beth Norman Harris

The night before going into the hospital. See, aren't pups lucky? No worrying for me!

So glad I got to camp with my friends Molly and Jazz. See, I still look like a young pup--just last November.

We will spend our last days, weeks, or months enjoying the time we have together ~ you, me, and Susie.