One can only write something as beautiful as this when we are broken open. The rawness has made me cry. I was so glad your parents were coming to help and support you during the move. It made my heart full knowing the love you would be given. I had a white German Shepherd in my 20’s Big like Eli, and got me into so much trouble for the same reasons as Zok. I understood him others didn’t. He was like me our broken psych’s.
Glad about your reverse Christmas plans. You are Blessed to be so loved and it’s all gonna be alright.
I can do most anything, worked outdoors on horse farms caretaker groundskeeper over 40 years with a trusty shepherd at my side. I was going to clean the disgusting Hackberry tree juice off with pressure washer. I hadn’t started spraying yet but my feet started sliding and I think I heard the voice of God and afterward maybe the exorcists.
My pleasure, wish we could have a glass and hug in person. I’m in hospital , story of silly old lady fell-off her roof a week ago. Just had surgery both feet fractured. I’m an old tough as tree bark farm girl. Good strength physically and mentally.
Beautifully written, as always. I’m glad C&J were able to help you get settled in your new place (though, knowing J, I’m not surprised.) Blessings on your new home! And hugs to you and the kidlets.
What a beautiful piece, thank you. I also follow both C&J on Substack and I was glad to know they had an ocean between them and the madness here at home. I am so glad you all were there for each other. Thank you for sharing your experience and feelings, the bottom line is that none of us are alone in our grief and pain as we deal with what the future holds.
You won the lottery with parents like C&J. You made me cry too. I am so glad you were able to spend some quality time with your folks, but I really needed them to get back home to shed light on this disaster unfolding here in the US 🇺🇸. I need J to finish her book so I can lose myself for a while. I need to read C's gentle words of wisdom. Plus, I missed the gratuitous pics of Auggie and Eli. Zokami is gorgeous and so lucky to have you. AND, I am so glad you won't be alone for Christmas. Cheers to a wonderful read, Sandy.
So beautiful. I loved spending time with my parents- both gone now and missed so much. You are so lucky to have C&J- I love them too! Bon chance in your new home.
Oh my goodness Sandolore. I'm reading along and see "Nancy " and had the reaction I have always had since I was a little girl, when it was usually another "Nancy". I have concluded it really is me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. But enough about me. This is a beautiful piece. Zok is a beautiful dog in every way. When my husband told his daughter how our two cats were still not getting along, she said we chose animals with strong personalities. She (my stepdaughter) reminds me a bit of you, and strong personalities of different species are familiar around here. Thank you for writing this. Take care, Nancy
Not to worry - we all can interpret autocorrect or we wouldn't have found our way this far. I have a dog who is afraid of everything and a cat who is afraid of nothing. Your writing is brave and beautiful. Thank you. You and Zok are blessed to have found each other.
What a beautiful essay. Found you this morning through your dad's Substack. Recently gave J's "My Dog Pete" to my five year old grandson, after learning about it, again, on your dad's Substack. And Zok!! OMG, Zok!!! I have a Zok of my own, only named Sophie. She is an 85 lb, six year old rescue. We adopted her when she was a year old, and tho' we consider ourselves very experienced big-dog people, we were completely unprepared for her fierceness, anxiety and fearfulness. We questioned if we had perhaps taken on more than we could handle, but we are not the kind of people to give up, especially not on a dog (some people, perhaps, but not a dog). So with tons of patience, more than a few nips and bites, amid lots of lunging and reactivity, we have persevered, and tho' she can still be reactive, she has slowly settled into the most loving, loyal, intense and generous dog. I wish I could post a picture of her here! Like your Zok, she is gorgeous (mostly Husky, with some Shepherd and Mastiff for good measure). So, thank you for sharing with us -- we are honoured.
I love your words. And I love your name. You are so lucky that your Dad is Charlie. Love him dearly. And love your step-mom. Have read all of her books. But mostly, I love your dog! Keep writing!
Well! How am I supposed to be handling the Band Boosters' books if I'm busy peering into your life, which is far more interesting than how much we made from the concession stand (obviously)? I, too, have a gigantic white dog, a 135# white German shepherd named Rennie. She's peering over my shoulder in my profile pic, and she is my heart and soul. She had her 7th birthday in September, and I know a tragedy awaits us in the future, but I can't think about that, ever. I'm reassured by my faithful African grey parrot, who we've had since he fledged in 2004. Cats and dogs have come and gone and he is just hanging out on his swing watching it all. Birds don't show their age, and he is supposed to live 40-80 years, so at least I don't have to worry about him. Maybe think about him in my will (my son has already refused him, lol) depending on how things go.
By the way, when I taught third grade, my students and I read Kate diCamillo's "The Tale of Despereaux" and we all learned the correct pronunciation and meaning of "chiaroscuro." It's one of those melodic words that sticks in the brain, and I hope that the students remember it long after the rest of third grade fades.
Beautiful post. I too have a complicated dog, a pretty boy who bites. You have made me appreciate and love and value his presence in my life. I needed that, and I thank you.
This made me cry. Thank you.
It made me cry too!
One can only write something as beautiful as this when we are broken open. The rawness has made me cry. I was so glad your parents were coming to help and support you during the move. It made my heart full knowing the love you would be given. I had a white German Shepherd in my 20’s Big like Eli, and got me into so much trouble for the same reasons as Zok. I understood him others didn’t. He was like me our broken psych’s.
Glad about your reverse Christmas plans. You are Blessed to be so loved and it’s all gonna be alright.
Oh, Kathy, you just really warmed my heart. Thank you so much for the verbal hug.
I can do most anything, worked outdoors on horse farms caretaker groundskeeper over 40 years with a trusty shepherd at my side. I was going to clean the disgusting Hackberry tree juice off with pressure washer. I hadn’t started spraying yet but my feet started sliding and I think I heard the voice of God and afterward maybe the exorcists.
My pleasure, wish we could have a glass and hug in person. I’m in hospital , story of silly old lady fell-off her roof a week ago. Just had surgery both feet fractured. I’m an old tough as tree bark farm girl. Good strength physically and mentally.
Oh jeez. Kathy, the roof! What you doing up there? I hope you heal up quickly! Luckily tree bark grows back fast.
Beautifully written, as always. I’m glad C&J were able to help you get settled in your new place (though, knowing J, I’m not surprised.) Blessings on your new home! And hugs to you and the kidlets.
Lovely, beautifully written
💕✨💕
What a beautiful piece, thank you. I also follow both C&J on Substack and I was glad to know they had an ocean between them and the madness here at home. I am so glad you all were there for each other. Thank you for sharing your experience and feelings, the bottom line is that none of us are alone in our grief and pain as we deal with what the future holds.
You won the lottery with parents like C&J. You made me cry too. I am so glad you were able to spend some quality time with your folks, but I really needed them to get back home to shed light on this disaster unfolding here in the US 🇺🇸. I need J to finish her book so I can lose myself for a while. I need to read C's gentle words of wisdom. Plus, I missed the gratuitous pics of Auggie and Eli. Zokami is gorgeous and so lucky to have you. AND, I am so glad you won't be alone for Christmas. Cheers to a wonderful read, Sandy.
Yeah, they are pretty great. Here’s to our tribe and yours shedding light! 🥂
So beautiful. I loved spending time with my parents- both gone now and missed so much. You are so lucky to have C&J- I love them too! Bon chance in your new home.
Oh my goodness Sandolore. I'm reading along and see "Nancy " and had the reaction I have always had since I was a little girl, when it was usually another "Nancy". I have concluded it really is me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. But enough about me. This is a beautiful piece. Zok is a beautiful dog in every way. When my husband told his daughter how our two cats were still not getting along, she said we chose animals with strong personalities. She (my stepdaughter) reminds me a bit of you, and strong personalities of different species are familiar around here. Thank you for writing this. Take care, Nancy
It was definitely you! The one and only!
(Non-autocorrect) "...we CHOOSE animals with strong personalities..." (not chose)
Not to worry - we all can interpret autocorrect or we wouldn't have found our way this far. I have a dog who is afraid of everything and a cat who is afraid of nothing. Your writing is brave and beautiful. Thank you. You and Zok are blessed to have found each other.
Yeah, true. I hope your felines learn how to get along though!
Thanks, I'm counting on patience and a positive attitude, which is not a bad idea anyway.
What a beautiful essay. Found you this morning through your dad's Substack. Recently gave J's "My Dog Pete" to my five year old grandson, after learning about it, again, on your dad's Substack. And Zok!! OMG, Zok!!! I have a Zok of my own, only named Sophie. She is an 85 lb, six year old rescue. We adopted her when she was a year old, and tho' we consider ourselves very experienced big-dog people, we were completely unprepared for her fierceness, anxiety and fearfulness. We questioned if we had perhaps taken on more than we could handle, but we are not the kind of people to give up, especially not on a dog (some people, perhaps, but not a dog). So with tons of patience, more than a few nips and bites, amid lots of lunging and reactivity, we have persevered, and tho' she can still be reactive, she has slowly settled into the most loving, loyal, intense and generous dog. I wish I could post a picture of her here! Like your Zok, she is gorgeous (mostly Husky, with some Shepherd and Mastiff for good measure). So, thank you for sharing with us -- we are honoured.
I love your words. And I love your name. You are so lucky that your Dad is Charlie. Love him dearly. And love your step-mom. Have read all of her books. But mostly, I love your dog! Keep writing!
Well! How am I supposed to be handling the Band Boosters' books if I'm busy peering into your life, which is far more interesting than how much we made from the concession stand (obviously)? I, too, have a gigantic white dog, a 135# white German shepherd named Rennie. She's peering over my shoulder in my profile pic, and she is my heart and soul. She had her 7th birthday in September, and I know a tragedy awaits us in the future, but I can't think about that, ever. I'm reassured by my faithful African grey parrot, who we've had since he fledged in 2004. Cats and dogs have come and gone and he is just hanging out on his swing watching it all. Birds don't show their age, and he is supposed to live 40-80 years, so at least I don't have to worry about him. Maybe think about him in my will (my son has already refused him, lol) depending on how things go.
By the way, when I taught third grade, my students and I read Kate diCamillo's "The Tale of Despereaux" and we all learned the correct pronunciation and meaning of "chiaroscuro." It's one of those melodic words that sticks in the brain, and I hope that the students remember it long after the rest of third grade fades.
I’ll take the parrot! It’s so great that you taught 3rd graders chiaroscuro.
I feel like Zo bit me and it felt good and I began to bleed writer's ink.
Then you totally got it.
A beautiful, heartfelt column! From Asheville, North Carolina, thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Sandra! I almost moved there before landing in France. Hope things are ok, and that the city recovers quickly !
I love to read your Dad. I’m amazed to read you. Thank you.
Wow, thanks! That man had me reading and writing up a storm from the day I was born (or soon after).
Beautiful post. I too have a complicated dog, a pretty boy who bites. You have made me appreciate and love and value his presence in my life. I needed that, and I thank you.
Life! Yes Kate!
What a beautiful piece of writing! Thanks for sharing!