Ode To My Very Best Friend

This morning I made the decision all pet owners who love their animals have to eventually make, and that was to say goodbye to my sweet Bonnie Girl.  You see, Bonnie was not just my dog and constant companion, she was also my best friend.  She was the last gift John gave me before he died.  I always laughed and said she was the only purchase I ever made on his credit card.  If he was here, he would back this statement up as absolute truth.

Bonnie came to us as an 8 week old puppy, flew to Seattle from a breeder in Tulsa. From the moment I let her out of her crate and laid eyes on this little lass, she held my heart in her paws for the next 8 1/2 years.  

Bonnie moved into our house and took it over like all Scottie dogs do.  My poor Nicholas had to watch his P's and Q's as Bonnie always had her eye on him.  They played like most doggie siblings did, but when it came to mommy, I belonged only to her.

Bonnie was a strong little soldier.  She was with me when John passed, when Mom passed and Bonnie was there with me over these last few months of nursing a broken heart.  Now her spirit will be with me as I grieve for her.  

We had plenty of adventures together, back and forth to Pullman to visit her Sis, over to Port Orchard for Christmas dinners and those daily walkies we both so enjoyed.  When I drove the long drive to Boise that fateful day, Bonnie sat in the back, in her bed looking out the window wondering where in the world we were going.  She loved her new back yard and loved chasing dogs and people up and down the fence barking.  She was the queen of her domain.

These last few months started to show something had changed in her.  She'd slowed down like most of us who are over 60 do in some form and fashion.  Her balance was off a bit and I started to notice the little things that age brings all of us.  The last couple days her feet started slipping out from under her and then I knew something more was wrong.  The doctor said she had a brain tumor, had lost feeling on her right side and was blind in her right eye.  This is no way to anyone to live, and my love for this sweet dog took over and I let her go.  She's at peace now and that's just the way I wanted it to be.  Her new existence is peaceful and filled with love.  

So my sweet Wee Bonnie Jean, rest in peace and I know I will see you again in another time.  Mommy loves you baby girl.  Go chase those birdies and squirrels and terrorize a cat or two.  You will continue to rule but in the heavenly realms.  

Wee Bonnie Jean 2013 - 2021

2021 - The Year of Blessings

Believe it or not, 2021 is coming to an end and 2022 is right around the corner.  Where did the last year go?  What did I accomplish?  What did I do to help shift humanity?  Does anyone else ask the same or similar questions?  It's crazy to think frankly, I have lived long enough to see 2022.  Every year seems to go faster than the last one and here we are, once again looking forward to a new year.   

2021 was certainly better than 2020.  When I think of 2020, I think about looking in the rear view mirror and seeing nothing but devastation.  The devastation of the world as a whole was staggering.  2020 was the year that was and never to be seen or spoken of again.  2020 simply sucked.  2021 was much, much better.  For yours truly, I started my journey toward enlightenment, learning the simple truths of life and saying no to ideas or people that no longer served me.  One lesson I learned early on was, if it looks wrong, smells wrong or is screaming wrong, it's wrong.  I learned to trust my still small voice that always said to take a step back and look at the big picture.  When I did, the answer was always crystal clear.

Relationships changed in 2021.  Those who did not show respect, kindness or the simple courtesy one affords to another, were changed out.  Oddly enough, some of those I thought were friends turned out to be nothing more than place holders for the real deal.  I'm proud to say I have made a ton of new friends here in Boise.  I have lunch or dinner out fairly often with the "girls,” and enjoy the simple fact that life is good.  I started to play golf weekly through out the "season," with a couple of wonderful ladies.  We've bonded and need badly to get together soon. I found another friend who loves to get out and laugh, drink a Bloody Mary or two and enjoy Sunday afternoons at a quaint wine bar playing Bingo and sometimes shopping the boutique.  My bestie Robin moved here in May and what a time we have had!  We have Christmas and New Year's Eve all planned out and 2022 will be the year we step out and part...tay!!!  So in essence, my social life here in Boise is better now than what it was, even when I was in my 20's!  I love it and no, I'm never bored.

My relationship with God changed, grew and became much more sacred.  The personal relationship I now have with Spirit is profound and frankly awe inspiring.  My intention for 2022 is to deepen my connection, stay true to what I believe and not be dissuaded by others who have a tendency to pontificate.  We are all entitled to our own opinions and beliefs.  No one should ever try to change another's mind that way.  If they do, then goodbye.

Bonnie and I continue on our health and physical fitness journey.  I must say, for two middle aged females, we're actually in good shape.  She loves her daily walkies and we try to get a mile in when the weather is cool.  The summers here are too hot to walk a low rider dog, so she stays home or I'll have to carry her back.  I continue to work out with a trainer who is not only my fitness guru but also has become a trusted friend and inspiration!  For a 66 year old, I look pretty healthy, all things considered.  No, I'll never be model thin again but damn, I've been told I'm pretty hot for my age.  I'll take the complement with a smile!

And finally, 2021 brought me peace of mind and a ending to my saga of sadness.  As I've mentioned in the past, I look for blessings in all experiences.  I have blessed the past and moved forward.  I am at peace and feel contentment in all areas.  The past is over, done and in my rear view mirror.  Life is too short to dwell on what we can not change.  I have forgiven and moved on and it's a great feeling.  Hell, look at all that came in my life from the situation I now call a blessing!  My life today would not be as it is without the "blessing" of that one person.  See, there is always a rainbow at the end of a storm.  

In conclusion, 2021 is almost over and it proved to be, as we've discovered, the year of change and blessings.  To all of those who have read my blogs this year, I can not thank you enough.  We'll see what 2022 brings as I hope it brings me new blog ideas and more writing opportunities.  My prayer to everyone is for peace in your hearts, and contentment in your souls.  Life is good and we will march forward together to even better.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friends and here's to 2022!