Thank you, Roca.
(A friend shared this with me this morning.)
A Dog's Purpose?
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher we would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure cstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
In the last few months and especially in the last few weeks Roca's health and life quality have been deteriorating. Today, Brentz, Dash and I took her to our vet anticipating that she would be put to sleep. After meeting with the vet, we concluded that there was no realistic alternative. Sadly, we said goodbye to her as she peacefully drifted off to sleep. She has been a wonderful presence in our family and will be missed as well as fondly remembered.
The Bad News and the Good News!
First the bad news--
Several weeks ago I drained all the water out of the 500-gallon tank that supplies our waterfall. My intention was to replace the water and eliminate the stagnant pond smell that has slowly been developing. Without knowing the tank was empty, Brentz turned on the power to the pump. Three hours later she realized the waterfall wasn't working. Uh oh. We feared that between the two of us we had burned out the pump. So we filled the tank enough to test the pump and--bad news--no water fall. We were sick about it, called the landscaper who built the water fall and he agreed that the pump was likely dead.
Now the good news--
Yesterday, after about an hour of monkeying around I managed to retrieve the pump from the bottom of the tank. I wanted to see what the pump specs were so that we could look for a replacement. It was slightly encouraging to hear it hum when I gave it some power. It was even more encouraging to see the impeller spinning. Was it working or just feebly going through the motions? I shut off the power, placed the pump in a 5-gallon bucket of water, turned on the power and was thrilled by the geyser that shot ten feet in the air. The next logical step was to reinstall the pump in the bottom of the tank, hook it up, put 100-200 gallons of water in and see what happened. The picture below was taken shortly thereafter. I have no idea why but now it works.
'Lil TAC Officer
We have carefully considered all schools to send Marin to, and have placed her in a very strict military school. She has done so well that they have already promoted her to head *TAC Officer of her class, and possibly soon, the head of the whole school. Here is evidence of her hard nosed, strict leadership skills that will take her far in her military career.
*TAC Officer; a drill sergeant for aspiring Officers
*TAC Officer; a drill sergeant for aspiring Officers
Mt. Fuji
There is a saying in Japan: 'He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man, he who climbs it twice is a fool.' So far I'm a wise man, but will likely become a fool. I hiked Mt. Fuji yesterday with about 50 other US Soldiers. Myself and another Soldier beat everyone out of our group to the top in four hours. Mt. Fuji is 12,395 feet above sea level. There are several stations on the mountian where one can relax and buy food or souveniers. At the top of the mountain they had some shops where I bought some delicious japanese curry rice. Of course, after that climb, anything would probably taste good!
While the hike up was challenging, the climb down is what made me not want to repeat the experience. Mt. Fuji has a trail for going up and another for coming down. The climb up was mostly climbing rocks (see below photos) and steep 'trails.' The climb down was a very steep trail with lots of loose gravel and rock. We mostly slid, fell, skidded, and rolled our way down the mountain.
It was an absolutly wonderful experience. It was mostly cloudy so I wasn't able to see the valleys below. However, the feel of being among the clouds gives one such a feeling of wonder and awe!
If anyone would like to make a fool out of me when they come to Japan they are more than welcome. And for those of you who think you wouldn't be able to make it I saw a ten year old little down syndrome girl climb all the way to the top. NO EXCUSES!!!
Taken at the bottom of the hike, in between stations 5 and 6.
Also taken at the bottom of the hike, in between stations 5 and 6.
Taken mid-way up the mountain.
Almost there... just past station eight
Myself and SSG King. We finally have reached the top after four hours!!
Those buildings on the hill are shops at the top of Mt. Fuji.
The crater on top of Mt. Fuji.All of these photos were taken on my I-Phone on 14 August 2009, except for the first photo of Mt. Fuji. That photo was also taken on my I-phone, except it was taken on 18 July 2009.
What a Blessing
On Friday night Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to the LDS Temple in Tokyo. It was wonderful to be there to feel the power of the Spirit and peaceful solitude, like a comforter. There is no equal in all the world to the Temple of the Lord. It truly is His house. It is very much set apart from the cares world. In no other place do I feel so close to my Father in Heaven. What a blessing and a privilege.
So,,, What is the Little Man thinking?
Erica says Owen is making this face with increasing frequency and that she's not sure what he's thinking. Got any ideas? If so, please comment or post them.
Erica's latest
Yesterday, as Erica was busy preparing for their trip to Delta and her show at Ridgway, she sent me her most current version of her Chameleon. With her permission, I'm posting this incredibly cool creation. I can't stop looking at it. I hope the posted image does it justice. Good luck in Ridgway, Erica. I hope the weather is better than it was last year and better than it is forecast to be here.
Odawara Castle
This past week Emily and I traveled by train to Odawara Castle, with our Japanese Head Start class. Odawara is a beautiful, ocean side city. The castle is 600 years old. It would be a great place to take family when you all visit!.....hint, hint
From a website:
Odawara Castle was the family residence of feudal lord Hojo. You can retrace the mighty steps of feudal lords in this elegant place which has come through the Edo age to the present day.
Take a step back in time with feudal costumes - at the Tokiwagi gate of the castle, you can hire (for a fee) samurai armour and kimono and have your photograph taken wearing the outfit, with the castle in the background. It will be a wonderful souvenir of your visit.
An Outback Experience!
Emily, Marin, and I have been working hard to truly experience Japan in every aspect, especially in the eating establishments. So far my favorite is Jumbo Shrimp with fried Tempura along with Pot Stickers. The Sushi is pretty tasty too (I haven't gone after the really weird stuff though). Today we went by train to a shopping district in the town of Ebina which is not too far away. As we were walking through the mall area we saw something that made our stomachs growl. Outback Steakhouse!! Thats right. Not only is there a COSTCO in Japan (we have yet to go), but there is an Outback Steakhouse as well! It was good to taste something of home (besides Subway).
