A Time to Begin and a Time to End

This watercolor portrait of Sammy is a labor of love by Janis Christian. She is an artist in residence here at Parkview Apartments, and she did it after my return to America.

It will appear on the cover of Doggie Devotionals. As of last Wednesday, this small book of 20 meditations is in the actual process of publication with BookBaby.                                                           

This portrait does not capture Sam’s facial expressions that many find endearing: his looks of determination, excitement, patience and tenderness.

However, it does capture his current expressions of pain and sadness.  I began noticing tell-tale symptoms a year ago before we moved. He no longer jumped up on the furniture,  and he hesitated before bounding into the house.

Now that I have returned, I am not surprised to see a curvature in his spine as I look down on him. I am concerned to feel his spinal vertebrae when I stroke him. I lift him up into his chair and down again. During the last month, he no longer trots; he limps. His runny eye worsens.

He has been to Hannah Pet Hospital four times in as many weeks. He has been on a regimen of pain meds for a month because nothing can be done about his degenerative spine, the ailment common to dachshunds.

As I did with Ed, I am coming to terms with what is best for Sammy.  His expression, so like the one in the portrait, seem to ask for the release and relief that comes with the inevitable.

So, Doggie Devotionals is actually becoming a reality as its muse is approaching his end.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die….             Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 2     (KJV)

Linda Highman

11 Responses

  1. Hi Linda! As I join you in your excitement for achieving publication for your doggie devotional ( what a wonderful achievement!), I also walk with you in prayer for Sammy and the season you are in with him. Such a sweet and loyal friend that nurtured your writing spirit- he will live on in your remembrances you share of your life together. It is a bittersweet moment – but God’s gift of healing our hearts through these times is such a blessing. God is bringing you to greater heights as he takes each moment – using your gift of words and teaching heart to share his glory. Awaiting your publishing announcement eagerly! Put my name on this list to preorder a copy. Love, Prayers and Hugs always.
    Your Sister in Christ
    Suzanne

    1. I do appreciate your sweet words of comforting encouragement in this bittersweet time of life. Thanks for taking the time to write. You are missed at VCW. You are on the pre-order list.
      With grateful love,
      Linda

    2. Such loving words. I have no good words for what you are facing with Sammy. He is your family and will be a huge loss. Sending prayers for comfort and peace. Deb

      1. Thanks for being a faithful, supportive reader. We’re both going through tender places in our lives that are similar as we face mortality. God Himself has been in this place before us. What we feel He has felt; that thought alone is a great sustaining comfort.
        May you be sure of His comforting presence,
        Love, Linda
        PS: I’m free this Wednesday and Friday should you want to get together.

  2. We, too, do not see the same Sammy that has bounded up and down off furniture and made his presence known with his gleeful yipping. We do see our long, trusted friend who looks to us to give him comfort and care at this time in his life. And his season will come in his time.
    Please let us know when this is.

  3. Looking forward to more mail from you occasionally. Thank you for this opportunity. Janis is an old friend of mine. We moved here from the same place.
    Thank you,
    Elsi Vacano

  4. I’m so sorry this is happening to your beloved Sammy; I know you want what is best for him and hoping his end will be a peaceful one for you both…

    1. It’s always good to receive your supportive thoughts. I anticipate Sam’s ending to be peaceful for both of us. We have time now to get a little used to the parting. I am totally free (so far) this Wednesday and Friday should you be able to get together then.

  5. There’s a quiet reverence in this portrait, as if Janis has captured not just Sammy’s gaze but the slow turning of a season. Your words hold such tenderness. I can feel the ache beneath the love, the grace in your letting go. Thank you for sharing this sacred moment of devotion, loss, and love. Sending warmth to you both.

    1. Melanie, you write as both an artist and an author–skilled, insightful, and talented. They are a true blessing to me! Any possibility that we could get together for a few hours before your final year?
      Loving you, Linda