Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms around the USA! Sorry for my absence these past few days but we had some rather disturbing news about my Dad. We found out that he had an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Well, it was quite a shock getting this kind of news especially at this time of year. With Mom’s passing 5 years ago on April 8th and her birthday on April 16th and Mother’s day today, having Dad’s health, not to mention his life, at risk can leave one’s mind a bit numb. To make a long story short, he had a stent procedure last Wednesday, which left him safely and comfortably recovering a mere 2 hours later. The stent was placed by non-other than my nephew Ryan. With my sister Jeanne and my nieghbor Dennis also working at the hospital where it was performed, we are lucky to be so well informed during such an unsettling time. He is home again with very few signs that he had ever been gone for those two and a half days. He is back to his normal routine already and has no pain at all. It is unbelievable what they can do these days medically speaking.
Buttons and Bosco (Butch’s Mom and little brother) most definitely knew that something was wrong and I could tell that they both missed Dad very much. Even taking Butch over to play, they would pace the hallway and sit by Dad’s chair wondering where he was. They didn’t feel much like playing or eating. This was a first hand demonstration of the bond that forms between a dog and its master.
Cherishing Mom’s memory is more important now than ever. When I began writing “My Buddy Butch” it was a rare walk through memory lane for me which was partially centered around my Mom and what she meant to me and the affect she had on my life. It is true that you never know what you have until it’s gone, but I knew what I had with my Mother and because of the good relationship that we shared, I don’t think that it will ever be “gone” like the saying goes. Mom and I were the best of friends and having the opportunity to share many more years with my other best friend, Dad, is a blessing in itself.
Cherish the time you have with your Mother, it passes so fast and no matter how long they live it is never easy saying goodbye for the last time. Thank God for Mothers!
