I See

My cousin Chris came up with this idea, knowing how I felt about losing Max, wrote the first line, and also put this to music....

I see how you loved him, I know how you feel
He's a part of your soul, that death cannot steal
You're told to get on with your life, (fill the space)
But know in your heart that he can't be replaced
They reach out to comfort, who've been through it too
Your tears cannot stop now, the pain is so new
How can you believe that one day you'll not miss
Your constant companion, his welcoming kiss
Past many tomorrows, through endless dark nights
You long for the feel of him, he brought such delight
How well you remember the look in his eyes
An expression of love, so faithful and wise
Perhaps you'll get over, the sadness and yet
Though time helps to heal, you don't want to forget

Little Dobie Gray

Dobie is a kitten that was dropped off at our house, simply starving

I don't know where you came from
Tiny, furry, bag of bones
Dropped off without a single care
That you would find a home
I held you in a single hand
Your huge eyes terrified
Starving, needing Mommy
You couldn't even cry
I wasn't looking for a cat
Memories of Max so dear
But now it seems you have my heart
All curled up, purring, near
Yes now my little Dobie
On my pillow in sweet sleep
Growing, full of life and fun
HE intended you for me

Freeman Fritts Animal Shelter

This is for all the wonderful volunteers and staff at the no kill shelter

This is a place of comfort
A shelter from despair
For all of us who had no one
There's kindness, love and care

The humans here are special
They speak with tender voice
Reaching out with loving hands
For us who have no choice

Of course we'd like to have a home
With special treats and such
To go on walks and chase a ball
Is that asking too much?

'til then we'll be content
And know that we are blest
Because we're safe here with our friends
Who always give their best!

Ruidoso Respite

It's beauty is ignited by the piercing sun

A monsoon shower freshens copper dust

Sweet sunset over mountain when the day is done

The colors of this land, an urgent burst

Sunflowers seem to glow among the feathered green

The winter's snow has ordered summer's dress

O'er rocks the subtle rushing of an ice cold stream

As we make our way up in the vast pine forest

A valley view from hilltop is an artist's scene

While horses graze in pastures grassy, dense

From mountain top the village looks serene

And ravens dance for us, their audience

Our Texas heat is stifling now, although it's home

We always find a respite in this place

With friends here, such good fellowship we're shown

We'll soon return, souls at rest, with God's good grace

Eartha's Tale

I came here very cautiously
It seemed a quiet place
The people feed a lot of us
Surely it was safe

There used to be a doggy here
I'd peek when it was dark
But didn't dare to show my face
He had a mighty bark

There's a small sadness at this house
Both memories and scent
It has to do with Max I think
I don't know where he went

I was so shy at first, you see
I'd been turned out and lost
The trust I once had went away
Just knowing what it cost

One night I brought my baby here
He's everything I own
I found a special hiding place
My purr-voice made it home

He'd never seen a person
I hid him well I thought
Then one day he felt ready
To explore, but not get caught

He'll grow up strong and handsome
With his two white boots so fine
I'll teach him everything I know
He'll love it here, in time

They call me Eartha, I like that
I'd never had a name
It's very pretty for a cat
Makes me so glad I came

Perhaps the people needed
To fill a vacant place
Surely God sent me here to ease
A hurt He will erase

For Grandmom

You taught me to love
A God I didn't know
You taught me to pray
For this I thank you so

You told me to trust Him
In every thing I do
I didn't listen then
But I wish I could tell you

He's the Lord of my life
I know that now for sure
Although I'm not worthy
For what He did endure

His grace poured out
You helped me to see
By telling of His wondrous love
And that He died for me

Yes, He's the Lord of my life
I'm reminded every day
When I think about your steadfast faith
And all the times you prayed.

For Karen

Sometimes we wonder why
When things don't go our way
When Life creeps in, and sadness
Overwhelms our day

But His book says it clearly
Though this world will bring trouble
He came to give us peace
And ensure our joy is double!

So many memories of good times now
To brighten thoughts of you
The queen of HC high, and how!
Cheering old gold and blue

Your favorite was dear Elvis
So serious from the beginning
No one dared to make a sound
When his 45s were spinning!

We sisters three, in harmony
From Lennons to McGuires we moved
With Mom as always on piano
Dad silently approved.

UT or bust, you made it yours
Found your place just so
Nat King Cole your voice of choice
Crooning on the stereo

In Colorado you found a dream
Your Rocky Mountain High
And there a part of you will rest
On your way to His welcoming sigh.

The Reunion

I rather dreaded to attend
Although I can't say why
The thought of HC High perhaps
Where I was more than shy

Do I look older than the rest?
Would they remember me?
The questions that kept coming back
But I had yet to see.....

A lovely group of people who
Were friends of long ago
The time erased so quickly
With stories fondly told

I feel so overwhelmed with pride
And blessed in being part
Of a little speck of Texas
That captures America's heart!

Faith

We lost Max recently, but will always remember the faith that he had in Pat and in me...

If I had the faith in my Master
As my little dog has in me
If I followed His lead without question
Oh, what a witness I'd be!
No worry about tomorrow
No doubt of my Father's grace
Enjoying each day to the fullest
Delighting in His face
Content in the joy of nature
From the wonder of mountain and sea
To the smallest of creation
A tiny bug, or bee
A cooling breeze to comfort
As I lay upon the grass
Waiting with hope and patience
For whatever comes to pass.

This is what I mean by silly...but true...

Today I saw a picture
That had me in it
I wondered what was missing
So I studied it a minute

I knew about the wrinkles
And the thinning, frizzy hair
I also knew my waistline
Had expanded here, and there

But I found a magnifier
To look above my eyes
What happened to my eyebrows?
That was the big surprise

They were so dark, so heavy
And always looked just fine
But now they're hardly visable
A pale, thin, line!

Good Stewards

I was reminded yesterday in church that God entrusted man to be stewards of all other living things. My husband began feeding feral cats to keep them from eating our birds - now we are a part of the Big Fix. Several weeks ago we noticed a desperate, skinny cat who stood out from the rest - among the ferals, but not one of them. She was used to humans, but not trusting, since the humans she had known had abandoned her. We caged her, took her to be fixed and vaccinated, and was informed that she had kittens somewhere. She began trusting us for food, and hanging out on our back porch in the evenings, loving any affection. Since we were now adopted, we gave her a name. Just sure that the kittens had died, since she started coming in the morning and staying all day, we were surprised last night when a little black head popped up from under our deck. Mom was terrified that she no longer had a secret, scolded, pushed it back down and guarded the entrance. Today, though, she is coaxing it out to play, not quite certain yet, whether to trust us with her pride and joy. So, in the dead of night very recently, she carried that surviving kitten, who knows how far, to a place she had tested and found to be safe. Eartha Kit is one among thousands of cats and dogs who are dumped every year. Therefore, we are not being good stewards.