WITH THANKFULNESS FOR SALEM...

This is our sweet dog, Salem. After a very brief illness, she went to be with the Lord this week. Joe & I are both so grateful for the GIFT that she has been to our family & for the many wonderful memories we have of her!!

It's strange for me to realize that, at almost 54 years old, Salem is the first dog in my life that I have really called "Friend". She loved our boys as they were growing up, always happy to be their playful buddy. She has been my close companion & a constant presence for me. With all of Joe's travels, I have never felt alone or afraid with Salem at home with me. Joe had developed a "tradition" when I came home from work... both he & Salem would come out on the front porch to greet me. There she'd be, tail wagging & barking to get my attention. It always made me feel loved.  :)

Salem helped me through all the transitions of motherhood as we sent Ben & Jesse off to college & out into life. Her presence in our house helped fill our home with warmth & joy & peace for me... and how fitting that is since the word "Salem" means "Peace".

Thank you, Lord, for the GIFT Salem has been for our family & for me!! I am so GRATEFUL to have enjoyed her friendship & companionship! My heart is hurting now... but I trust in You. I know your plans are GOOD. Please be very present to us as we walk through this valley... and help us find JOY in our memories of Salem.

Rx FOR THE NOT-SO-COMMON COLD

OK, I'll be honest... I like a little attention when I'm feeling sick. I like my husband, Joe, to be empathetic and to do thoughtful things for me. I like to hear, "Hon, I'm so sorry you're not feeling well -- is there anything I can get for you?" I like a few well-timed hugs from him. I like to be able to whine a little bit, and have that be alright...

To his credit, Joe did all these thoughtful things for me over the past few days when I've been down with the "bug". But, with a busy week ahead of him, he also did his best to avoid all my germs. He just didn't have time to get sick right now.

So, I decided I'd give myself a large dose of TLC. Here's what helped:

1. Hot tea, with sugar & milk and OJ -- I have consumed what must be gallons of it!
2. Chicken noodle soup -- the chunky kind your Grandma would have made.
3. Salem, my dog -- there's just nothing like the comfort that comes from your faithful doggie friend!!
4. My favorite, snuggly blanket -- great for keeping you warm while you're on the couch watching HGTV, or for snoozing under on Grandma's old bed in the afternoon.
5. A warm shower -- even though I have a tendency to want to lounge around in my robe all day when I'm sick, getting under the warm water & then into some clean, comfy clothes really makes me feel better.
6. A good book -- the kind that doesn't take too much thinking, but keeps you entertained. Back issues of your favorite magazines (the kind with lots of pictures) work well, too!
7. Lots of naps -- all taken under the aforementioned snuggly blanket with your doggie.

After six days, I'm glad to be feeling a whole lot better! It's good to have my energy (and my sense of humor) back! Makes me appreciate how great it is to feel "normal"!

Written 1/16/06