My Oscy Boy

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."     -Anatole France

“A dog is the only thing that can mend a crack in your broken heart."   -Judy Desmond

I’ve learned that some of our deepest heartbreak comes from the early stages of life. In those moments, we may not have been given permission to feel the sense of loss. Our childhood losses, for many, center around the loss of a pet. We learned in those formative years what loss looks like, and much of that is passed down to us by a parent or loved one. While some of us may have learned the value of feeling our feelings, many of us did not. So now that we are adults, we lack the ability to express how loss affects us. I’m grateful to have been trained to help people understand their feelings, and even as I process loss, I too am learning.

The quotes above help me convey some of what my heart feels today. Back in 2015, after the loss of our beloved yellow lab, Kassie, a friend on Facebook mentioned that she had saved a pup (he was 5 years old) from going to the pound and was looking for his forever home. We, too, were looking for a pup for our other dog, Scooter, so a meet and greet was set up. She and I discussed that if the meeting went well, we would be keeping him, so there wasn’t a lot of back and forth, and our friend agreed. Well, here we are, 10 years later, with a pup who, in human years, is almost 100 years old. He has been a trustworthy friend- loyal, not much of a snuggler, but faithful and steadfast. The decision and timing have been painful. Honestly, I’ve struggled with it. What I can say is this loss feels different for me, and maybe when I’ve had more time to sit in the sadness of it, I’ll be better at articulating my feelings. For now, what I can say is, Oscar, you have been the best boy. I could not have had a better companion. I will miss you so much, and because all dogs go to heaven, I will see you again. Give my folks and Evan a big kiss. I love you, Oscar. Goodbye!

We want to thank Laps of Love for coming to our home and lovingly escorting Oscar home.

My Word for 2025

As the year comes to a close, I reflect on the possibilities that the new year holds. I begin this thoughtful process by selecting a personal word for the year, which helps me consider the journey ahead. I realize I can't enter the new year without acknowledging my journey over the past year. My word for 2024 was “Stable,” serving as a guiding principle as I navigate the challenges posed by my Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and other health issues. This past year marked my first full year of retirement, offering me many opportunities to create my schedule. I traveled to Texas three times at the beginning of the year to capture the eclipse, go to a wedding, and visit a friend. We ventured to Europe to explore the charming streets of Salzburg while enjoying a memorable river cruise. I’ve had a trip to admire the vibrant fall colors on my bucket list for years, and that trip became a reality in 2024. As the year wraps up, I look forward to a family getaway planned for Puerto Vallarta. I aim to continue traveling for as long as my health allows. This year took me back to my old house in New York, where I tried to recall aspects of my childhood between the ages of 7 and 11. The late sixties were a significant time, filled with so much happening in our world. That’s all I can remember now, but it was a vital part of my life and fueled my desire to serve others, so I want to understand and give a voice to that part of me. I’m reflecting on this time and the people who impacted me the most. Looking back, I realize that my word for 2025 is part of this process as I revisit those formative years.

My word for the year is “Solace.” This word means to comfort - to ease grief or distress. Other similar words include comfort, assure, reassure, soothe, cheer, console, uplift, calm, elevate, and boost. The word solace is something I hope will move me towards, reassure me of the calling God has placed in me, and give me peace as I think of my future.

Although my passion for photography remains vibrant, I have dedicated more time to assisting others through Grief Recovery. Helping individuals find completion with what they wish had been different, better, or more by using the tools I’ve acquired on this journey brings me profound meaning. Over the past year, I expanded my one-on-one interactions via Zoom, hoping more individuals will take advantage of the opportunity to engage in person during our group sessions. The work I do with Grief Recovery is kept discreet. It takes great courage to undertake the challenging work of Grief Recovery, and my referrals come from individuals who may or may not be willing to discuss it. I have several Grief Recovery groups starting in 2025 and am available via Zoom for one-on-one.

I appreciate your unwavering support this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I pray you find the words to encourage and give you hope for 2025!