A general thank you so some of my special peeps

Not like I need to say it, but in life - and who knows what that is all about anyway and why we are here? - we make a lot of choices. In the end, all hoping these decisions make us and/or someone else happy. I've lost a child, lost a marriage, made crazy financial decisions, been the oldest sister, a mom, aunt, friend and co-worker. I bought a classic car, bought and sold a house on my own, never graduated college, tried stand-up comedy, sewed my kids clothes, painted portraits, survived horrible health issues and at the end of it all, not a single family member, friend or loved one doubted or deserted me. I will continue to be the same to each of you, that you have been to me. I wish each and every one of you the ability to see the bigger picture and that's it's ok to draw a line in the dirt. Don't lower your standards or expectations. Alexis Carter, Maree Mitchell, Judy Threadgill-Jones, Gina Caldarone Arcaro, Jetta Wessel - to the grave with some of these things which all get grander with a glass of wine, more years in between and the hope that the generations that follow us will think we are grand. Talk loud, dance big, travel far, love, laugh and eat good food. By GOD, we've earned it.

Sammy the Great

This morning started like any other. DD making and bringing me coffee in bed and feeding the dogs. Sammy, my dog and Alexis Carter and Devin Caldarone's dog since Devin was in 2nd grade, he's 26 now, was her usual 18 year old self. We make her steamed white rice and ALPO everyday because it hurts to eat. She sphinxes in front of the kids doors protecting them even though she's deaf. The stories about this great family dog!!! When I lived at Red Hill next to the country club - she'd run thru the golf course stealing breakfast burritos off the carts of golfers. She'd swim in the pool while old men played chess. She was a helper to the guy that hosed off the carts and would keep him company. She fought off a pack of coyotes and protected our cat Dexter, who was her best friend. We tried to breed her (1/2 lab & 1/2 sharpei) for years. Then when she is 7 and I'd just bought the Red Hill house, that tramp went and got pregnant. To top it off, the first puppy of 6 was in trouble causing an emergency C-section and me ordering everything else removed. She had 5 living pups, Zeus who still lives with Roc. Tricks, trips, memories and love. Everyone who met her had their faith in owning an animal restored to "I want one just like her".

She let out a painful moan this morning after eating. Laid down on her bed and passed away. I was there, she wasn't alone and DD came right back to help me. Sad yes. She was loved, had the life of a Goddess and for pete's sake was about 126 years old in our time!!! Sammy - go find Dexter and a pool to swim in. I won't own another dog, you were it!