I’m linking to Inspired Rooms and Melissa’s blog party: A Beautiful Life Friday. Lots of links to meander around with what makes your blog-Peeps lives beautiful…what happened in this story helped make my life more beautiful…thank you George.
We had floods here in Atlanta. It was days on end of stormy skies. Today, finally, the sun peeked out. Like God just lifted the shades and the world was bright and welcoming again. I leashed up my little boy pups and hit the streets. They were so glad to be out. While we were walking we came up on my neighbor.
He’s an elderly man who is in great shape. For the past 15 years we’ve seen him walking his pup, Lady. They walk 4 or 5 times every day, rain or shine. We didn’t know his name but had stopped many times to talk about his constant companion, his pup, Lady.
Today I saw him walking in front of me. My little guys, Boo and Ollie were dragging me up a big hill and we gained on him pretty fast. He was walking slow. And his shoulders were a little slumped. And he was alone.
“Were you getting cabin fever with all the rain?” I asked cheerily coming up beside him.
He smiled and nodded. “I just had to get out and feel the sun for a minute.”
“Where’s Lady today?” I drew in my breath not wanting to hear the answer.
“She’s not with us anymore.” He stopped.
I pulled Boo and Ollie to a hault. They stood still as statues looking up at him like they knew.
I swollowed back a sob, “Oh no! When, how, what happened?” I asked him.
“Just yesterday” he looked at something in the distance beyond me. “She’d been sick with a tumor, and yesterday, well yesterday was just the last day she could stay with me.”
I’m not sure what I said. I was trying not to cry and telling him how sorry I was. I squinted against the sun hoping it hid the tears in my eyes.
“Lady was like my baby. She kept me healthy for all these years.” He seemed to want to talk about her. “I got her when I found out I had diabetes. I knew a dog would keep me walking.” He laughed remembering, “and sure enough 4 or 5 times a day she’d paw at my leg and tell me she wanted to go on a walk. I’ll miss her. You know, I even talked to her like she was a person. She mostly understood me too.” Taking a deep breath in he finished with, ” Yesterday I cried all day.”
We stood there on the side of the road with the sun shinning down on us. We talked about pets and the profound impact they can have in our lives. He told me his wife passed 8 years ago and that all his children were in their forty’s and fifty’s. Said that he was 85 and Lady was his last dog.
“Too old for another one. She’ll be waiting for me when I cross over through the pearly gates.” His eyes misted over and I thought he looked like he wouldn’t mind leaving this world right then.
Finally, I squeezed his arm and told him I’d miss Lady. “She’s a fixture in the neighborhood. I can’t remember a day when I didn’t see the two of you walking.”
“Everybody knew Lady” he smiled. “Funny thing, everybody knew Lady, but they don’t know me.” Pause. Our eyes locked.
My mind scurried for a reply. Surely I knew him…his name is….
Nothing. I could come up with nothing.
It was true. I didn’t know him. Didn’t even know his name.
I put out my hand. “Well, I think you’re right, I only knew Lady. I’m Robin, I live down the street.”
He put his slightly gnarled hand in mine. “Pleased to meet you Robin. I’m George.”
I walked the rest of the way home crying. I cried for George who lost his companion. I cried wondering if George would still walk 4 times a day all by himself. I cried at the thought that sometimes older people become invisible, like George. I wondered if I lived to be 85 would I walk up and down the neighborhood streets all alone? And if I did, would anyone know my name.
At what point, I wonder, would I become invisible?
Some days, time seems like a friend, comforting and secure.Other days it’s merciless, unforgiving and severe. Today is one of those days.
Today Lord, I pray that I see everyone, that no one is invisible to me. That I see people and love them like you do…
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
What a beautiful story. We just lost our 18 year old cat on August 2. It is so hard to let go of pets. They become ill and we have no choice but to let them go or they go on their own. We got lucky to find a pet in need and he is 5 years old. I cannot imagine our house without a pet, but do understand older people choosing not to get another pet.
.-= Darlene´s last blog ..Remembering George through Music =-.
So powerful. I teared up early in this one–I knew you were going deep with it. I’ll be printing it up for MaBWA. Beautiful, Robin.
Tears this early is not always a good sign, but this morning it lets me know my heart still has compassionate feelings. May I feel today others hearts and love them as God would have me. Thank you.
I love this story. Thanks for sharing it. I said a prayer for George that he would find new companionship.
Robin, you touch my heart all the time! That post was beautiful and made me cry too!? At first I way crying for Lady, then for George, then for all of us!
~TidyMom
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..They’re GONE! =-.
“Today Lord, I pray that I see everyone, that no one is invisible to me. That I see people and love them like you do…”
A beautiful prayer. I’m asking the same for myself today.
.-= sherri´s last blog ..7 things about me that may make you say I need to see a therapist. But don’t say it because that would be very rude. =-.
I have neighbours like this, they are too old to get another dog so they visit mine every time we walk by. I too hope I don’t miss someone, that others don’t become invisible to me. And I too know the pain of saying good-bye to pets, I’m not sure which is worse for George, saying good-bye to Lady and being alone or only being known as Lady’s owner, and being invisible without her.
Thanks for the reminder.
Found you through Tidymom’s tweet. It’s sad if we truly think about the lives we could touch and we get in too much of a hurry to slow down and truly care. How touching that you took that time.
.-= Thena´s last blog ..Random Dozen =-.
Another AWESOME “Life Lesson” story by Robin. You really should submit to Guidepost or Chicken Soup. Thanks for sharing. And yes, I cried too!
~Velvet
Maybe George would like to walk with you – Boo and Ollie? Recently we’ve been through very hard times and still going through; drawing our strength from the Lord – There are so many suffering out there in this world, going through so many different things. What my husband and I’ve shared with each other – is the feeling you have when someone asked “How are you doing?” (You might be going through your toughest moment) and the person then says “We’re praying for you!” Not that – that’s wrong, God can do many wonderful things and does answer prayer; But, maybe it would be nice to say “How can I help you?” Or “I’m already in prayer for you – how can I help at this moment?”
How do we truly love others? How do others see the love of God in us? George has lived many years. And many of them maybe not knowing the Lord or the love He has for him, there is an emptiness when we lose our furry companion at any age. I don’t know if this makes any sense, it was something that just flowed through to my fingers. I did enjoy your story and hope to read many more. Vicky
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..A Bit Of Autumn Coming ~ =-.
Vicky…I thought of this too. I suspect God has something in mind along those lines
Love your insights. Hugs
What a beautiful and moving post. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been dealing with the elderly lately and everything that goes along with that. My mother is 89 and has been in a nursing home recovering (quickly) from back surgery. She’s one of the lucky ones. She gets to go home.
Claire, prayers for your mom…wow, she’s truly blessed ~Hugs
What a heartbreaking story. I know how painful it is to say goodbye to your furbaby.
I have an idea. How about if some of the neighbors with dogs get together and let George do dog walking for them?
.-= Donna M.´s last blog ..Fall Greetings & Maroon Bells =-.
This is a lovely post, Robin. Thanks for sharing it! I agree that you should submit to Chicken Soup or Guideposts. You write beautifully.
.-= Jean´s last blog ..Adventures in Contentment =-.
Lovely post, Robin. And lovely prayer.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..After the Game Beef Brisket =-.
Robin,
That is so profound….Its so sad how we can forget the elderly when they are most in need
Glad you made a new friend!
Robin, There are thousands of dogs that need to be rescued….not only puppys but older, (trained) dogs too…..It could be a perfect match for 2 needy creatures of God.
That just breaks my heart……I went for coffee with a friend yesterday and you will not believe the posted notice I saw at the coffee shop….Someone is getting rid of their 10 yr old lab….it can no longer go up and down the stairs…..WHAT???? Had a picture of him and everything…..How do you do that?
this post is beautiful, and it’s so because i see your heart in the words i just read. when we lived in IL we had a neighbor who had a dog she walked daily. my neighbor told me that her dog died, but she still walks. perhaps george would like to have dinner sometime with you and the husband and the pups. we’re all too isolated these days, and i love that you found out george’s name.
blessings on you…
.-= jenn nahrstadt´s last blog ..Circles for a Sweet Baby and Water Water Everywhere! =-.
Calvin has such a heart for the elderly so I asked him to read this post…….He cried. He would have taken the man home, sat on the front porch with a hot cup of coffee and asked the man for his story. He has done this often. Your post is a reminder of our obligation towards the poor, widowed and orphaned. Thank you.
Tammy
Oh Robin, this brought me to tears. It is so sad that the elderly DO become invisible. My FIL is 95 and thank God my BIL is living with him and taking WONDERFUL care of him, he has Altzheimer’s. I pray that when I become “elderly” I do not disappear. This post has made me MORE AWARE and I will be ready to SEE the elderly when I am around them. Thank you, Robin. I hope you and your neighbors can give George a new purpose. Hugs, Pinky
This has brought me to tears. There is an older man who has breakfast in the same small diner that my husband and I eat in once a week. His name is Ed and he is in his late 80′s. He comes in wearing his cowboy had or Army baseball hat and in his jeans. He always eats at the bar and I just think he is the best! My husband calls him my boyfriend. I say Hi to him everytime I see him and my husband and I sit and talk with him. Love that guy! Maybe you can ask George to walk with you once a day. Thank you for your post today.
Another moving and beautifully crafted post.
Reminded me of my Gamp. I don’t know if he
experienced the “invisible man” syndrome, I
was not old enough at the time to be aware of
such things. What I do remember is how much
I loved him and hung out with him. Listening to
baseball games, playing pitch in the afternoons
when he came in from his carpentry jobs, and
talking….he was very good listener. I hope he
didn’t feel forgotten, invisible and lonely. He
sure made me feel special. Your post awakened
memories long ago put to sleep. I remember laying
across my bed crying so hard, I scared your Grama.
I was crying because I did not want Gamp to die…..
ever. I believe he knew i cared about him and loved
him dearly. He passed away when I was fifteen and
at the time, it was by far, the greatest heart break I
had ever experienced.
It is sweet to be able to look back on a relationship
and know Gamp knew that I knew his name……….
Mr. Earnest Lorraine Berry……….Gamp!
Daddy…I never knew Gamps name. I think if I’d known one of my daughters would have been named Lorri…
Beautiful post! It’s odd how many things we never see in our busy lives. Sometimes God helps us stop and see.
.-= Janey´s last blog ..Oh, Those Awards Shows =-.
This was a really profound post. No one want to feel he/she is invisible. All of us need to really see with our eyes and hear with our ears so no one is left alone! Thanks for helping to remind us of this.
.-= Jean´s last blog ..Happy Birthday to You! =-.
Oh my. That did touch a chord. We just returned from walking my Mother’s dog. He is her dear companion now that my Dad is gone. She made a similar comment about her dog helping her to get outside. She walks him twice a day.
I felt so much for this man.
The lesson learned is a good one…noticing!
Wiping the tears and thankful for your ability to tell this poignant story.
Becky K.
Hospitality lane
.-= Becky K.´s last blog ..Beautiful Life Friday… =-.
You know where this hit me… you had me at “dog.” Oh, its surprising how fresh that grief is sometimes, like its the first time. I too feel the call for someone to befriend this man, even in the smallest of ways, and I can think of none better than you. Beautifully moving sentiment all the way through and wonderfully written. Love to you Robin!
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Remembering our Dakota Jo =-.
What a sad, but powerful story. I think it’s sad how sometimes when we see elderly people we forget that they have not always been that age, that they’ve had a whole life full of experiences that they can share. I feel bad that I see them in that way sometime. Thank you for sharing this, it really opened my eyes! I lost my dearest cat last year around Christmas and would cry myself to sleep a lot. I still miss her. It’s an unexplainable bond that humans have with their pet companions.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Thankful Thursday: AOK =-.
God sometimes gives us messages and ‘works’ on us for a while through them. I have been seeing people all week who would once be invisible to me… the homeless man holding a sign on the corner, the old lady at the bus stop at night, the teenagers hanging out waiting for trouble. Your message punctuated my week by reminding me that God wants no one to be invisible… we are all His children (yes, even 85 year old George) and we are to pray for and show His love to all. Robin, I will no longer ignore those in my path if you will, for all of us who read this, be a beacon for George in his lonely world. You could change his life while he is still here. Thank you for this story.
.-= Mindi W.´s last blog ..Achievements and Turkeys =-.
Thank you for posting this story. I have a neighbor who lost her husband about five years ago and she walks her “Older Black Lab” past my house almost everyday. I know her last name, but nothing more. Lately I have not seen her walking the dog. Because of your post, I will go to her house and ask about the dog and her name. I need to find out if she needs help or just a friend. Thank you for stirring my heart with this story, I am guilty of ignoring this lady and her circumstances.
Oh, I just caught up on Vicky’s blog about Dakota, and now read this… *sigh*
I think you and George were meant to see each other that day, reintroduce yourselves. Maybe now that you see him, he’ll feel the urge to get out on a walk and see you, too. Such great lessons in this one.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..All The Mom’s Collectively Say: “Wow.” =-.
robin~how bout you make a “date” with george to walk at a set time each day? he’d love the companionship & your pups. plus you’d both gain in ways yet to be seen.
i don’t know if everyone should make him the ”default” dog walker & do their doggy duties, but a friendly walk would be a different thing.
just a thought for this moving story!
Sometimes things are just meant to be and you are meant for George. I know you can be friends now. The picture that you took of him and his dog is amazing. I’m sure he would like a copy. It would break the ice and cheer him up.
.-= peggy´s last blog ..LINDA’S YARD SALE 2009 =-.
Peggy, I agree this friendship was meant to be! But that isn’t my picture, I got it online and chose it because it struck the same cord with me as seeing George and Lady. I don’t know who took it but I should have said it wasn’t mine.
Robin, What a story! So beautiful and sad and thought-provoking! I will be saying that very same prayer tonight- to open my eyes a little wider to all those around me, to notice more…Thank you for sharing this. You are a wonderful writer.
oh robin
oh dear, tears are running….
thank you for sharing such a touching story…. truly thank you.
it was so hard to read, but so moving…
andy has had a bad turn….he has one bad back leg, the other day the other one gave out. he can barely move…i’ve been carrying him from room to room with me. my heart aches for george. there is no better companion than a pet…. sending prayers for george… so glad you both ‘met’
thank you for sharing…. you amaze me!