Abbey's Road

Although a Georgia animal shelter marked her as a throwaway, Abbey was the absolute sweetest soul. Thankfully, a devoted and passionate rescue group saved her just minutes before her scheduled euthanasia. After being transported to her Virginia foster home, we met Abbey and fell in love. After she and her foster family left, we immediately submitted our adoption application. Before long, we welcomed her home. Finally, Abbey was home. 

The sweet pup often hid her shyness with a smile. She never hid her excitement for sushi or for running through the wildflower gardens with her pack of four rescued rat terrier siblings. She was a bird chaser, and on the rare occasion when she did catch one, she wanted us to be proud of her brave work of protecting our home... her home. She and the gang always reminded us about their nightly 7:30 cookie. It was a favorite, so was dinner, and of course… how could you begin a brand new happy morning without breakfast? She loved big scoops of cottage cheese and neck massages… just under her chin. She also loved sitting in the big chair, directly in front of the window, and watching whatever caught her attention. Napping in her fluffy bed was always a favorite way to spend time, but never with a blanket. And with her big and radiant smile, it was easy to see that her greatest joy was being around those whom she loved.

Abbey’s journey carried her across Rainbow Bridge this weekend. The day’s calm and steady rain reminded me so much of Abbey. It was quiet, beautiful, and perfectly melancholy. Smile big and run free, sweet girl. Run free. No more pain. Only love. 

Even with her shyness, Abbey always shared her smile.

Promise to Remember

It has been such a decade. A decade of change, one of growth, and even better… one remembered. After years and years of broken promises to myself, I was tired of all the regular hangovers and living a lie. It was a decade ago when I finally owned my shortcomings with alcohol and committed to a life more fulfilling.

Rather than mentioning a list of academic, personal, and professional accomplishments of the past ten sober years, I think the smiles and the hairdos tell of a far more spirited story. Turning 60 this year was certainly another milestone and is probably a good reason to begin that proverbial bucket list. But instead of following the standard rules, I think I’ll make it enjoyable and use my bucket to collect smiles—lots of them.

Days remembered. Days sober.

Looking back, my last decade was filled with the most incredible blessings, honesty, friendships, and ordinary days that were so much grander than just everyday ordinary. Sobriety is such an essential part of who I am today. It defines me, provides focus, and fills my soul each waking morning. Aside from today being a milestone, I don’t think about it much anymore. And thankfully, I don’t need to, but I’m always aware.

With that said, I revisited those thoughts and sentiments from my first 365-day anniversary that I wrote nine years ago. I’ve shared those below. Much love to each of you as you journey along your memorable path.

Gary

Chasing the Dream and Remembering It

December 30, 2010 - 2010 is nearly over, and with nothing more than clichés to come up with, the time just flew by. With that, it was a remarkable year for me, and I continue to place one foot in front of the next to move with a forward momentum. I'm not sure how else to do it. I continue my push to absorb life along with all its riches. At least those that are within my reach. And for those that aren't, I work at getting myself closer.

One year ago, I had sincere concerns about my addictive nature and my health. Always being one in control, it was tough to confess to myself that my alcohol addiction had taken control of my long, personally controlled life. Suddenly, for the first time in my life, it wasn't me who was in control. I was scared and doubted that I'd be able to recover. It was time for "me" to make a change in "my" life.

I needed to find a focus. I needed to find myself. I needed to believe. I needed to be alive. And, I needed to be sober. 

One day at a time was a huge challenge, and there were days when I wasn't sure I'd make it drink-free. Three hundred and sixty-five days later, I'm one year sober ...and still one day at a time. I'll always be, but I'm up for that challenge. With my decision of a year ago, I'm happier and more at peace with myself than I could ever be. I knew that I had to make a change. I had way too many things yet to do in my life, more goals to attempt, more people to meet, more love to share, more art to live, and another day to celebrate, followed by another, then another, and another. 

Many years ago, I watched as my father crossed the same path in his life. With a strong dedication and belief, he too beat his addictions. And although he died at a young age, his life was made so much fuller because of his taking control of those things that controlled him. 

I can do nothing more than to be true to myself.  With that, I'm another step closer to wherever it is that I'm headed. I don't have a road map or even a schedule... I'm just following my life path and today I'm challenged by it, I revel in it, and more importantly... today, I can see it.

This isn't meant to be "my" personal soapbox or preaching. It just isn't. That's not me. What this is is an honest recount of where I've been and a true celebration of love, thank yous, and joys for today. 

Life moves forward. Embrace it, love it, and allow it to capture you in its moment.
Peace, health, and joy.

A moment. One decade later.

Caught In The Act

A look of love.

Cody was caught sneaking his muzzle in my coffee cup for the second day in a row. ‬

I’m pretty sure his stare back at me said... “Ohhhh... I didn’t know that was YOUR coffee. I thought for sure it was a miniature ceramic bowl with some handle thingy on the side.... which is really weird, cuz I don’t have thumbs. I saw it just sitting there on the side table... next to your chair. That was too weird, because how in the world would I get to that tiny bowl without standing on the armrest of your favorite leather chair to lap all the goodness from it? I mean…. you placed it there for me to enjoy all by myself. Right?

And yes, Dad... I do, I do, I do love coffee.