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MONDAY MORNING BLUES
Monday June 10, 2019
Do we see ourselves as others see us?
When they do, are they seeing who we really are?
Conversely, do we see them as they really are?
Most communications (too many texts, emails and voice-jail messages) aren’t real, nose-to-nose, eyeball-to-eyeball, conversations. I they aren’t real and clear, what are they?
Obviously not our best anything …
Sometimes we think we have it rough – things aren’t going swimmingly, and then we hear someone else’s story. It isn’t so much a matter of feeling we’ve dodged some proverbial bullet but more recognition of just how good we have it.
If we want someone to show up for us – don’t hold your breath.
Better, to start showing up for others more. Focus on that and the other stuff won’t matter so much and will probably take care of itself.
Reader feedback:
I am sorry to hear of Gusta's death. Having recently said good-bye to Mara, I'm aware of how that loss feels. For me, it was pretty excruciating in the beginning. Dogs, unlike people, do not judge us, they simply love. Their furry enthusiasm is a part of every day, until it's not. Love to you. Also, your last paragraph matches my experience. The vulnerability of bringing a dog into your life is worth every penny and worry that comes with man's best friend, GB, Waukesha, WI
Sorry to hear about Gusta. You will miss her, as we do our Border Collie, Towser, who was also with us 14 years. Your PS comments are very true, GD, Calgary, AB
My heart goes out to you – I have felt your ache 8 times in my life, and it always hurts. Best. JC, Toronto, ON
Just read your blog. So sorry to hear about your dog. It's heartbreaking when a beloved animal dies. Take care of yourself. Best wishes, DC, Calgary, AB
Mark, how lucky were we to share in ‘our morning walks with Gusta’. I am sure that Gusta was inspiration for many musings. Our hearts go out to both you and Gusta. Her spirit will always be a part of you. JF, Calgary, AB
And your continuing memories will only increase your “bank” account. My deepest sympathy, DM, Calgary, AB
Hello Mark, I'm so sorry to hear about Gusta's passing. I had a connection with her, like one does with a good character in a book. I will miss reading about her in your writings. I hope the memories of the great times you had together will comfort you at this time and always. Cheers, PW, Calgary, AB
My condolences Mark. Anybody who has ever had a dog in their lives knows it is not about convenience and more about a family member, albeit quadrupedal and fur bearing. Their passing is like losing a family member, the joy and pain remembered long after they are gone. This sentiment has never been expressed more poignantly than in the Mr. Bojangles song when his dog ‘up and died’ and after 30 years he still grieved... Farewell Gusta. I will miss hearing about your walks with Mark, DM, Ladysmith, BC
Mark - I am so sorry for the loss of your faithful companion. I sensed she meant so much to you. I always liked hearing about Gusta’s adventures. You were both lucky to have each other. Best wishes, MK, Calgary, AB
Mark, just read musings this morning with a lump in my throat. I’m typing this note to you this morning with Otis (my bulldog) sitting at my feet. He’s 6, Gusta was 14. Your loyal companion was very much a big part of your life for all 14 of those years; and very much a big part of your musings. They improve our lives to a level we never fully realize. When they’re gone we have this void that is only partially filled with wonderful memories. Over the years my dogs have given me such happiness and such sadness when they leave. Dog lovers are different, special people. You are one of those people Mark. I’m saddened to hear that Gusta is gone, but happy you had such a wonderfully long stretch together. You did everything expected of you, fed and cared for her, exercised her (and yourself), talked to her (I’m sure you had some long chats), and held her in your arms as she left you. That’s all she wanted, and you delivered in spades. From one dog lover to another, my condolences, GB, Calgary, AB
I can well relate and feel for you…..but GUSTA is in a better place, FS, Edmonton, AB
So sorry to hear you have lost your good friend Gusta, MM, Calgary, AB
I 'm sorry for your loss Mark. Fourteen years is a long time with a constant and steady companion who offers unconditional love. A 14 year habit of walking, playing, feeding; sharing time and space. I'm sure those early morning walks and late nights witnessed your voice in half conversation with him; you putting forth ideas and thoughts as if expecting he might have some guidance or advice to give. I had a Rotti-Lab, Chortic, hear me out on several occasions, patiently looking and tilting his head as if trying, intently, to decipher what I was saying; always sensing my mood and state of mind. I detested having to walk him in the early mornings and late evenings when it was bitterly cold. He never gave a second thought to the inconvenience and loved the outings. If I could, I would foist the task onto my son. It was his dog in fact. Chortic would not wander on his own. He needed the human presence. Katheryn contributed to the best years of his life because she was home all day and pampered him with three walks a day and lots of hugs and tummy scratches. He died at 12. I miss his presence but not the frigid winter walks. Take care man. I really enjoyed your Gusta Farewell Musing, RT, White Rock, BC
So sorry to hear Mark. Our aging lab, Luna who is only 10 and was a picture of hunting dog vigor in October has seen a terrifying acceleration of the aging process with the onset on spondylosis deformans. I find myself asking hard questions (but not out loud). To watch her walk at times is painful but then some days, like this morning when I invited her to come to the office for a few hours, she hopped up into the car not quite as in days of old but with enough vim to make me believe that the end is not nigh, only nigh-ish. As sorrowful as the end is, it is only so due to the overwhelming balance of comfort, companionship, joy and discovery that Gusta gave. She made your heart bigger and more generous. She taught patience and steadfastness. She did what great dogs do. She made you better. No debate. With sympathy, SP, Calgary, AB
Sorry to hear, Mark. I remember reading your musings when you got her!, SB, Toronto, ON
Tears come to my eyes as I read your sad news. You were blessed to have her and I’m so sorry for your loss, HC, Sherwood Park, AB
AWWWW , losing a loyal bud is always very tough . Getting a new bud is always exciting and fun too ……….and very worth the effort, AN, Calgary, AB
So sorry for your loss. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. I have deleted, saved, savoured, shared your musings over the past few years. This one however, left me in tears. With condolences, WW, Calgary, AB
So very sorry to hear about Gusta. Deepest sympathy - keep the memories close. It helps, LK, Calgary, AB
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