Dec 052011
Dec 042011
Aug 072011
By Eileen Mankin
Lucky, our special Miracle Dog, came into our life January 21, 2010 when we found him at the animal shelter. You see, we had moved to North Carolina and the time had come when we were settled in our new home and ready to find that “special” dog for our family. I believe that Divine guidance was in place from that moment on as we searched at several shelters, many web-sites, and than finding his picture on Petfinder and deciding to make the trip to the shelter 50 miles away to see if he was the right one.
When they brought out this sad, bedraggled, soiled and matted little guy with these big eyes, he stole our heart. His condition was such, due to being abandoned for 3-4 weeks by his previous owner and left to fend for himself before neighbors realized that no one was feeding or caring for him. He was picked up by the Humane Officer, who told us that he jumped right up in her truck when she found him….no need to capture this hungry, lonely, abandoned fella. He was than sitting in this over-crowded “shelter” facility, with only food and water provided, as he sat in his cage day in and day out for a month, waiting to find a new home, and three days from being put to “sleep.” Unfortunately, they had no money to examine and treat any conditions that had befallen him. Continue reading »
Today signals memories of the past - lengthy conversations, laughter, the comfort and joy of hearing your voice, and knowing you were just a phone call away. I know you are surrounded with all your heavenly friends and family, and together you are celebrating your remarkable journey on earth. Please know, I too am rejoicing you, yet wishing for one more Father’s Day… one more kiss… one more hug… one more magical moment with” you”- my friend, my hero, my Pop.
Thank you for being an integral part of my life’s journey, adding richness to every twist and turn, filling thousands of pages of my book with your guidance, support, compassion and sweet priceless Daddy love. Miss you Pop. Miss hearing you sing “Thank Heavens for Little Girls.” Miss you clutching my head in your infamous football hold, rocking me in your loving arms saying, “How’s my bird-dog?” Miss hearing your stories of the past: Navy Captain in World War II; Welek Fabrics – your need to stretch your wings, break loose from the past, and create your own destiny; digging up the neighbor’s tree late at night, replacing it with yours because his tree had a straight trunk and yours was crocked; memories of old friends who came and went, their impact on your life, the lessons you learned; sharing your “egg” story and the importance of keeping life simple; painting pictures of family memories – precious stories held captive in your heart; and so many more.
Miss seeing you in your rocker, gazing into nature, recharging your soul and giving thanks for the beauty of mother earth. Miss you watching your birds, and being drawn into your heart-felt wonder for God’s magnificent little creatures. Just like the birds, destined to fly, the time came for you to fluff your wings and take flight.
Miss you so much, Pop, but am grateful for a heart full of memories embossed with your name that I will always carry in my heart.
Happy Father’s Day…
Forever and Always,
Your Bird-Dog
Are they not one in the same? Their unconditional love makes them are our most loyal friends.
Apr 032011
Joy is a state of happiness. With everything currently happening in the world – wars, tsunamis, earthquakes… it feels like conversations are centered more on doom and gloom than on joy. A shift in consciousness can be created by showing up in our lives, and enjoying the simple pleasures our friends, family, community members, and animals have to offer.
I am blessed to live in a neighborhood filled with children. The main group, which I will call the “6 pack”, is constantly in my yard, telling me stories, and sharing their life experiences. They are so innocent, viewing life through kaleidoscopes filled with love, laughter, happiness, richness, beauty, and curiosity. Freedom is their playground. Living in the “now” is their dance. They are my joy teachers, awakening me to my child-like wonder. Continue reading »