Momma.. the clicky thing ..again??  Come sit here, next to moi, and hang out??
This is sooo awesome!!
Happy weekend everyone, first weekend of December.  We had a frost this morning, getting cooler!

Aww Henry is all tuckered out

I can see this with my Toby…he is more anxious to go for a walk and likes to stay outside longer.

Awwww, Hank you look all tuckered out from your hard work guarding the yard.  Take a load off Handsome and enjoy!

I wasn’t able to post yesterday, but I got tingles reading about Luna’s peepers…and a tear as I read about her 1st beach adventure.  It’s amazing what you’ve done for that lil’ lady.  You look maaahhhvelous dahlink (you know I have a special place in my heart for moist peepers!)!

Gina, so so sorry to hear about Pip’s numbers, but am praying surgery will get to the bottom of this once and for all.  Love the story of his name!  Too cute.  Please give him extra smooches and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Have a great weekend all!
Heather

Only a pug would consider this “comfortable”!!!  Smooches to you little Hankster!

You must be wearing that dog out with walks, Corrine!  He’s too tuckered out to lift his handsome head for the clicky thing!  This picture is adorable!

AHHH, the dog days of winter are finally here! Henry looks so relaxed and content, rest easily. Prayers heading up for Pip! Pug hugs to all from the colorado 4

Sweet Henry, I understand you wanting to be outside, but Baby, can’t you find a more comfortable place to lay that adorable head?

I’m on total lookout today.  Around 4 am Romeo threw up white foamy stuff.  He started panting off and shivering, and as he does when he wants me to help him, he got on my lap and looked into my eyes, trying all the while to get comfortable.  He got down and was a little humped over.

We went to the emergency vet, and by the time we got there, he was acting better.  The exam revealed nothing.  The vet did say something about being his trachea, but I have to disagree…it was not that kind of episode.

We are home, and shortly thereafter he began sporadic panting and wanted me to hold him.  He acts like sometimes he is in pain, or just plain uncomfortable.  I may have to break down and try to get him in to see Dr. Bock at Welborn, who is another good vet that I’ve seen on occasions when Jim wasn’t available.  He had been in partnership with Jim.  Since Dr. Bock is familiar with Romeo and has all his records, that may be my only option right now.

Oh, and I found out that Mission Med Vet (the emergency clinic) just sold to VCA two days ago…Oh No!!  I don’t like the sound of that at all. 

Just heard a whine from Romeo…gotta go.

Henry looks so relaxed enjoying the sun my gang loves to stay out longer also now that Florida weather is pug weather
Gina hope all goes well with Pips surgery tomorrow sending prayers and a special hug for him
Sue VDB sending prayers your way for Romeo I am with you I would try to get in to see the vet you like it is always better to be safe then sorry sending a hug to Romeo
hope all have a great weekend

Sue VDB, my heart is breaking hearing about Romeo’s troublesome morning.  Please keep us posted and know that you both are in my constant thoughts and prayers…and I know he doesn’t fancy the smooches all that much, but I’m sending him a gentle one anyway.

I will be keeping Romeo in my thoughts and prayers. Sue, please keep us all updated on how he is doing and what the doctor says.

Sue VDB Keeping you & Romeo in prayer! Hope you have a safe trip to the vet coupled with good news. Pug hugs coming your way from the colorado 4

Back from the vet.  I didn’t get to see Dr. Bock because he was in surgery, but I made sure to see a vet I knew about, and not one of the “strangers”.  Emily Edgar came in, and she is very compassionate and talked with Romeo.  She listened to me and examined Romeo.  She said the same thing I heard earlier about his heart and lungs sounding good.  He was panting (I know because of pain) and there were some tremors.  She concluded he either had some stomach pain or back pain.  He did not like her examing his right hind leg, so she is more inclined to believe it is his back.

She gave him a half tablet of Tramado for the pain and he is to take that every 8-12 hours depending on how he is doing.  She doesn’t want to take an x-ray right now unless he is still having pain because she doesn’t want to give him any anesthesia because of his age.
Tramadal doesn’t have the kidney or liver side affects, so it is safe.

Already he is calming down, but he wants me to hold him, so it is still bothering him and Heather, I can give him kisses because he wants to be comforted. The vet wants him to remain calm (no walks, no chasing squirrels, no excitementl The first two are not a problem, the latter could be because when Gina comes to pick up Ben, he gets excited, so I will simply have to hold him until they leave.

Thanks for the prayers friends.  I appreciate them more than I can tell. I will get off the computer so I can devote my attention to Romeo.

Awww, Sue…how wonderfully special that Romeo looks to be held by his momma when he’s not feeling well.  It sounds like maybe he just twisted the wrong way or something?  I’m praying that is all it is and that his pain subsides immediately.  And if he’s in the mood for some comforting, well then - give him TWO smooches from Heather!!  Praying for you both!

Romeo - smooches and prayers for pain relief!

Henry - That is so like Bugsy. Bugs always has to have his head on some kind of “pillow” whether it’s soft or not!

Have been babysitting our daughter’s pug baby while they were on their honeymoon. They are going home today. I’m happy and sad all at the same time!

Sue VDB ~ I’m sorry about Romeo. I know that panicked feeling of what to do. I hope the pain meds help and that all it is is his back. Maybe just twisted wrong like Heather said. Extra prayers going up for you and sweet Romeo.

Thank you everyone for your prayers for Pip. I put a picture of him up in his cone on the pic page. Not sure if it’s there yet.

Have a great weekend everyone. Prayers for all the people and pugs here!

Pug Hugs to all from Gina & Pip

I’m so horrible. I didn’t even mention how handsome sweet Henry is. Take a load off buddy. I’ve been watching these animal rescue shows and there are always huge snakes and alligators or crocodiles roaming around. Is that something you worry about Corrine or anyone else ‘down in those parts of the country’? I always think of our sweet trio when I see those shows and they are in Florida. I’m a geek I know.

Had to go back to the vet to get a muscle relaxer because the pain med didn’t last long.  I was able to give him a second pain med in 4 hours.  I will see how he does tonight, but if the problem persists he will go back to see Dr. Edgar tomorrow, as she will be there. Please keep him in your prayers.

Gina, still have Pip in my prayers for tomorrow.  Hang tight and let Pip know we all love him, and please let us know how his surgery goes.

Oh Sue VDB ~ I’m so sorry. I pray Romeo has a better night and what a great pug mama you are to get him meds to make him comfortable. I will continue to pray for both you and Romeo. 

Pip is being extremely funny right now. He is annoying the heck out of me but I will take it! Annoy away little black pug. I plan on smooching the heck out of him and having a talk with him when we go to sleep tonight. I will let him know that our OBP family is praying for him. I will post tomorrow afternoon to let everyone know how he did!

Hugs to everyone. You all mean the world to me. G’night.

(Just for the record, I just had to pry a crayon out of his mouth that he was attempting to eat. Geek!   )

Gina and Sue VDB - checking in Saturday morning to let you know im thinking of Romeo and Pip and you both. Prayers and warm thoughts continue!!

Gina, love that Pip is being fiesty!!  *giggle*

I just wanted to let everyone know that Pip passed away this morning. He had cancer on his pancreas that was already spread to his bowels and the nodule on his spleen was a different type of cancer. The vet called and said that they could try and take some of the cancer out but he wouldn’t recover well and that he would probably die soon anyway. So I decided to let him go. I really can’t believe this but I just wanted everyone to know. Thank you all for you prayers.

Oh Gina, my heart aches for you.  I cannot even begin to express how sorry I am.  Pip was such a little trooper. If you need to talk you can reach me at 913-262-1306.  I will be here all day because I had to take Romeo back to the ER late last night because he was so painful and I am keeping a close eye on him. 

I wish I could wrap my arms around you and hold you.  RIP sweet Pip.  My prayers go out to you Gina, that you will find comfort in the good days.

Gina,

  I can’t tell you now sorry I am.  I have been where you are now and I feel your pain. Our Puggys are our family and it hurts so much to loose one. Please keep us updated as to how you are doing and in the meantime you will be in my thouhts and prayers. Just picture at the Rainbow Bridge where he will be waiting for you!

Gina, if it is any consolation to you, know that you made the right decision.  Based on what the vet told you, his quality of life would not have been good, and you gave him his last great gift by releasing him.

The Rainbow Bridge is giving him a huge welcome, and he no longer has any suffering.

(((((Gina)))))

Gina I am so sorry I know how hard this must be for you my heart is aching for you as I write this the tears are flowing I agree with Sue VDB you gave him the greatest gift of releasing him of his pain I know he will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge I am sending you a hug and please know we are all here for you

Oh, Gina, I’m so very sorry to hear about your sweet Pip.  Know you did the right thing and that he’s in no more pain.  Prayers and hugs going out to you.

Thank you so much to all of you. I really appreciate it.

Oh Gina, I’m speechless.  I couldn’t believe it and my whole body went into shakes and blackness.  What you are going through now, I can only surmise.  Cling to the great times you and that little stinker had.  It will hurt but you will be honoring him.

Call Sue VDB.  She is wise and can help you right now as you work through the shock and loss.  Gina, I am just so sorry.

Would it help to tell us some of the good times you shared.  Pip was very special as was your love for him.  It breaks my heart for you.  Prayers tonight for you and for Pip.Remember OBP is here for you.race14

Thank you Huckle so much. I was thinking of calling Sue tomorrow. I know I’m just a blubbering mess right now. My heart is definitely broken. He was my little baby boy. Thannk you thank you Huckle. I can’t see to type now. God bless you.

I am going to take a nap before I have to give Romeo his meds at 11:30 pm.  Gina, if Romeo is ok tomorrow morning, I will pick up my grandson, go to Mass, and will be back home by 10:30 am CST.  While at Mass, I will light a candle for you.  Please call me if you need or want to talk.  Sometimes it helps. (((Gina)))

oh gina, i am so sorry about pip. you must be so heartbroken right now. my prayers are with you.

Thank you again everyone. It was kind of hard going to sleep last night and doing all my night time stuff, like showering and sitting at the computer etc. He was always with me. And then when I got in bed, he was always right there. Snortin’ away. woo wee…this sucks!!! I keep thinking I hear him and I keep expecting to see him. Sue VDB, we go to the store at about 10:30 but when we come home, I think I will give you a call. Thank you.

Gina, thinking you might check in to OBP throughout this horrible weekend, I want to leave messages for you along with the other OBPers who are so concerned about you.

If I had your address, I would send you a card.  You and Pip were the last thing I thought of last nite, the first thing this a.m. and several times when I woke up in the night.

Our ties to one another through this site are so strong as evidenced by the outpouring of sympathetic care and interest whenever something happens to one of us, we feel it happens to all of us.

It changes nothing concrete but we can rejoice in that special bond you and Pip had, the wonderful care you gave him and you will always have that to comfort you even as it hurts.

You must feel as if your heart has been torn right out of you and it has.  My heart is just absolutely breaking for you.  Sometimes life just asks too much of us.

Take note of the fact that because of Pip you became a part of OBP.

Have to go now, can’t see the keyboard….We love you Gina and Pip.

Huckle I just read your message to Gina it is beautiful and so true we all our one big family and care so much for each other and our pugs I think when one of us hurt we all hurt I am not good with words but my feelings are there I keep tearing up

Gina I think it would be good to call Sue VDB sometimes it helps to talk to someone I want you to know I am thinking of you and will say some prayers

Dear Gina, Words can’t express how our hearts ache as your heart aches for sweet Pip. It is so hard to let go and yet know it was with the utmost love and compassion to do so. Pip is now pain free running & playing as a pup again as he awaits you at the rainbow bridge. Prayers for healing and comfort during this time. I too can be reached at 303-847-8412. God gives us these wonderful gifts that give us the same unconditional love that HE gives. Hope this brings some comfort. Prayers & pug hugs-Pastor Sue & the colorado 3

Robin, you may well be checked into the hospital for your operation but if not, know that we are thinking of you and hope your surgery will provide the relief you need.

Gina, this is for you, as well as the rest of us (and I hope I’m not overstepping some copyright laws). It was in our local paper some time ago and I kept it to share.

“Request From Rainbow Bridge”
by Constance Jenkins

Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

Sue VDB, with the happenings this weekend, I’m afraid poor Romeo got slighted.  I also know that you understand.  I am hoping Romeo is responding to the pain medication and how he is he in general. Poor little guy.  This is probably extremely hard on you as they try to figure out what is going on with Romeo.  Oh for a definite answer.  Are his spirits up and is he continuing to eat his food?  That seems to the first question vets ask.  I assume he is getting extra lap time as this goes on.

I know you’ll let us follow his progress as he recoups.  What a great mommie he has.

Thank you so much Huckle and Pastor Sue (I was thinking of calling you tomorrow), Sue, Heather, Mary, Patty and Sue VDB…thank you so much for talking with me today. It was so nice to hear your voice and I do feel better. If I missed listing anyone, I’m so sorry. All of your posts are so kind and mean so much.

Huckle ~ thank you for your kinds words and for the poem. So nice. Don’t feel you have to but I didn’t want you to think I didn’t want you to have it but here is my address:
Gina Sturek
13031 Nebraska Ave
Omaha, NE 68164

Thank you thank you thank you everyone

Gina, We here at OBP are a family and from all the posts over time that I have read as we suffer a loss makes this blog such a joy and during these times a great comfort. We relive that moment we have had a beloved friend have to leave us in this world, but then the joyous memories come back to us. Prayers,peace and pug hugs Pastor Sue & the colorado 3

You are ALL very close to my heart! Hugs to you all.

Gina oh my God I am in shock. I just logged in and I am just crying for you. I am so so sorry. There are no words. I know your pain and have been there firsthand. Please know it was best given his condition and now he won’t hurt. That’s the only thing that I could find to take comfort in.

I will email Corrine my phone number to pass on to you if she has your email. Please know I’m here even if just to listen. My thoughts, prayers, and love to you and Precious Pip.

Heather

Tears streaming down my face as I grieve with you Gina. Know that Pip is playing free of pain. It doesn’t help, but it’s all we’ve got. God bless you and know I’m praying and thinking and shedding a tear as I light a candle. RIP Dear Pip. We all loved you through your mom’s great stories and pics. I’ve wanted a black pugger, so there’s always a heart string pull with you dark snorty sweethearts. My thoughts~

Thank you so much Heather. That means the world to me. Thank you.

Gina,

I can’t stop thinking about you and Pip.  You both were first on my mind this morning and the tears started…

Please know virtual hugs are on their way to you…

With love and sympathy,
Heather

Thank you so much Heather. I know I keep saying it but I really mean it, thank you so much for thinking of us. Thank you.

I want to thank sue vbd for calling Gina and for leaving me your message. Sorry I did not get to speak with you personally. After reading all the comments about little black puggers-I must be very blessed to have Beauty, Mr.Proto Puggers and Bubba Gizmo( Proto, Bubba & Buster live with our daughter). As the name implies Buster Brown and sister Solsie are fawns. Also prayers continuing for Romeo. Pug hugs from the Colorado 4

Sue VDB ~ How is Romeo today? I hope you both had a good night.

Gina how are you this mourning? Sue VDB how is Romeo doing hope he is feeling better have been thinking of you and Romeo also and saying prayers

Sue VDB, Romeo is of course still in my thoughts and prayers.  Update please.

What a pic of Baby Benny and his cone on “doing now”...still a pug of perfection and sooooo sweet.  Love it!

Gina, you are a real sweetheart.  In all your sorrow you still think of others.  God bless you.

Today no one would believe that Romeo had any problems Friday.  I am having a difficult time keeping him calm (feeding time most of all, treats to take his meds, people coming in the house)

As an update for those of you who do not know, I had to take Romeo back to the emergency vet 11 pm Friday night, a total of 2 emergency vets, and one regular vet.  He did not eat his supper Friday night. The pain meds lasted for only 3-4 hours.  He began panting very heavily, could not sit or lay down comfortably.  The emergency vet took an x-ray because she too suspected a back problem.  There is no tumor (thank you St. Francis), but there is something on the disc that was not definitive.  A milogram is the only way to determine if there is a bulging disc.

Sunday morning I changed our RSVP to the Christmas Pug Party from yes to no because I wasn’t sure what was in store.  I received an email back from one of the members, recommending her vet who is an experienced acupuncturist, saying it does marvels on dogs. 

In the meantime Romeo was feeling better, but I was still giving him pain meds.  Last night he was feeling so good I decided not to give him any pain meds at 11:30 pm, knowing if he began to display any painful signs I could immediately give them.  He slept all night with me, pain free, and was ready to go this morning.  I have not given him any pain meds since 11:30 am Sunday morning.

I did call the vet this morning who does acupuncture and made an appointment for 9 am Thursday.  The receptionist who answered the phone told me how amazing acupuncture was.  She said she was a sceptic and didn’t believe it would work, but after observing the results, is a firm believer. 

So while Romeo is doing fine, I want to be prepared should this come back.  At 13 I really don’t want to have him undergo surgery should that become necessary, or keep him on pain meds.  And with that “something” on his disc, I want it checked again.

Thank you everyone for your concern, your prayers and good thoughts.  This is the third time this year that Romeo has had “major” problems that have been turned around, and I credit St. Francis for watching over him.

Gina, hugs to you.  It was so nice to be able to speak with you Sunday.  You are a great lady, and once again, if it helps I’m available to talk to.

Sorry Sue and Heather.  Your blog appeared as I was typing my response to Gina.  Thank you and hugs.

BTW, last night, Romeo was laying next to me.  He sat up, put his front paws on my lap and laid his head on my chest as if to say “thank you Mom”.  That really touched me.

Sue VDB so glad to hear Romeo is doing better
Has anyone received the daily blog today I havent I hope all is well with Corrine Benny Luna and Henry

I have nothing really new to offer but sit subdued at what a wonderful group OBPers are in their sincere caring and helping of all.  Again, thank you for this group, Corrine.

Sue VDB, that was so touching about Romeo.  Abby does that once in awhile and it makes my toes curl.  (I also think she knows exactly what she’s doing and does it to out shine the other two {a flea could outshine Cooper}.  It sounds as if Romeo is doinog well.  Yea, St. Francis.

We seem to be missing the OBP blog today.  Anyone know what’s going on?

Gina, thanks for your address.  I have a card that I want to send you but I don’t want to measurably increase your heartache.  I’ll see.  You are still so much on my mind.

Georgie has to start another round of antibiotics.  He was finished on Friday and then started up goose-honking shortly afterward.  I think he’s doing this on purpose for extra attention.  The scamp.

Sue VDB, you had mentioned panting as a sign of pain.  I had not heard that before but think it’s rather handy to know when other symptoms are presented as well.

I think Corrine is purposely not posting today to allow our continuing comfort correspondence for Gina.

Sue VDB how fascinating about the acupuncture. I think it’s a perfect alternative given Romeo’s age. I’m so pleased he’s turned around and as for his thanks to you, melted my heart!

I’m testing to see if my comment will appear.  This blog hasn’t been working all afternoon.

Sue VDB ~ That is so sweet that Romeo did that. He definitely was saying thank you Mama. What a love.

Huckle ~ You crack me up. “A flea could outshine Cooper.” BTW, is that your Georgie and Cooper in the pics? They are so cute. And the term ‘goose-honking’ made me smile. I hope the anti-biotics help. And I don’t think it would be possible to increase my heartache. :(

(Can anyone tell me how to get to where you can leave comments on the pics from the pics page? I can’t seem to find it although I think it exists. )

And Heather, you are a sweetheart. Hugs to you! And to everyone!

Gina, when you click on the pic of the day, you should be able to leave a comment.  If you are looking at today’s pic, there are two comments there, and you can click on them.

I really have to stop bringing up the rear around here. 

Dear Gina, I’m so sorry to hear about Pip, but as you were his angel while he was here with you on earth, he will be your angel waiting for you.  How fitting i watched my favourite Christmas Movie last night, It’s a Wonderful Life.  You probably know what i’m thinking, “Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets their wings”. 

I firmly believe that when you think you hear him, he’s really there, trying to bring you some comfort as he watches over you.

After reading all the posts here we have shared your loss with you, sobbed with you, and shared the love of this wonderful group as well as your love for your dear Pip. I feel so honoured to be a part of it with all of you, and look forward to so much more with the OBP gang.

Love and pug hugs to all of you, prayers for those in need.
Love
Gwen and Lilo

A-ha! Thanks Sue VDB!

Gwen ~ What an angel you are! Thank you for that. I miss him so much! Evenings are the worst. aagghhh! I just need this feeling to go away but I know it won’t for awhile. Thanks again to everyone! Hugs and love to you all!

Oh my, I’ve been out of touch and am so very sorry for the sad news about Pip.  Gina, I truly am so very sad for you.  He sounded like such a very special puggie, and I know you will miss him terribly.

Sue VBD, I hope Romeo continues doing well, and it is so very sweet what he did!

And to Huckle and so many other people who have commented, I think what you all have said is beautiful.  I just love the poem Huckle, and I will copy it down to save.  I’m so touched at this group of wonderful people here at OBP!  You all mean so much to me, and I ♥ you all!

GINA:  So very, very sorry to hear about PIP.  I found much comfort in Gwen’s (LILO n ME) message to you regarding angels and I’m very sure that he’s sending you his love every day he’s gone and spends his days now in comfort - not only free from pain - but because he knows how much you loved him and what good care you gave him.  It will just take time for you not to hurt and ache to have him near and there’s not a lot anyone can say to help ease that for you - but it’s so obvious that you have all of OBP-dom grieving with you and wanting to help in anyway we can.  That’s a fact.  Let the tears fall - but please find comfort and peace in your heart knowing the love you shared with PIP remains - always.

SUE VDB:  Wanted you to know I’m thinking of ROMEO as well.  And so good to hear he is feeling better.
What an awfully hard weekend this one was for so many -but what wonderful support to be found at OBP.  I’m thankful to CORRINE, as well, for having this “open house” for all of us to share our stories, laughs and tears.
HUCKLE:  Hope GEORGIE’S “honking” clears up with the antibiotics.  Sweet picture of GEO & COOPER also.  I do get a charge from your comments.

Thank you Mary. So very sweet of you. Thank you!

Gwen, (Lilo N me) just read your comment to Gina and thought it was so superb and full of comfort.  It was a hug!

It was Gwen. Huckle ~ you are right. Hugs to both of you!

My faith and spirituality are truly the things that get me through the toughest times if not just the trials of every day. Our family has always been very inclined that way, whether through visions, or dreams. What solidified to me that the things I always saw/felt were real was shortly after my dear aunt passed about 5 years ago.  Just a little background, she was never known as a quiet lady. If my uncle ran a tap in the house while she showered the whole neighbourhood knew about it lol.

After she passed my cousin was having a terrible time moving forward. Well there were a few things that everyone knew synonymously were attached to my aunt. So we were out at the dollarama maybe a month after she passed. Well we are walking around and what do we see but butterflies, we both commented but with all the crafts in these stores didn’t take it too seriously. Down another aisle, we find red cardinals which is an even stronger sign, but we are in a dollar store, end of September getting ready for Christmas (which the two were always tied together). Again we said oh there’s mom, but laughed it off.

Now I’m sure you must have figured, if my aunt wanted us to take notice of something and we didn’t listen right away, well she would yell. We came down the final aisle and they had these really neat combination locks that my cousin pointed out to me. They were in the shape of a house. I froze dead in my tracks, saying omg, omg Karen, omg. She was looking at me and going what?  The lock she had placed her hand on to show to me, the lock in the shape of a house, had the numbers set to 6271. My aunts home address had been 6271 Wellband drive.  She had been sending us signs, saying hello and we weren’t paying too much mind to them - so she stuck with what always worked. I told my cousin, I think that lock is her screaming.  My cousin bought the lock and brought it home to her dad along with the story of our shopping trip.

I believe our loved ones always give us signs, it’s up to us if we receive them, or how we perceive them. The bond we share with our beloved pets, they say hello, just checking in on you often. Sometimes we are too busy with life to notice, but they understand and try again later when we are able to accept it.

Love to all,
Lilo n me

GWEN:  I lost a friend to cancer a couple of years ago.  We went on a vacation to the beach just days before she passed away (knew she wasn’t in great shape - but she wanted to go for her kids & I think she didn’t want to die in their home).  Anyway - we talked of getting matching tatoos on our ankles while we were at the beach and both of us said “dragonfly” at the same time.  We never got the tatoos - but immediately upon her death, I encountered them everywhere - real ones and decorative ones.  Another friend, unknowingly, brought a plant to their house with dragonflies in the arrangement.  Her husband gave me her dragonfly pin to wear at her memorial service and a verse from a Paul McCarney song that I used in her eulogy included:  “Dragonfly, fly by my window”.  I know this was her way of keeping me on track and I share this symbol with her children as I know that was her greatest sorrow - that she wouldn’t be physically there as they grew up.  But we know this is her way of letting us all know she is still with us.

Another friend of mine lost her father a few years ago.  While he was still living, but in ill health, she told him that she would do her best to be strong once he died, but she needed to “hear from him” after his death - to know he was watching over her.  He told her he would leave dimes for her to find and she said, “Make them quarters.”  She finds quarters at difficult times in amazing places - not just a coat pocket - but when digging up her mother’s flower garden this past summer, she turned up a quarter in the soil.  That’s just one example - but it happens to her quite frequently and it gives her comfort.
I wish I had made a similar request of my mother before she died - but I find myself laughing and saying things in just the same way she used to and I feel she is nearer to me for that.  There is much to say for the magic, strength and healing properties of Grace.  I feel this is all part of that and how it was intended to help “get us through”.

Gwen and Mary ~ Those stories are amazing! I got chills reading both. I believe they are definitely signs that they are reaching out to you. Amazing. Thank you for sharing those with us. Wow. Hugs to you both.

Gwen, you are absolutely correct.  We always receive signs, but don’t always pay enough attention to realize what they are, but if we do we easily recognize them.