His name was Bruce

He was old when we met him. He was skin and bones, weak and blind and he had a big smile on his face. Dave had to help him out of the truck, he was afraid of just those few steps. They were so far down and he was so fragile. He wasn't suppose to stay here for more than a day or two while we looked for a forever home for him. But he stayed much longer10 months to be exact. I called him my old man from the start. He didn't have tags, just an old worn out collar. I looked for his owner for over a week, while trying to find someone who wanted a half blind half deaf old shaggy golden retriever. No one had a place for him. Especially not in December and not in as bad a shape as he was.

I fattened him up. He got more food then the other three dogs combined. He took over my chair and lived in it the whole time he was here. In the spring he had put on weight and he was running as fast as his old achy hips would allow it. But the summer was hot and it wore him down. Lately he hadn't made it out the door before he would go to the bathroom and after the shame of it showed on his face. We didn't yell at him, we would just tell him it was OK, we knew he didn't mean it. Yesterday his hips gave out on him. He couldn't get up unassisted. His smile wasn't there. He was a sad dog who was in a lot of pain. Today he fell asleep under the tree in the yard and he didn't wake up.

I knew it was coming but that didn't make it any easier. The kids were devastated. I felt for my poor husband. Not only did he find him but he buried him and made a cross as a marker. He didn't want to leave my old man unprotected while he was gone for the day. When the kids and I got home we had a small service and sang Amazing Grace. Now we all go to our own corners and grieve. My grief is here, writing this. Rest in peace Bruce, we are sure going to miss you!!


Well the 11th passed and I stuck to my plan. The Red Dress Project is under way.Here are my stats. I cant tell you what they were before but I know as of Friday they are this

Weight 248
Chest 48 5/8
Waist 43 1/4
Hips 48 3/4
Thigh 27 1/8
Arm 12 9/16

I have been going regularly to physical therapy for my hip. I have noticed that I have more movement in the hip but there are times I leave there and I am sore for days. Not just the right hip but the left hip too. I am a barrel of monkeys, let me tell you. But I did decide to get back to running. I notice my hips feel better when I do it. So I started again. I am taking it slow. I don't want to kill myself.

So my goal for October 11th is this. I want to lose 6 pounds. I want to loose a combined total of 3 inches. I know I can do it, its just a matter of using the will power and positive re-enforcement. I know I am better than all that weight I am carrying around. I refuse to let it own me any more.

I want to say a special prayer for my friends Sandee. Yesterday her brother went into the hospital with breathing troubles and early this morning he passed away. Sandee is a dear friend of mine. She has helped to motivate me and she has made me smile and laugh and look at life differently. Two months ago Sandee's mom died. My heart goes out to her family. Please take a moment and say a prayer for her.

So time for a little prayer and then I am going to go and be.

Dear God, Thank You for today. Thank You for the wonderful people who surround me and love me. Thank You for the chance to know and love one your your sweetest creations. Bruce is home with You and I know one day I will see him again. Thank You for the fellowship at the church picnic today. Thank You for all things big and small. God please be with my Grandma Kelly and my Uncle Marlin. Help them and comfort them. God please be with Sandee and her dad at this their saddest hour. Please be with Pastor Wahl. I know it was your hand that helped to steady him this morning as he told us the news. Please be with those who are sick. Hold their hand and guide them. I Do Believe, Help me Overcome My Unbelief. Mark 9:24  In your name we pray Amen.