tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post984820238003702079..comments2024-03-28T09:03:52.495-07:00Comments on Chant du Départ: Requiem pour Ma ChienneOldAFSargehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-80777029251835039102019-06-14T10:11:06.170-07:002019-06-14T10:11:06.170-07:00so sorry a beautiful tribute to an angelic soul l...so sorry a beautiful tribute to an angelic soul losses are part of life in this fallen world we are promised that one day we will all be reunited in joydeb harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05110992898072146282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-37140135328466044412018-06-08T19:36:51.827-07:002018-06-08T19:36:51.827-07:00Ok. I am running a day late, but work has been ver...Ok. I am running a day late, but work has been very busy, so I am making hay (money) while the sun is shining.<br /><br />Beans, you and Mrs. A have my most sincere condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss.<br /><br />For me, loosing my shelties 3 months apart was so very hard, especially the first one as she was "mine"...or was it I was "her's? She was truly the smartest dog I have ever met, and I have had several, and met a bunch more. To this day I get all weepy thinking or talking about her. And it has been almost 10 years now. Darn dusty around here.<br /> <br />Suzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07117433684554337583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-38643545678158044582018-06-08T14:45:21.393-07:002018-06-08T14:45:21.393-07:00Thanks, not necessarily my Uncle Skip.
Started wr...Thanks, not necessarily my Uncle Skip.<br /><br />Started writing this thing last week as I knew when the time came it would be hard. One of those premonition things, I guess. And what you wrote after you said nothing profound is quite profound. Once the grief and the weird phantom feelings of her next to us is gone, the memories will serve us well. Actually, they serve me well now. She would never allow me to get too mopey and inward-turned. Sometimes she would actually push me down and beat on me with her head until I noticed her. So I've got that memory of being crushed under her while she'd pound me into un-unhappiness. So, in order to not disappoint her spirit, I have to keep moving, forward, ever forward, and remember to be 'up' which is hard as I have that Germanic doom-and-gloom thing down pat.<br /><br />As OldAFSarge said just above, having this strange, wonderful 'family' out there of people is wonderful. You, all of you, are better than the 'physical' friends that I have that kinda have drifted off as my life has turned weird in the last few years.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-45286634721078253122018-06-08T14:35:53.807-07:002018-06-08T14:35:53.807-07:00Larry, I am a cat person also, but, well, gosh-dar...Larry, I am a cat person also, but, well, gosh-darned it, for some reason people look at you like you're crazy when you harness up 12 cats like a dog-sled team to your wheelchair...<br /><br />I like cats a lot. But it's more like having a roommate than having an extra part of you like a service dog is.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-21552207897598270872018-06-08T14:33:07.516-07:002018-06-08T14:33:07.516-07:00I knew I got the term wrong, but didn't want t...I knew I got the term wrong, but didn't want to take the 10 seconds to look it up. And really, is there ever a time not to Kipple someone, or quote Poe?<br /><br />Dependent life in the military can be a very trying thing. In John Ringo's "Claws that Catch", there is a very serious discussion of military dependent life, why it is so different, and how it can enhance or ruin the serving member, even down to the dreaded 'wives clubs' and the roles they play. I knew a lot about it, growing up in the culture, but Ringo kind of solidified and codified it for me.<br /><br />And now there are whole families where both spouses serve, which tosses a whole different dynamic on the table. I even know one family where husband is Air Force and wife is Navy. I think they see each other about once a month or so. Crazy, but they both love each other and they are raising good kids (he's just an admin puke, grounded after a bad leg injury from being a DAT, so he's doing the raising and she's the one on deployment all the time.) Weird world we live in, isn't it?<br />Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-52929601117150725592018-06-08T14:21:08.031-07:002018-06-08T14:21:08.031-07:00Very. And to sense the insignificant changes from...Very. And to sense the insignificant changes from 'thinking clearly' to 'something's not quite right' is, well, I could only see the changes in the missus, post brain-bleed, after they got too far to easily correct (usually by making her drink 2 bottles of water and putting her to bed with a handful of melatonin, sleep and flushing kidneys allowed her brain to re-set.) Damned impressive thing to see Liesl alerting to what was 'nothing, really' when, in fact, it was very much something.<br /><br />Mrs. Andrew is better now. She's really like something out of a sci-fi flick. Her body's ability to self-repair and reroute around damage is absolutely amazing. Plus, she actually wanted to marry me, which is more amazing.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-14272388259375568542018-06-08T00:35:48.702-07:002018-06-08T00:35:48.702-07:00She must have been smart. Knowing right from left ...She must have been smart. Knowing right from left is rather impressive. Shoes really don't look that much different. A remarkable dog!SCOTTtheBADGERhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12859188068159799373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-17391081062733118312018-06-07T23:58:48.805-07:002018-06-07T23:58:48.805-07:00I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm more of a...I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm more of a cat person, but our cats get so much attention they're a lot like dogs, people say. At least once they get over their fear of the strange. I'd like a to get a dog, but the missus isn't amenable at this time. :(<br /><br />Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13296988746956477216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-27159451587119342052018-06-07T23:54:35.400-07:002018-06-07T23:54:35.400-07:00Kippled, Beans. You were Kippled. I don't kn...Kippled, Beans. You were Kippled. I don't know why OldAFSarge Kippled you, but I suppose it's a senior NCO thang. I never got to that school afore taking my leave. There are times I regret that, 'cept that I'd h'v never met my wife 'less I left the service. Had I been able to arrange staying in AND meeting my wife -- she'd have been agreeable. She thinks she missed a lot by not growing up like I did, though she hates the thought of an unaccompanied deployment like some of my friends and her father did (of course, her father commanded a Marine rifle platoon, then company, in Vietnam, so he certainly had it harder than Bagram AB or King Khalid AB).<br />Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13296988746956477216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-85362658825423391252018-06-07T23:45:58.643-07:002018-06-07T23:45:58.643-07:00Don't I know that feeling, Beans...Don't I know that feeling, Beans...<br />Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13296988746956477216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-87552993548030157012018-06-07T22:03:12.741-07:002018-06-07T22:03:12.741-07:00A little late to this post because of a road trip ...A little late to this post because of a road trip and band concert.<br />I’ve nothing profound, but the memories will serve you well, eventually. (not necessarily your) Uncle Skiphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02705753220273516841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-14983907133645468382018-06-07T21:12:17.229-07:002018-06-07T21:12:17.229-07:00Yes, so many wonderful people. Thank you all. Sa...Yes, so many wonderful people. Thank you all. Salt of the Earth, all of you. Definitely a family.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-538548663572663802018-06-07T20:16:52.238-07:002018-06-07T20:16:52.238-07:00So Beans, don't we have some great and wonderf...So Beans, don't we have some great and wonderful people who visit us here?<br /><br />It's family we are.OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-80813207536483839372018-06-07T20:15:23.162-07:002018-06-07T20:15:23.162-07:00Yup, another beautiful poem. Damned allergies...Yup, another beautiful poem. Damned allergies...OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-65912817913602381382018-06-07T20:13:43.429-07:002018-06-07T20:13:43.429-07:00Makes me cry every time I read it, but yes, it'...Makes me cry every time I read it, but yes, it's the way I feel as well.<br /><br />Thanks Victor, I love that poem.OldAFSargehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935839956936191547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-27752644407751478132018-06-07T19:34:27.499-07:002018-06-07T19:34:27.499-07:00Thanks, Borepatch. Yes, Byron was a PAK, but coul...Thanks, Borepatch. Yes, Byron was a PAK, but couldn't be all bad if a Newfie loved him.<br /><br />Mrs. Andrew's first service dog was a Newfoundland/German Shepard mix. Brigit was definitely the wife's dog, and accepted my existence. Damned dog was wonderful, could lift a log. And swim like there was no tomorrow. Her passing hurt Mrs. Andrew because she came out of the house and collapsed at my wife's feet, staying alive just long enough to say goodbye.<br /><br />But I wasn't as attached to Brigit as I was Liesl. Liesl really was our dog. And now I have to live up to who my wife and Liesl think I am, not who I know I am.<br />Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-17458892012773236702018-06-07T19:19:08.697-07:002018-06-07T19:19:08.697-07:00Aw, man, you Kiplinged me. Dashnabit, now I'm...Aw, man, you Kiplinged me. Dashnabit, now I'm gonna cry.<br /><br />Thanks. Kipling is one of my favorite writers.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-30765256582050892212018-06-07T19:17:18.968-07:002018-06-07T19:17:18.968-07:00Thank you. That was wonderful. It's how I fe...Thank you. That was wonderful. It's how I feel, too.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-67408189010449279572018-06-07T18:58:28.934-07:002018-06-07T18:58:28.934-07:00Lord Byron was a punk-ass kid, but he loved his Ne...Lord Byron was a punk-ass kid, but he loved his Newfoundland, Bo'sun. A friend of his penned Bo'sun's epitaph:<br /><br />Near this spot rests one who possessed<br />Beauty without vanity<br />Courage without ferocity<br />Beauty without vanity<br />And all of Man's virtues<br />Without any of his vices<br /><br />Byron had a headstone made with this inscription. He was a punk-ass kid, but this kind of redeems him.Borepatchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05029434172945099693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-85736526937821128052018-06-07T18:58:13.806-07:002018-06-07T18:58:13.806-07:00Aw Beans , that is really , really sad news...this...Aw Beans , that is really , really sad news...this isn't very uplifting but does capture the emotions..<br /><br />The Power of the Dog<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />There is sorrow enough in the natural way<br />From men and women to fill our day;<br />And when we are certain of sorrow in store,<br />Why do we always arrange for more?<br />Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware<br />Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.<br /><br />Buy a pup and your money will buy<br />Love unflinching that cannot lie—<br />Perfect passion and worship fed<br />By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.<br />Nevertheless it is hardly fair<br />To risk your heart for a dog to tear.<br /><br />When the fourteen years which Nature permits<br />Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,<br />And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs<br />To lethal chambers or loaded guns,<br />Then you will find—it’s your own affair—<br />But . . . you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.<br /><br />When the body that lived at your single will,<br />With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).<br />When the spirit that answered your every mood<br />Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,<br />You will discover how much you care,<br />And will give your heart to a dog to tear.<br /><br />We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,<br />When it comes to burying Christian clay.<br />Our loves are not given, but only lent,<br />At compound interest of cent per cent.<br />Though it is not always the case, I believe,<br />That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve.<br />For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,<br />A short-time loan is as bad as a long—<br />So why in—Heaven (before we are there)<br />Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear? <br />Beaner49https://www.blogger.com/profile/05760078518688734016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-52128021288783546352018-06-07T17:59:33.576-07:002018-06-07T17:59:33.576-07:00RAINBOW BRIDGE
There is a bridge connecting Heave...RAINBOW BRIDGE<br /><br />There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. <br />It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many splendid colors. <br />Just this side of Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, <br />and valleys with lush, green grass. <br />When beloved pets die, they go to this place. <br />There is always food and water and warm spring weather. <br />The old and frail animals are young again. <br />Those who are maimed are made whole again. <br />They play all day with each other. <br />There is only one thing missing. <br />They are not with their special person who loved <br />them on earth. <br />So each day they run and play. <br />Until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! <br /><br />The nose twitches. <br />The ears are up! <br />The eyes are staring. <br />And this one suddenly runs from the group. <br />You have been seen! <br />And when you and your special friend meet, <br />you take him in your arms and embrace. <br />Your face is kissed again and again and again, <br />and you look once more more into the eyes of your trusting pet. <br />Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together... <br />Never again to be separated.<br /><br /><br /><br />Condolence on the loss of your family member.<br /><br />- VictorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-30562049581786820512018-06-07T10:44:56.620-07:002018-06-07T10:44:56.620-07:00Thank you, Paul. It's like I am missing my ri...Thank you, Paul. It's like I am missing my right leg or something. I can still feel her next to me. Phantom dog syndrome. Not as weird as some of the spooky stuff I've dealt with, but, well, still kinda spooky, in a good way.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-24838234523186345392018-06-07T10:42:47.632-07:002018-06-07T10:42:47.632-07:00Thank you, John.
Thank you, John.<br />Beanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15293778848879361153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-798220327255103382018-06-07T10:36:37.064-07:002018-06-07T10:36:37.064-07:00Thank you. I will, but what's weird and kind ...Thank you. I will, but what's weird and kind of freaky is I see her out of the corner of my eyes on the bed, and can feel her head laying on my feet. <br /><br />And, yeah, it hurts. Which means I am a better man than I think I am, at least that's what Mrs. Andrew tells me.Beansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7684531976778247960.post-51397397066849944352018-06-07T10:32:57.400-07:002018-06-07T10:32:57.400-07:00The loss of a four legged family member is every b...The loss of a four legged family member is every bit a heart wrenching as the loss of any other beloved family member.<br /><br />My heart goes out to you and Mrs. A.<br /><br />Thanks for the post.<br />Paul L. QuandtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com