I’m not sure what made me think this evening of Mark Twain’s quote. It certainly wasn’t inspired by the repeated chorus of frenzied barking at the front window because people dare to walk down our street (Catie has been particularly animated). It wasn’t triggered by the events of an ordinary weekend and a mundane Monday. And I haven’t danced in years – I renounced the whole business when I realized to my horror that I danced just like Elaine on Seinfeld.
Thinking of dancing makes me think of my mother. She died in November 2001, a shadow of who she had been just eighteen months before, when an undiagnosed brain infection robbed her of her memory, her speech, and her self. Music often played in the long term care facility my dad had to move her into and one evening, when she was still able to walk, the nursing attendant coaxed her for her bath by asking her to dance.
It was one of those rare magic moments stumbled upon and instantly captured, as my mom – who no longer knew who I was – waltzed and twirled down the corridor in the arms of an aide.
I’ve just realized that it’s not really dancing I’m thinking of. It’s more a niggling reminder to pay closer attention so I don’t miss those exquisite and fleeting moments. I’m sure I’ve carelessly overlooked many. You see, I spent much of today in a mindless, melancholy stupor for no particular reason. And then I came home. Catie and Riley greeted me as if I had been away for weeks. There was the familiar flurry of tail wagging as I opened the door. Riley did his excited dance around my feet; Catie hopped to the piano and put her muzzle on the key board.
I think my mom would have loved both these dogs.
A lot.
Such sweet faces : )
I’ve caught myself doing a bit of a happy dance after I’ve gotten home from work, just because Gerry lifts my spirits so much. I know part of it is just soooo relieved not to be coming home to an empty house any more too, but MOST of it is just Gerry’s pawesomness.
Sorry about your mom.
Whenever I get really worried about the health of my dog (past and present) I think of my grandmother. I’ve always just assumed she’d be my dogs’ guardian angel because she always looked after our family dog for us when we left town. Logical iI guess, but did she really intend to sign on to be the family dog sitter for eternity?
Heh heh, I was just thinking – she used to chide my first dog for thinking of herself as a lap dog – little did she know Gerry would one day be a member of the family – the PRINCE of lap dogs.
Thanks for sharing and getting me reminiscing…
My most favorite Mark Twain quote (and I have many favorites from him) will probably always be: “The more I know of people, the better I like my dog.”
Carmen – hugs from me – and Sophie sends lots of licks your way.
Catie and Riley are the epitome of Goldens – smiling, happy dogs – because you are there – and you are their world. Just knowing you will see those beautiful faces when you get home can be enough to get you through a melancholy day.
And you’re right – we miss too many of those moments because we are caught up in human distractions. Clear the debris – pay attention to the moments – you’ll never be sorry you did.
Remember enjoy every minute you can! Who wouldn’t love those two golden faces! They are priceless!!
XOXO and Hi-Paws
Dillon and Rhys
Your post is simply amazing!
I smiled because everyone of us misses to many moments but when we do capture one, isn’t it amazing!
And, because of those 2 golden faces!
I used amazing twice, sorry, but it really fits.
the chauffeur.
Carmen – what a wonderful and touching post you write, so poignant. I love this quote and I also love the quote from Gerry’s mom :). Mark Twain really got it.
You’re right, it’s really not about the dancing but catching those fleeting moments, paying attention and enjoying them. Just like Catie and Riley, whenever I get home (I could be out for 15 minutes) I’m greeted at the door every time by Mackenzie and Kobe – so excited to see me like they haven’t seen me for weeks. So much excitement comes out of Mackenzie that I need at least 5 – 10 minutes to get through the greeting before I can resume any other activity. Sometimes I’m in a hurry but then stop and realize that I won’t have that greeting at the door forever. So enjoy it while I can.
Love those pictures of Catie and Riley! Makes me want to give them a big golden kiss! Kami
Thanks for a great post! When I come home from work, I get such a greeting from Holly that I sometimes think everyone should get such a greeting – the world would be so much nicer if everyone had a greeting like that when they arrive at home. And then I wonder if my husband ever thinks it strange that I spend so much time with Holly before finding him to say hello. 🙂 Thankfully, he understands!
Those pictures of Catie and Riley say it all!
Susan