Tulip Time with Toby

It's May and in Holland, Michigan that means it's Tulip Time! I remember taking Tosca downtown for Tulip Time several times, adorned in her pink tulips bandana, and she always enjoyed it. It's Toby's first year with me during Tulip time, so I decided to bring him downtown too. I wasn't sure how he would do; I'm realizing I need to do some more socializing with him. He does well on walks by ourselves, but when a little girl wanted to pet him a few weeks ago he got scared. He enjoys playing with other dogs at the dog park and even (occasionally) will go up to other people there. But so far he tends to be a little skittish around people he doesn't know. So I decided to take him downtown early on Tuesday evening, when it's not real busy, and grab some supper at one of the vendors. It was interesting, to say the least.

My biggest mistake was going to get supper first. We walked about a block down the main street and I stopped to order a corn dog. I told Toby to sit and he did…for about 30 seconds. Then he got this panicked look on his face and started pulling away. I'm not sure if it was the vendor booth or the noise and smells, but he was terrified. I tried calming him down while paying for my food and grabbing the food container and drink (which took both hands). As I turned away Toby pulled harder and the corn dog flew out of the container and landed on the grass. Thankfully the pop didn't spill. I calmed the dog down, picked up the corn dog, and tried balancing food, drink, and leash until I could find a place to sit. The closest place was by the large fountain, which was spraying water - have I mentioned my dog is not fond of water? After a few minutes we moved farther away from the fountain and I finally ate my supper, sharing bits with Toby who was a little unsure with the whole setting.

He did better as we walked along 8th Street, still a little anxious but also curious about the sights and smells. Then we headed over to Centennial Park and the elephant ears (dessert). It was a little quieter there, so I found a picnic table to sit at. I hadn't noticed a row of outhouses nearby, but every time someone went in or out the door banged shut, which startled Toby who had just started to settle down in the grass. Enough for one night. I didn't even attempt to take any pictures.

Today is the final day of Tulip Time with the big music parade. The parade end is not far from my house, so I walked over there with Toby to catch some of it this afternoon. Toby did well, considering this is all new to him. He lasted 10-15 minutes. We sat back a ways on the grass, way at the end of the parade. He was not a fan of the bands and he definitely didn't care for the people walking by in wooden shoes - he's not at all ready to see the Dutch dancers! I was proud of him though, I just kept petting him and talking quietly to him and he would settle down for a bit. It was a perfect day for a walk, so we stopped to take a few photos by the tulips.

My goal is that by next year Toby will be calm and enjoy interacting with people as we walk downtown. We'll keep working on it, step by step. I'll have to schedule outdoor coffee meetings at JPs this summer so we can practice. Anyone interested?

Unexpected Goodbye

This past week I've been thinking again about how quickly lives can change. One minute someone is alive - breathing, thinking, existing - and the next minute their life on Earth ends when their breathing stops and silence sets in. Their soul is present … and then it is not. Difficult - whether it's from a terminal illness or an unexpected death. No matter the circumstances, death is hard; it stings. 

I'm so thankful for the hope we have through Jesus Christ that death is not the end. I believe that those who love Jesus experience a new reality when they die; as their soul leaves this place and they cease to exist here on Earth, they enter heaven and experience a new type of life with God in heaven. All their pain and struggles from Earth are ended. Because of Jesus, the sting of death is bearable.

I said goodbye to a friend and cousin yesterday. Her death was very unexpected. It's hard to believe she's gone. I feel sad but am grateful that she is at peace and reunited in heaven with her mom who died several years ago.

Although we didn't see each other often, I have good memories of the times we did spend together. I remember going to her house as a little girl at Christmas time; she and her brother taught me how to play hide and seek in the dark - what fun we kids had running around the house. I remember looking up to her when she was a big high-schooler and I was in junior high; I wanted to be just like her. And I was in awe that I knew someone who was the homecoming queen at her high school! She was friendly and easy to talk to; I remember having fun and laughing a lot together when our families would get together.

As we grew up and got busy with our own lives, we kept in touch through Facebook and met for dinner several times during the last few years. She had the sweetest laugh as we reminisced together. I wish we could have gone out for dinner one more time. She was an encourager. She stood firm for what she believed. She cared about people. I'm blessed to have known you, Brenda.