Okay…I know this is a little sad. But the reality is that so far in the grandchild derby the two married sons (out of three) have yet to spawn. Unmarried Brett has been ruled ineligible to compete in this event. Joni and I have been content (for the time being) to enjoy our grand dogs and await the first grandchild with diminishing patience.
Middle son Scott was the first to present us with a grand dog. This is Sadie smiling sweetly for the camera.
Regular readers of this blog know that ineligible grandchild contributor Brett was second to add a grand dog to the family with the addition of Trigger. He is pictured here with our own disinterested dog Hannah.
Trigger’s improbable story was told in a post entitled They Call it Puppy Love.
This week we are proud to announce the newest grand dog to the family. Eldest son Matt and bride Holly announced the arrival of Bailey, a five month old Golden Retriever.
Our future family reunions could look like the scene from A Christmas Story when the Bumpus hounds race through the old man’s house. Hopefully there will be less colorful language from this old man if that does happen. In a classic line from that movie narrator Jean Shepherd noted that, “In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.” As far as I know no such tapestry is hanging over Lake Ray Hubbard near our home.
We are unabashed dog lovers in the Burchett family – at least in the Texas/Tennessee divisions.
I was reminded of how much we can learn from our canine companions once again while Joni was undergoing round 3 of chemotherapy this week. I came across a list of “Things you can learn from a dog” in an article and some of them are really applicable to our season of life.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
- When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
- Take naps and always stretch before rising.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you’re not.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
- When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- No matter how often you are criticized, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
I saved four of my favorites for last.
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
If I had it all to do over I would work less and go for more joy rides with my sons and bride. The anchors on ESPN’s SportsCenter often joke that “an injured athlete is day to day, but then again, aren’t we all?” The reality is we are all day to day. Even moment to moment. Life can change in a heartbeat. When the opportunity for a joy ride comes along make it a habit to jump on board.
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
One thing I can count on when I come in the door is that Hannah will be there vibrating with excitement. Wouldn’t it be nice to greet your loved one with that enthusiasm? Be sure to bring smelling salts the first time.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
I love this one. People often don’t know how to react to friends going through a trial like Joni. I wrote an earlier post about being a good cancer buddy that is being published in Crosswalk.com: The Magazine this month. We have found that the mere caring presence of friends has been healing. We don’t need answers. We really don’t need handy Bible verses. We just need a little emotional nuzzling.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
This really resonates with where I am right now. I want to be a authentic follower of Jesus. And at times the way to do that seems buried in a sea of bad experiences, bad decisions, and bad Christians. But I intend to keep digging. I want to dig into His Word more completely and into fellowship with God more authentically. I want to dig into my shortcomings more honestly and allow the Spirit of God to reveal and repair those more completely. I am believing in the promise of James 1:5.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. NIV
I definitely qualify for His generous distribution. Watch this space for future results.
Elissa
I was just searching for a t-shirt for my dad that says "Ask me about my granddog," when I came across your page. I have a sweet black lab named Sadie that could be your Sadie’s sister. She is very dear to me and true family member. I cannot have kids, so I hope that you will cherish the love that our animal families can give. Here’s something a friend just sent me. Enjoy….
TO: GOD
FROM: THE DOG
Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?
Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?
Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the "Chrysler Eagle" the "Chrysler Beagle"?
Dear God: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?
Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID’s, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?
Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.
Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?
Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good dog.
1. I will not eat the cats’ food before they eat it or after they throw it up.
2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.
3. I will not munch on "leftovers" in the kitty litter box, although they are tasty.
4. The diaper pail is not a snack jar.
5. The sofa is not a ‘face towel.’ Neither are Mom and Dad’s laps.
6. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.
7. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
8. I will not bite the officer’s hand when he reaches in for Mom’s driver’s license and registration.
9. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad’s underwear when he’s on the toilet.
10. Sticking my nose into someone’s crotch is an unacceptable way of saying "hello".
11. I don’t need to suddenly stand straight up when I’m under the coffee table.
12. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house – not after.
13. I will not throw up in the car.
14. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.
15. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when we have company.
16. The cat is not a ‘squeaky toy’ so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it’s usually not a good thing.
Tracy Frost
I’m envious that the dogs get to be a part of your family and not me! I can’t wait to see you guys in July. I love you all and am praying for you. It’s wonderful to get to hear what’s going on with ya’ll even from half way across the country.
Brenda Coleman
Love the new doggie pictures! Praying for Joni & you every day.