Monday Musings

~ Tails Around the Ranch

On this Monday following yesterday’s official Mother’s Day celebration, I find myself in an even more thankful (and reflective) mood. Last October, some of you may recall my mom suffered a life threatening condition that resulted in her being placed in hospice. It’s true that Sam and I love our hospice work, but seeing your mom as a patient was not our idea of the kind of pet therapy we envisioned. For a week, our family sat by her side, shared stories, laughed and cried about the spot we faced. All of my life I’ve known this remarkable woman who had ‘seen it all’ and endured so much living through the bombings of World War II Germany. When doctors initially gave her the prognosis, she immediately quipped, “Well damn it, I wasn’t finished yet.”  And clearly she meant it❣️

After being told she had probably only 48 hours to live, my mom rallied and survived. She was one of only a very select few to have “failed” at hospice. And so, 7 months later here she was celebrating Mother’s Day brunch with 3 of her 5 grown children around the table. Can I just say, I continue to be in awe of what this exceptional human being has accomplished with grace, poise, intelligence and humor. Thank you for all you’ve done for us, for all you’ve taught us and for being a special kind of inspiration to the family. We are so very grateful for each and every one of your 85+ years. In this day and age of shallow clichés, this one has resonated over these past few days with enormity. To the world you are a mother, but to your family you are our world. We all are so very grateful that you continue to be with us and we treasure every single minute with your presence. We love you to the moon and back, Mom and know that Sam sends puppy kisses.

Here’s hoping your Mother’s Day was equally as wondrous.

final Live, love, bark! <3

39 thoughts on “Monday Musings”

  1. Pingback: Monday Musings ~ December 28, 2020 – Tails Around the Ranch
  2. Amy – Photographer and Wordsmith at BedlamAndDaisies.com. Can be found out chasing those simple moments of beauty that are often found in the midst of chaos if one only looks closely. 'The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.' -Eden Phillpotts
    bedlamanddaisies says:

    Such a wonderful post and so awesome that you are blessed with more time! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thank you! We are so very grateful indeed.

      Reply

  4. An uncommonly strong and graciousl mother is a wonderful gift. Enjoy your time in Hawaii. Making me itch to go back.

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      I forget just how wonderful this place is. Definitely makes up for the dreadful airline experience. Could they make it any more unpleasant? I guess they probably could, but then they’d have to charge you for that too. *sigh* 😉

      Reply

  5. Thank you for the nice words, I am overwhelmed. Safe travels to Hawaii and hug and kiss the whole da….bunch for me. Sure wish we could be there 😥 PS phone is finally fixed

    Sent from my Pat’s iPhone

    >

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thanks Nimi…she is truly remarkable and that’s not just because she’s my mom. 😉

      Reply

  7. I love this post too. Just lovely.

    Glad you enjoyed another wonderful Mother’s Day celebration with your mom. You’ve both been given a wonderful gift to get a reminder of how fleeting our time together is while also being given time to make the most of that lesson.

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thank you! We have most definitely been given a wondrous gift and plan tomato the most of it. ღ

      Reply
  8. Sand Spring Chesapeakes – Cambria, WI – My husband and I have six "furry" children Gambler, Glory, Guilty, Slammer, Gertie and one cat Bones and two furangel's Norman and Nellie. We breed Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. We are both avid hunters. We also enjoy competing with our dogs in hunt tests and field trials. That is where you can find us during the trial months which are April-September. When were not at a trial we are busy training our dogs. We go snow goose hunting in Canada each year and do all the hunting that Wisconsin offers.
    Sand Spring Chesapeakes says:

    Way to go mom, you tell them when your ready!

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Boy howdy, did she ever!

      Reply
  9. Marty the Manx – I am a handsome Tortie Manx mix. I live with my brother Ralphie a Grey Tabby whom mom calls her "Grey Man". We also share our house with Mazie the big Yellow Lab, Abbe, Anne and Bree who are Chinese Crested Powder Puffs. We all live with our mom in Iowa in the United States.
    Marty the Manx says:

    Beautiful post for your beautiful Mother 🙂

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thanks Marty!

      Reply

  10. Not all failures are a bad thing. Hospice is a very good thing to get kicked out of! Glad you had a good mother’s day with your mother!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    Reply
  11. edgar62 – Semi-retired in South Australia. Interests are Music (Andre Rieu, Anna Netrebko) Reading (SciFi / Crime) and History Movies: The Day After Tomorrow, Casablanca, The Man Who Would be King Community: Secretary Support group, Royal Flying Doctor Service.
    edgar62 says:

    A wonderful post and a wonderful tribute to your Mother. Mothers of that age group were and are incredible people who survived depression, war and bombing. A truly remarkable generation. I lost my mum five years ago and I still miss her. I am so glad your mom is doing well.

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thank you for the kind words. So sorry you lost your mum. You’re right, they don’t make ’em like that anymore. <3

      Reply
  12. My Golden Life – Upstate South Carolina – I love animals, especially dogs. I enjoy US history, and reading biographies of our former presidents and other historical figures. I love the music of the '60s and '70s since I was growing up in those decades. I love the Beatles and Andy Williams equally.
    My Golden Life says:

    I love your Mom without even knowing her (except through you)! I love her spunky, feisty attitude! It reminds me so much of my own Mom when she was still with us. She would be 93 now were it not for the metastatic breast cancer that took her from us. But she fought it as hard and as long as her body could handle. I tend to take after her, attitude-wise, so my hubby better watch out. LOL

    Glad y’all had a great Mother’s Day! We did too!

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Many thanks for the kind words. Yeah us feisty broads definitely need to be watched out for, don’t we?! ღ

      Reply
  13. Kismet – New River, Arizona. – I'm a 16 year old Indian Ringneck parrot curmudgeon in New River, Arizona in the wild west country. If you're a sunflower seed, you're dinner.
    Kismet says:

    She beat the grim reaper-waaaay to go. SQUAAAAAWK!

    Reply
  14. Genevieve Petrillo – I'm a teacher-turned-writer - Author of Keep Your Ear on the Ball (Tilbury, 2007) and What If I Don't? (Meegenius, 2014). I love doing school visits and author talks. My stories, poetry, and teaching ideas have been seen in many teachers' and children's magazines. In my free time, I volunteer with Ocean County Volunteers for the Blind and TheraPet.
    Genevieve Petrillo says:

    She’s amazing! What an inspiration!

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thanks Cupcake. You have no idea

      Reply
  15. Dakota/Caren/Cody – Michigan – Freelance writer, pet blogging professional, product influencer, half of the writing team behind Dakota's Den and "Cat Chat With Cody & Caren" Most importantly, I am a "pet mom" to Dakota, (Shetland Sheepdog) and Cody (my silver gray tabby!)
    Dakota/Caren/Cody says:

    This post soooo made me smile and let me tell you I sure needed that today! It was just beautiful, as is your Mother in that photo. My goodness she looks AMAZING for her age! LOVE her spunk and that is probably the reason that THANK GOD she was a “Hospice Fail”…….THANK GOD!! (((hugs)))) DakotasDen

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      We sure couldn’t be happier at the outcome. Thank you for the sweet words and sentiment, Caren. <3

      Reply
  16. noodle4president – I was a discarded, lost little stray without a house or a family...until my mom found me. Now, I am the happiest, most loved dog in the whole world!
    noodle4president says:

    Miss Monika, your Mom is BEAUTIFUL! And this post was equally as beautiful. Happy Mother’s Day to both of you <3 *ear licks* Noodle

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Many thanks <3. Hope you showered your mom with oodles of Noodle kisses. 😉

      Reply
      1. noodle4president – I was a discarded, lost little stray without a house or a family...until my mom found me. Now, I am the happiest, most loved dog in the whole world!
        noodle4president says:

        So many that she told me to stop! BOL!

        Reply
        1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
          Tails Around the Ranch says:

          As it should be. <3

          Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Aw shucks, thanks. She’s the one who deserves all the accolades. ღ

      Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Right back atcha, sweetie❣

      Reply
  19. easyweimaraner – brittany – Weimaraner /Braque de Weimar, born in 2009, male & fabulous From: Britanny / France Likes: Plushtoy-Shredding, Spikebones,long distance Walks, everyday a Gift, Chicken, Shoes, Underwear, my squeekie Pig & my whole Life Dislikes: Water, Cats, Beaf, Cats, cleaning my Ears, Cats, the Vet, Cats, Snow & CATS! Profession: Student of psychological War-technics & Terrorism, after my Masterdegree i become to rule the world or maybe to be the owner of toys r us. actually i'm not sure... Status: Single Pets: Hell, NO! i prefer a petfree home. but owner of two slaves for my comfy Misc.: Greencardowner for Masterbed, Master of Beggin, Prince of Thiefs We decided to leave Easy's datas as they were... although we lost him in november 2016, he is still with us.... and his little brothers Phenny and Nelly promised to write on not as Easy the weim, but as easy Weimaraner... About us: Mr. Phoenix, born 9/9/2016 a virgo and always clever&smart...Neilson, born 7/28/2017 a leo who thinks he is clever&smart...
    easyweimaraner says:

    I’m so glad you could celebrate this mothers day together… hugs to you and to your mom…

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Hugs right back to you and the staff, Easy!

      Reply
  20. colinandray – S. Ontario, Canada – My profile photo is of Ray. Despite the fact that I had never had a dog in my life before him, and despite the fact that he carried more emotional baggage than I could ever imagine, he carved for himself a huge niche in my heart.
    colinandray says:

    Much as I like to hear about Sam, this was a lovely Post Monika. She clearly did a wonderful job in getting you started on your life journey to get that kind of appreciation. More power to her for what she accomplished, and more power to you for recognizing the fact and expressing it in such a loving manner. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thank you, Colin. I’m all smiles, both for the reason that mom is doing well and for your comment. 🙂

      Reply

Feel free to bark your thoughts...but please no growling.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.