My "Furry Grandchild"
Over the years I have come to believe in reincarnation. My first inkling that the nuns' explanation of life after death (sitting in heaven, forever gazing at God) didn't resonate with me was when I touched a dead pet and wondered where the "life" had gone. My epiphany was when I gave birth and wondered from where the "life" came. Spirit changing forms seemed a sensible explanation to me, as it does for millions who follow some Eastern religions. The one part I always had trouble with, however, was the belief that a human could come back in the next life as an animal . . . that is until four years ago, when my daughter came over with a little ball of black fur they named "Jackson." At the time, Sarah was just a twinkle in her daddy's eye, and so, Jackson became my "grandchild" and has remained my "furry grandchild" ever since. My attraction to Jackson was ins
tantaneous. It was love at first sight. But who could blame me? King Charles Spaniels are all adorable, and Jackson wasn't any exception. But don't be fooled, it's more than that. If this dog isn't a human spirit reincarnated, I'll eat my hat! First of all, he understands everything anyone says. For example, he won't get upset when he hears the word bath, but if the conversation includes him possibly taking a bath, he's out of there. Or take the time my daughter and her husband skyped me from Europe when I was babysitting Jackson for a month. The first week they were away, he sat near me and watched them on the computer screen, listening to their voice with interest, but the second week, when they come on the screen, he got up, turned his back on them and sat down, completely ignoring their pleas to acknowledge them. He was angry that they were gone so long, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Just as I do for my grandchild, I scour the yard sales for "Grandma equipment" to make Jackson's visits more comfortable. An example of this is the stairs I picked up so that he could more easily jump up onto my high bed to snuggle with me at night when I watch him. I'm not embarrassed to say that I've been known to refer to myself as his grandma in sentences like "If grandma slips you any more scraps under the table, your mom will get mad at me!", and "Grandma missed you". When I know he is coming, I buy him special treats, and yes, I even read the labels to make sure that they are "natural" and preservative free. Jackson more than pays me back by being absolutely delighted every time he sees me, by instantly forgiving me every time I accidentally step on his tail, and by giving me unconditional love all the time. Jackson is very important to my daughter and her husband and that would be reason enough to make him very important to me, but even if he weren't their pride and joy, he would still be special to me. I'm not sure who he was in a past life, but he certainly has my deceased dad's disposition and he likes me to scratch his back, just like my dad did.... Who knows?
For more on Enlightened Grandparenting visit Nona Nita's Nook
and click My Path Productions for ideas that support conscious living.
tantaneous. It was love at first sight. But who could blame me? King Charles Spaniels are all adorable, and Jackson wasn't any exception. But don't be fooled, it's more than that. If this dog isn't a human spirit reincarnated, I'll eat my hat! First of all, he understands everything anyone says. For example, he won't get upset when he hears the word bath, but if the conversation includes him possibly taking a bath, he's out of there. Or take the time my daughter and her husband skyped me from Europe when I was babysitting Jackson for a month. The first week they were away, he sat near me and watched them on the computer screen, listening to their voice with interest, but the second week, when they come on the screen, he got up, turned his back on them and sat down, completely ignoring their pleas to acknowledge them. He was angry that they were gone so long, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Just as I do for my grandchild, I scour the yard sales for "Grandma equipment" to make Jackson's visits more comfortable. An example of this is the stairs I picked up so that he could more easily jump up onto my high bed to snuggle with me at night when I watch him. I'm not embarrassed to say that I've been known to refer to myself as his grandma in sentences like "If grandma slips you any more scraps under the table, your mom will get mad at me!", and "Grandma missed you". When I know he is coming, I buy him special treats, and yes, I even read the labels to make sure that they are "natural" and preservative free. Jackson more than pays me back by being absolutely delighted every time he sees me, by instantly forgiving me every time I accidentally step on his tail, and by giving me unconditional love all the time. Jackson is very important to my daughter and her husband and that would be reason enough to make him very important to me, but even if he weren't their pride and joy, he would still be special to me. I'm not sure who he was in a past life, but he certainly has my deceased dad's disposition and he likes me to scratch his back, just like my dad did.... Who knows?
For more on Enlightened Grandparenting visit Nona Nita's Nook
and click My Path Productions for ideas that support conscious living.
What a lovely entry! That little doggie is adorable =) Thanks for sharing.
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This is such a precious post.
I love the picture..
Dorothy from grammology
www.grammology.com
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I understand how you feel about this dog. I had a poodle that was given to me after my husband died and he became the lifeline to keep me sane in my grief.
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