Seiko




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" January 1, 2003 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" You are receiving this free newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to subscribe@write2theheart.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, some are handed to us and others just appear out of the blue. Special blessings touch more than one life. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ Seiko By Bob Shaw ------------------------------------------------------------- At times, it's pretty hard to tell if something is a blessing, even if it is from out of the blue. We parked the RV in a wide open space with a large front yard and great view. The highway ran just a good rock throw from us, and sometime during the night, a visitor came to see us. My wife, Ronni had tried for quite some time to talk her in. She'd get just so close and the fear would drive her back. It was heartbreaking to see her so thin and weak. Finally, Ronni came to get me to see if I would have any luck with her. Even at a distance, I could tell she was in rough shape. She was a small Sheltie, dirty, starved, and obviously mistreated. I walked out as close as she would allow me to get, sat down and just started talking to her. It took awhile for her to come to me. When she did, she just sat in front of me, looking in to my eyes. It was a strange few minutes, as she seemed to be trying to figure me out. Finally, she decided to trust me. As my hand touched her little head, I got the feeling that she'd known very little kindness. The look in her eyes told volumes. It was then that we realized we had a problem. As a condition of our lease at home, we couldn't have pets. Immediately we thought of John. He and his wife Judy had been friends for many years. When I called him, he told me that what he really needed was a watch dog. I assured him that she'd be a good one. When they came to see her, John looked at her and asked if she could watch anything besides her food dish. I saw the smile and the look in his eyes, and knew he was hooked as bad as I was. When he sat on the floor and talked to her, she went to him and crawled up on his lap. They'd made friends for life. John laughed and asked me, "A watch dog?" I smiled back at him and said, "Yeah, her names Seiko." John just closed his eyes and shook his head. Seiko went to her new home that day. John, Judy and daughter Janet stayed up with her all that night taking turns trying to get something down her. They finally had some success with ice cubes. She was not only starved but also dehydrated. The next day, Monday, they got her in to see the Vet. He told them she was in pretty bad shape. Another day or so, she wouldn't have made it. With a big tear in his eye, John looked at the Vet and said she'd be alright. That was several years ago. Seiko lived up to her name. She was, and still is, the best watch dog John ever had. Nothing happens without her knowing it. There were a lot of nightmares at first, but I think she finally conquered them. I'm not sure what all she does remember, but every time we go for a visit, there's Seiko, sitting there waiting for me. There's a look in her eyes that can only be described as being reserved for one of her "special" friends. We went out to see her and her parents about a week ago. After a glorious welcome from her and her friend, Ragamuffin (Muffin), we all sat down for a nice quiet chat. I happened t look around and see Seiko sitting, staring at me. I wondered if she was trying to remember something, or just waiting for me to call her to me. I put my hand down toward her, and stiffly, she came over to my chair. I reached down and picked her up, nuzzled her face next to mine, and scratched her favorite ear. Her little eyes held the warmth of a summer day. She reached over and gave me a single lick on the cheek, then moved over to the edge of the chair, waiting for me to lift her down. Then, very ladylike and delicate, she walked over to her bed and laid down for her afternoon nap. One last look around at her people, then she was off to sleep. I couldn't help but notice how she had turned in to a little "Gray Hound". I think the years had gotten away from all of us. There were so many good times centered around our little friend. Now, we were thinking some day, in the not too distant future, we'd be saying good bye. Any time a loved one is lost, whether it's a friend, family member, or beloved pet, it leaves a jagged hole in one's life. What we have to remember is that everything around that hole is built with love, and made solid with memories that will last a lifetime. Bob Shaw Caperabbit @ Prodigy.Net (You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Bob and wife Ronni live in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. They'd enjoy hearing from you, and if you liked the story. -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- I loved Alison Peters' "Pillow of Peace." The story was well written and spoke directly to my heart. It exemplified exactly what the spirit of Christmas is all about. I, too, hate to pack up Christmas each year, and keep one or two visible reminders out even when the season is over. I tuck away something that reminds me of the reason for the season, in my china cabinet, and when I see it throughout the year, it fills my heart with Christmas no matter what the month. This year I have kept out a small music box out that plays a carol, so I am reminded to live a "Christmas life" all year long. So it is with the Pillow of Peace. Some things are meant to be displayed. Thank you, Alison, for the reminder, and for this beautiful story. Maria Harden --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner I have had so many e-mails about the missing Corner last week. Sorry folk's, I was battling flu. Trust me, that's all you want to know about the situation. Christmas day started out very quiet. That quickly changed with the arrival of the first wave of grandsons. By the time the second wave came, the first two had whipped themselves into a frenzy wanting to open the large packages with their names on them. Husband David was just as bad. He had a nice sized box under the tree and wanted to shake it. I had to threaten him several times that it would break if he shook it. For once, he didn't have a clue as to what I got him. He was as excited as a small child when he opened his DVD recorder. He gave me the large freestanding jewelry box I always wanted. It looks great in my bedroom. I gave all the daughter-in-laws and grandsons rod and reels. My married sons wanted to know where theirs was. I know they have poles, now they don't have an excuse to not take their families fishing! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and I pray that this New Year will be blessed beyond your expectations. Happy New Year, Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors. ---------------------------------------------------------------