First of all, I'm so very sorry to hear of Roscoe's passing. I met him a few times and thought him to be the most gentlemanly and regal of dogs. I know how it feels to lose your most beloved animal friend, and my heart aches for you. In 2010, I had to say goodbye to my dear Tessie, who was 13, and I knew I had to put her comfort before my longing to keep her alive. My dear Gabriel is now four, and I hope we see each other out.
I loved your essay, which is so deeply personal and brave, and I thought I would like to comment. I feel blessed to live in a place (Halfmoon Bay, BC) where we embrace nature with Bard Owls hooting and the odd coyote calling out in the night. I think about the animals when I walk Gabriel on the trails where people warn you to be on the look out for black bears. I think of these animals, and feel gratitude that I share this place with them. I have to be careful of Gabriel with the deer who populate our road, being sure to leash him because he would be off in a moment to chase them. We all live in a kind of harmony here, respecting the life of all living things.
When I lived in Vancouver, it was Pacific Spirit Park that nurtured my need for quiet spaces. The trees and the plants provided it, but it's been many years since the park housed any deer. Maybe now all that populates that forest are raccoons and coyotes. But there are berries, and lots of them. I love that you are raising your two boys to appreciate that which is available to you in the city, to be excited about what nature offers in the way of salmon berries and huckleberries. I remember taking my son Geoff to a pond in Southlands when he was seven. I pointed out the wriggly tadpoles, and he asked me, "Why have you never brought me here before." You are doing everything right, never doubt that. You were Roscoe's guiding light, and you are all of that to your sons. All you need to be is yourself. And know that you are doing everything right. Love, Maureen
So sorry to hear about your loss. This piece is so beautiful and it was lovely to read about how Roscoe's presence has left deep ripples in your life and way of being with the natural world. I resonate so much with what you wrote.
Dear Mandy,
First of all, I'm so very sorry to hear of Roscoe's passing. I met him a few times and thought him to be the most gentlemanly and regal of dogs. I know how it feels to lose your most beloved animal friend, and my heart aches for you. In 2010, I had to say goodbye to my dear Tessie, who was 13, and I knew I had to put her comfort before my longing to keep her alive. My dear Gabriel is now four, and I hope we see each other out.
I loved your essay, which is so deeply personal and brave, and I thought I would like to comment. I feel blessed to live in a place (Halfmoon Bay, BC) where we embrace nature with Bard Owls hooting and the odd coyote calling out in the night. I think about the animals when I walk Gabriel on the trails where people warn you to be on the look out for black bears. I think of these animals, and feel gratitude that I share this place with them. I have to be careful of Gabriel with the deer who populate our road, being sure to leash him because he would be off in a moment to chase them. We all live in a kind of harmony here, respecting the life of all living things.
When I lived in Vancouver, it was Pacific Spirit Park that nurtured my need for quiet spaces. The trees and the plants provided it, but it's been many years since the park housed any deer. Maybe now all that populates that forest are raccoons and coyotes. But there are berries, and lots of them. I love that you are raising your two boys to appreciate that which is available to you in the city, to be excited about what nature offers in the way of salmon berries and huckleberries. I remember taking my son Geoff to a pond in Southlands when he was seven. I pointed out the wriggly tadpoles, and he asked me, "Why have you never brought me here before." You are doing everything right, never doubt that. You were Roscoe's guiding light, and you are all of that to your sons. All you need to be is yourself. And know that you are doing everything right. Love, Maureen
Thank you, Maureen. It's so lovely to picture you on your walk with Gabriel. It sounds pretty perfect to me.
Hello Mandy,
So sorry to hear about your loss. This piece is so beautiful and it was lovely to read about how Roscoe's presence has left deep ripples in your life and way of being with the natural world. I resonate so much with what you wrote.
Arpita
PS. We met briefly at ESI, during the retreat!
Hi Arpita! Thank you so much for your note. It's so nice to still be connected with so many people I met at my stay there.
Mandy :)