Prodigal Poet: An Ecclectic Offering on God, Shakespeare, and the Beatles

One year ago today Kevin and I had to put our dog, Miko to sleep. She was just about to turn 14 years old. We never did know the exact day . . . just that it was around the 20th of February. Some of the time we would get her a birthday gift, usually special dog treats of some kind. But we never did that very consistently. Sometimes I really wish that we had. I suppose it would quell a bit of the guilt that I feel for this and for that -- for not paying her enough attention in those last weeks. I could soothe myself with the fact that, "Well, at least I never let her birthday go by without a celebration." But I cannot. I can't change what has already been done. But I often wish that I could. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and as usual it put me in a very reflective mood. Although, I must say, it is a rarity if I am not overly introspective on any given day. But Ash Wednesday brings an extra-special sort of introspection. I often think about what I need to chan...

Lately my mind has wandered into fervent thoughts of our dog that we had to put to sleep in February of this year. A friend recently had to commit the same heart-wrenching act. And just yesterday my mom and dad were telling me that they watched "Marley and Me." I have not seen this movie but I already know what happens. And let me tell you, I'm not sure that I can handle another "Old Yeller" type moment. When my husband and I saw "I Am Legend" in the theater we were a complete and utter mess! If you haven't seen it, I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just leave it at that. Both difficult movies for dog-lovers . . . or anyone with a soul. I've always been a dog person. I am the last child of three (two older brothers) and my family already had a dog when I was born. Her name was Fluffy, a peekapoo (such a stinkin' cute name for a mixed breed), who was about three years old at the time of my birth. So my attachment to dogs be...