Monday, August 30, 2010

The Power of Love

"It's strong and it's sudden-
It can be cruel sometimes-
But it might just save your life..." ~ Huey Lewis

The last few days have been nothing short of surreal here in Kathrynville.

As most of you know, Taylor (18) headed off to college. He's approximately 3 1/2 hours away by car...not a mind-numbing car ride but just enough so that I can't jump in the car to drop off his forgotten video game controller. It's difficult to let your child go...even when they're no longer considered a child (at least in the eyes of law enforcement, voter registration and the United States military).

Still. After 18 years, you kind of get used to having the knucklehead around.

Now the knucklehead in question has a broken hand.


Uh-huh....you've read that correctly. He was goofing around (as only a male can do...what's the deal with you guys and rough-housing? Don't you know somebody's gonna get hurt? If we've told you once, we've told you a thousand times....) and landed just so on the side of his hand. (No, he was not intoxicated, fyi...he was just being...well, Taylor.) Anyway, now he may need surgery to insert some sort of pin into said hand. Did I mention that it's his right hand? Did I also mention that he writes with his right hand? When I mentioned this tidbit, he informed me that he'd be bringing his laptop to his classes this week. We'll give him a minute to let the obvious sink in. He has to go one day this week to an orthopedist somewhere that's 45 minutes away from the college...and he has no car. He doesn't want us to drive up there to help...says he'll handle it on his own.

Because that's worked out so well thus far....(sigh) I know he'll figure things out. I'm really quite impressed with how matter-of-fact he's being about the whole thing...but I think he'll go to extreme measures to keep me from showing up on his doorstep...shouting, "MY BABY!" for all those to hear. I'll keep you posted.


In other devastating news, Metro (aka Metronome the Wonderdog) died peacefully early Thursday morning. Turns out those 'supposed seizures' were heart-related (the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known to have heart issues) and he was on the cusp of a harrowing and steady decline. His passing came complete with a terrifying car ride at 2am in the pouring rain to an emergency animal hospital, a stint in an oxygen incubator and a chest x-ray with a grim prognosis.

We're understandably devastated. After ten years together, we can't fathom him not being a part of our daily lives. I ask that any of you with furry members of the family out there give an extra-special snuggle in memory of our much-missed, sweet 'Nomie. Life, as we know it, will never be the same.

Alan W. Davidson said...

Very sad to hear about the death of Metro. That's always a big adjustment when they've been part of the family for a long time.

ALso sorry to hear about the broken Taylor incident. I've got a 22 year old nephew here who still does stuff like that and has a speed-pass to get into the emergency...still, it's mature of him to say he'll handle it on his own. Best of luck.

carissa said...

Oh my gosh it's been a tough week! I'm so sorry to hear about Metro. I think losing an animal is one of the toughest things ever. Also that sucks that Taylor broke his hand, but good for him for being so tough about it!

ClimbtoNowhere said...

I'm so sorry about your dog! That's a hard one. I can't even imagine what I'll do when my little dog goes. Your son is funny about his arm. I'm sure he'll figure it out. Attribute all of it to your amazing parenting!

Wendy Ramer, Author said...

So so sorry for your loss, Kathryn. I'm still mourning my Pluto, who passed 1-1/2 years ago.

Unknown said...

Aw. I just tuned in and read about Metro. I am so sorry Kathryn! *hugs* I know how it feels to say goodbye to a pet. I will give Jimmy some extra squooshes from you and your boys. He already gets TONS but will be happy to get some more.

I hope Taylor heals up quickly!!! And hope he is able to take care of himself alright. *sigh* Boys...

Betsy said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Metro, our furbabies are just as much a part of the family as us bi-peds and its devastating when they're gone. (((hugs)))

Straight Guy said...

I am sorry to hear about Metro. I've been through it, too. Sometimes it helps to remember just how lucky our domesticated pets are. 10 years in your safe house is a long shot better than what most critters get in the wild. By all counts he was a very lucky dog and lived a long and secure life.

As for Taylor, it's an important phase. If there's anyway he can sort out his care on his own, let him. Otherwise you might set a precedent of swooping in. Push those little chicks out of the nest, momma bird.

Lynn said...

Oh no! Not Metro! :( So sorry, Kathryn. It has been a hard week, hasn't it? Thinking about you fondly and giving you lots of (cyber) hugs.

And Taylor? Wow. You raised him right Kathryn, that he feels to be independent enough to take care of things himself. Lots of kids are running to mama over everything. Kudos!

Gigi said...

Holy cow, Kathryn! Taylor's only been gone - what? A week? And he's already broken?

If he thinks he can handle it, let him. "They" tell me it's important to let them learn how to deal with things on their own.

I'm soooo sorry about Metro - I know how much you all loved him!

Many hugs coming your way.

Carol said...

My heart is sad for you. Doggies are such a short jump from Heaven. Where would I be without my loves? As for the hand, well, you knew it was bound to happen, as soon as you couldn't mother him he was gonna need mothering. Dang kids!

Unknown said...

Oh Kathryn, so sorry to hear about Metro. Sending hugs & good luck vibes your way.

Vince said...

Oh, I an sorry for you about your dog.

And the university will have a scribe available for just such an eventuality.

kathryn said...

Alan W. Davidson: Thank you. Metro will be sorely missed. The "broken Taylor" remark gave me a much-needed laugh....I'm thinking he may have a lot in common with your nephew!

carissa: I know, sweetie. We'd never had a pet before...so, I'd no idea...although I'd refused to allow myself to mentally go there, even once we started heart medication 9 months ago. It's never a good time to lose someone you love, right?

ClimbtoNowhere: Thank you for the sweet comment...he was a huge part of our lives, as I'm sure you can appreciate. As for my son? This too shall pass. That's my mantra and I'm sticking to it!

kathryn said...

Wendy Ramer: Aw...thank you. I don't think we ever truly get over the loss...the heartache just reduces down to a more manageable level.

SMOOG: Thank you, sweetie. Please do give Jimmy some serious love from us on behalf of Metro. We're still incredulous here...it doesn't seem real. And yeah...boys will be boys...*sigh*

Gingerella: You are absolutely right, sweets. He was my eternal-toddler...and never more than ten feet away from me. The whole dynamics of our days (and our lives) have changed. So very sad.

kathryn said...

Straight Guy: How'd you get to be so wise?? Honestly, I have no regrets w/Metro. The ER vet said I'd extended his life by more than a year and that most ppl would not have tolerated the expense, special diet, etc. Personally, I could not have imagined doing it any other way. Still, with that said...and even with the time to prepare for the inevitable...we're still devastated. And you're right about Taylor, of course...he has to learn to manage without us fixing his life. I've arranged for the hospital to transport him to and from the appts (there's no public transportation in his small town)...but we're honoring his desire for autonomy and he's on his own from there. It's hard to let go!

Lynn: I know....thank you, sweetie. It's awful! I miss my furry baby. I miss Taylor too. But I am proud of him for being so brave. He was in a lot of pain for a while there.

Gigi: Thank you, my friend. Yeah...they say we need to back off, which is much easier said than done. I'm trying...but it's not easy, dammit! How many kids do you know who manage to break a writing hand 2 days after classes start?? Meh.

kathryn said...

Carol: You've nailed it, sweetie. Both the sweet doggies that mean so very much to us, to the angst we moms feel as soon as we let our kids go. But damn....like he doesn't have enough to worry about with college? Yikes...give me a break! (Pun intended)

ValleyWriter: Thank you, doll. It's still hitting us in these weird surreal waves. We'll have temporary amnesia and then it's fresh all over again. The love shared with him is worth the pain of losing him...he was that special.

Vince: Thank you. The college has an infirmary...but this needs surgery. I've learned that Taylor does not do anything halfway.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Why does stuff like this always happen at once?
So sorry about your adorable Nomie, and Taylor's broken hand and your loneliness at everybody off and leaving you with your angst.
At least there's wine.

Alicia said...

Oh Kathryn! I'm so sorry to hear about Taylor s hand and him so far away. He seems to be taking it in stride though. I hope he heals well.

I'm also so sorry to hear about Metro. Having just recently come to love dogs I can just imagine how devastated you must be!

It's been a tough time for you kiddo.

kathryn said...

Cathy Olliffe: Oh, you are so very wise. Thank you for the kind words. I'll never understand people that don't drink. I mean, seriously?? Wine doesn't leave you, although it can run out and/or go bad. I guess nothing's perfect...but it'll do!

Lauren said...

I see you've had a pretty craptacular week as well. I hope things start looking up soon.

Kelly@MentalGarbage said...

Oh no! I'm so so sorry to hear that!! Sending virtual hugs your way!!

And hopefully Taylor's hand heals quickly....

diane rene said...

oh goodness! sorry to hear about pooch and son ... as if we didn't already have enough to worry about as parents, right?

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry about the loss of your dog! Hope your sons hand gets better...

Dorn said...

Oh Kathryn, I'm sorry for your loss. Pets deliver so much unconditional love which makes it harder than most losses. My thoughts are with you.

As for Taylor...I read "I've got a girl who will drive me to the doctor, Mom" in the brush off. Happy College Days.

MissSterlingCooper said...

I hate it when bad things all happen at once... Its a bad way to start off a new school year, a new college experience, a new fall.

Unfortunately, there's not much we can do and sometimes some event just need to unfold so all the pain can work its way out of our systems. The Power of Live is a very apt name for this blog.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear all your sad bad news.
My thoughts are with you.
Take care.

Best wishes from Boonie

Vince said...

Sorry but you're missing exactly what I'm saying. A scribe, is what all universaties call the fellow that will write for those that cannot do it for themselves. It is a position that has been there since the Noah was a lad.
It was used for the little spawn who fell on some sking trip. But is u8sed to-day mostly for those that used to be called handicaped.
And that fits in these circumstances.

I had a re-read, 3 1/2 hours away. In what form of transport exactly. And is this a guess the Uni' game.
And are the hours counted once outside the city or are we talking from Manhatten. Oh christ you don't have to cross the city do you.

brite said...

So sorry to hear about Metro, Kathryn. I hope all your memories are happy ones and that missing him doesn't make you too sad.

Tinkerschnitzel said...

So sorry to here about Metro! I remember when we lost our chihuahua I cried for days. (Although it gets you some great sympathy tips when you're waiting tables!)

As for Taylor, well, we both knew it would be coming. Benjamin is already starting to turn on me and he's only 6. Thus is the life of a mom with boys. ((HUGS))

kathryn said...

Alicia: Thank you, sweetie. Yeah...definitely a tough week. I feel for so many ppl who've suffered losses lately. Seems like it's been a rough summer for many. I'm hoping Taylor will be okay...he's gotta get this fixed (and fast) so that his hand heals properly. As for Metro? We'll all cherish the time we've had with him. What else can you say??

Lauren: Craptactular....that word just about covers it. "As well"? Uh-oh...your week isn't going too well, sweets? I'm on my way!

KellyGrrl: Thank you, sweets. I gratefully accept your virtual hug and your wishes for Taylor's speedy hand-recovery. We'll know more tomorrow!

Spot said...

Children! We're never going to be rid of them are we? It sucks to know they're far away and not in mint condition. However, kudos to him for not relying on Mom and taking matters into his own hands. Mine aren't quite there yet.

I'm so sorry about Metro. I know how special he was to you all. I will for sure give out 8 extra special snuggles today.(My god, did I just really admit in public to having 8 pets?! No, I'm not a hoarder!!)

♥Spot

Adele said...

So so sorry to hear about Metro... I know how losing a pet feels...and it's one of the WORST feelings in the world. I wish I could do something to make you feel better... Well, consider yourself virtually hugged :)

Adele said...

So so sorry to hear about Metro... I know how losing a pet feels...and it's one of the WORST feelings in the world. I wish I could do something to make you feel better... Well, consider yourself virtually hugged :)

kathryn said...

diane rene: I know! I swear...it just doesn't end, right?? I'm trying not to freak out but it's soooo hard not to. I can't imagine just starting college and having a broken anything.

Christiejolu: Thank you, sweetie. It's been a tough week but I know it'll get better. I hope your girls are adjusting to the school year. We've gotta roll with it...what choice do we have?

Dorn: Ha! You may be right about Taylor. Either way, fingers crossed that he winds up not needing surgery on that hand. Thank you for the kind words re: Metro. Yes, that unconditional live is irreplaceable. I really miss him.

Bill and Liz said...

So, so sorry Kathryn... my heart goes out to you and your family during this time of loss. As a veterinarian (and an Emergency Vet, at that), I have walked this road with many people. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean...And yes my girls are loving school...and I am enjoying the peace and quiet...Thank you for finding that interview!

j.m. neeb said...

I am so sorry to hear about Metro. I'm going to be an absolute wreck when Tweak Dog passes away. (Kitty Meow and Allie Cat, too.)

kathryn said...

Miss Sterling Cooper: Thanks...I've had "The Power of Love" running through my head all week. It seemed appropriate. Now, I just want time to pass so I get through all the "firsts" that you go thru when in mourning that hurt so very much.

Boonie S: Thank you so much. It's never a good time...and you're never truly prepared, I guess.

Vince: Oh, riiiight. Ironically, the nurse at the college just mentioned this to me today. After tomorrow (Wed) we'll know what's what. Taylor has his consult. No crossing the city required. 3 1/2 hrs north...straight line. But 3 1/2 hrs once out of the city. Cross town? Fuggetaboutit. Thanks for commenting with the clarification!

wendy said...

Kathryn, you have my deepest sympathy about Metro. It's good that you have 10 wonderful years of memories of living with your doggie. I am certain he lived an awesome life with you and your boys.
Wow, Taylor really seems to know how to take control of a situation. Not surprising. He must take after you :)

snoble24 said...

oh im sorry you lost your pet.that sucks when you loose one cuse they are very speacial to you.in my 25 years of life iv lost a few animals and it sucked cuse they were family.anyway hope your boy will be ok

kathryn said...

brite: Aw...beautifully put, sweetie. Yes...every single memory of Metro is happy. He was truly awesome and unbelievably sweet. We were very lucky to have him.

Tinkerschnitzel: Ha! Yes...moms of boys deserve a special place in the universe...I'm convinced of it. We started w/the nickname "Heart Failure Taylor" when he was 3. He's living up to the name. Thank you, re: Metro. Every time I come in from outside, my heart squeezes a little. So sad.

Spot: No...you're not into double digits, so you're not a hoarder...yet. I appreciate you're passing out those hugs. I guess it's natural to wish for just one more. And let's not get ahead of ourselves w/Taylor just yet...the jury's still out. He may just be stubborn.

kathryn said...

Adele: Aw...thanks so much for that hug. I really needed it! It's been harder than I'd expected...but I don't think I'd realized just how much my life was centered around this little pup. Ten years of walks and food (and cooking said food so it was low-sodium) and meds and vet visits. He was doing so well even with all of this and we all adored him. Even my extended family is grieving. Sigh.

Bill and Liz: Well, you guys are saints. The nurse and vet were unbelievably kind...there were countless hugs and everyone wept. I was so resistant to going there...kept trying to hold out till morning....thought it would be a cold, institutional-type place. It could not have been further from the truth. Vets like you come into our lives often at the worst times...but I'm so grateful for you. Thank you for all that you do.

Christiejolu: You're very welcome, sweetie. I'm so happy when I can find things that ppl have been searching for. And I'm so happy you're settling into school with the girls...I remember how much you were dreading it!

j.m. neeb: I hear that. It's hard to even go there, right? I don't think we can prepare for it, either...'cause who wants to think about something so terrible happening? The whole house is different now and I feel like there's this permanent bookmark in our lives...there's "before he died" and "after". We're spinning in a new direction now.

kathryn said...

Wendy Blum: Thank you, sweetie. This was a lovely comment. And yes...we had 10 wonderful years with him...and he knew how loved he was. We couldn't go more than 30 minutes without petting/kissing/bothering him. He was irresistible. As for Taylor...he's a wonderful kid. It's not easy dealing with all this stuff so early into college life. I'm absolutely proud of him.

snoble24: Hey, sweetie! Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I know you totally understand how very hard it is to lose a beloved pet. They absolutely are family and I can't imagine a day going by where I won't miss him.

Jenny said...

Oh my goodness Kathryn, I'm so sorry about Metro! I read this at work and honestly cried my eyes out at my desk. I know there is nothing to say other than I'm sorry. BIG hugs for you. :(

kathryn said...

Jenny: Hey, doll! I'm happy to see you! Well, we were probably crying at the same time...so, consider yourself hugged right back. We're missing him something awful...but life goes on. (It's corny but true.) I actually rearranged my bedroom on Sunday...and it's the best thing I could have done. It was tearing me up to see the spot where he always rested...I couldn't look at it. It'll get better...it'll just take time. Thanks so much for the comment, sweetie.

Mark Price said...

Taylor should ask the docs to make his arm bionic if they're going in there anyway. (Yeah I watched the bionic man a couple of times...so what?) So sorry to hear about Metro, he was a lucky dog to have such a loving family. The cat will get an extra hug tonight.

Unknown said...

I stopped by last night, read this post, then got sidetracked before I got to comment.

Anyway, I'm so sorry to hear about Metro. It is never easy to lose a pet. They really become part of the family.

And, yes, something must be in the air ... Taylor's broken hand and Keira's broken arm. Yikes! Hope he's back to golden soon!

kathryn said...

Mark Price: I'll pass the "bionic" suggestion on to Taylor...I can just see the look on the doctor's face when he mentions it. I'll be sure he tells the doctor it was your idea. And yes...definitely give kitty a hug for me...it'll help some.

Kimberly: Thank you. I can't believe both Tay and Kiera got broken within a week of each other! Hopefully, we've gotten it out of the way and will have an uneventful school year from here. (Yeah, right...who am I kidding??)

Runnergirl said...

So sad - he truly was a wonderdog and will be missed by all of us.

Heather said...

Still very sorry for your loss.
I was just talking to a friend about all the things hubby has done to himself in the last 20 yrs, yeah it doesn't really ever stop! Boys..They really do know how to hurt themselves!

Jen said...

So sorry for all of that. Worrying about your son and then dealing with the poor dog. My thoughts are with you.

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