July - A Tough But Productive Month

Every July begins with my memories of my daddy going into the hospital due to a stroke. That is followed by the date of his birth/death. (He died on his birthday.) Just as I am recovering mentally and emotionally from this, my grandmother's birthday comes along. I often reflect on how I wish I had spent more time with her doing things that I loved. She was a whiz at anything she tried. Whether she was cooking, sewing, or crocheting, grandma was all in. Everything had to be perfect. As this very emotional month winds down, I decided to share with you a few of the activities that I conquered in honor of my grandma. I began the month making my delicious butter. I finished a granny square blanket.

It truly is relaxing to feel the yarn run through my fingers. Then I jumped into canning a strawberry jam.

Although I don't think it is beautiful in presentation, it certainly is mouthwatering. That was followed by a batch of scrumptious cheese.

It is so incredible that it is hard to keep stocked. After all of this yummy goodness, I decided to use up my material supply in the craft room. I have begun working on a English Paper Piecing quilt.

It is the perfect on the go sewing project. I can take a small sewing kit, and work while we travel. Everything is done by hand to piece the quilt top together. It will take awhile, but it is definitely worth the time. Next I began making my mama's divine apple sauce.

Again, this is another treat that is hard to keep stocked. We have a couple of spoonfuls with every dinner. My most recent endeavor was my version of my daddy's salsa.

However, this time I made it mild so that I could share with others. This is my all-time favorite condiment. I literally put it on everything. This week I will be tackling a blueberry jam or a blueberry butter. I haven't quite decided yet. They are both delicious, but I'm not sure which one I want just yet. The ingredients have been purchased, but I haven't made up my mind. I'm thinking about making a video on how to make the blueberry dish. You will have to tune in next time to find out what I do. Until then, I sending out happy thoughts for you.

Hugs,
Jenni

Generosity

Most people know that my father passed last July. However, not everyone knows that his beloved dog, Cheyenne, was left without a home. She stayed with Christopher and I for about 8 months until my brother could take her. It turns out that he and his family are not dog people. Christopher and I could not take her back because she did not get along with the neighbor dog. It was time to look for another alternative. Here is the story:

It was a Friday when we got a phone call from my brother saying he could not keep Cheyenne. My mom and I were in the Grand Canyon, miles from being able to do anything. My brother decided to leave the dog at my mom's house, and my wonderful husband had to pick up the ball and deal with the situation. After hearing back from the Weimaraner Rescue that was going to be able to take her (they only had one spot open), Christopher left school and picked up Cheyenne. She was beside herself to see him. I think she knew she was going to come home and see her beloved companion, Dyson (our greyhound). Their reunion was heartbreaking. They sat on the bed together and cuddled, never leaving each other's side. Knowing they would not stay together made it even harder for Christopher to deal with. He felt absolutely awful about not being able to keep such a sweet dog.

Saturday morning Christopher was dressed and ready to take Cheyenne to the rescue. One look at how Dyson and Cheyenne held each other made it even harder for him. It took him several hours to work up to separating them and breaking their hearts. When Christopher finally got Cheyenne in the car she knew she wasn't coming back. She tried her best to endear herself to him and appeared to be pleading with him to stay. With tears in his eyes, Christopher pulled up to the rescue and took Cheyenne in. Although she appeared to feel comfortable with the other Weimaraners, Christopher's heart was broken when she wanted nothing more to do with him. He left truly devastated.

About six weeks later, I received an e-mail from a woman who had adopted Cheyenne. Here is what she wrote:

Hello, Jenni.

My name is ****. I hope you won't think it too presumptuous or intrusive on my part, for I wouldn't want to invade your privacy for the world, but I was wondering if the dog we recently adopted, a Weimaraner named Cheyenne, belonged to your late father. I understood that her owner had died, and I felt so bad for her and the family. I saw the owner's name on the vet records, did a little internet surfing, and stumbled on your blog. You seem like such a lovely, warm person. I always try to put myself in another person's shoes, and I can't help but think that if I were in your family's place, I would want to know that my dad's beloved companion found a loving home.

When I unpacked Cheyenne's belongings from the rescue, I was bowled over with emotion—there was doggie toothpaste, a toothbrush, a doggie electric toothbrush (lol!), AND bottled doggie water with electrolytes, not to mention her little toys. I was so touched, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, quite honestly. What I did know right away was that this was a dog who had been very much loved and cared for, and that her owner had been a fine man.

My husband and I already love Cheyenne very much, and I have thought a lot about the man who left her behind but obviously adored her. Sometimes on our walks, I have talked to him in my heart, tried to reach him in spirit, and have told him not to worry—his baby is in good hands. And I thank him for having been so good to her. I feel that in some small way I have gotten to know him through Cheyenne, who is a reflection of the love she received.

I've taken a chance on sending this to you in the hope that I haven't gotten the wrong person. If you would like to write back or know more, please feel free. I can also e-mail you some photos if you'd like. Please know that Cheyenne has three comfy doggie beds and four sofas to choose from (including my beloved Pottery Barn micro-suede cushy couch, which she now clearly owns), gets regular nature walks (we are near the Santa Monica mountains), and is treated like a princess. She also has a new friend, our other Weimaraner, Maverick. He is 14 years old (we also got him from Friends for Pets 12 ½ years ago), and Cheyenne is keeping him young. She is wonderful, and we're grateful to have her!

Again, I hope that I haven't imposed on you.

My best wishes to you and yours,

*****

You can only imagine the flood of emotion that went through me. I was beside myself with joy that Cheyenne was loved. I immediately showed the e-mail to Christopher and the tears flowed from us. It was such a difficult decision to make and after reading this e-mail I knew it was the right one. I'm forever grateful for the generosity of people. I hope that sharing this creates a burning in you to be generous with someone who could really use it.

Hugs,

Jenni

Memories

After attending my first Angel game since my Dad's passing, I realized that I don't have many memories that aren't directly tied to my Dad. Although I know it is not a quick or easy process to not completely mourn the loss I feel, I also know that it will be especially long and painful for me. Dad was one of my best friends. There has not been a day that I haven't thought about him and cried over the loss. While mulling it all over I've been learning to play guitar again on my Dad's guitar. Even when challenging I find myself determined to push through those hard times and find joy in what I'm doing. I don't ever plan to be a guitar virtuoso, but it sure has been fun learning to relax with my guitar.

If you've lost someone special to you I'd love to hear about how you honor their memory.


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Jess Andrew Roberts Jr Memorial

We will be having a memorial for Jess Andrew Roberts Jr. at Bonelli Park on Friday, July 22, 2011, at 8:00am. This was one of his favorite fishing spots. We will be gathering on the East Shore of the lake. It is a $10.00 entry fee. I have included a map of Bonelli Park and highlighted the route to the gathering. We would love for you to join us.

Following the lakeside memorial we will be gathering at the Autumn Oaks Clubhouse. It is located in Glendora near the corner of Citrus Ave and Foothill Blvd. Please feel free to join us as we will be there as long as people would like to come by. If you would like to stop by we ask that you park at the church next door, "Spirit of Life Bible Church", as there is no parking by the clubhouse. The address is: 1155 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741. If you would like to attend the reception, but won't make it to the lake, please email me at jennburgan@yahoo.com and I will provide directions. For all others directions will be provided at the lake.

In lieu of flowers we will be accepting donations that will be forwarded to the Stroke Care Unit of Pomona Valley Hospital.


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