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Blue Christmas: Is 2009 gone yet?
By Gina Spadafori
December 13, 2009
Across the street, my neighbor Judy’s home is a-twinkle in cool blue, blue and nothing but blue.
This year’s light display took me by surprise, because Judy usually likes lights and colors for the holidays. For the last few years, her front lawn has been home t oa forest of tall “trees” each made of three long stretches of rebar and festooned with strings of color. (The choice of material may sound odd, but it’s really a lovely display at night.) Some years, she even puts one of these trees on my lawn, which I allow her to do even though I don’t “do” Christmas and haven’t for more than a decade.
As long as I don’t have to deal with the put-up, take-down or any maintenance in between, Judy’s welcome to improve the view out of her front window by putting a tree on my front lawn.
But there’s nothing on my front lawn this year, or on Judy’s. Just the blue blue blue along her eves and porch railings.
I should have figured it out, but I guess I’m kind of dense sometimes, so I finally remembered to ask what was with the abrupt change from her traditional holiday decor.
“Blue Christmas,” she said, and shrugged. “My mom.”
She didn’t have to say anything else, and in fact we moved on to the next topic, who would make the next feed-store run for chicken food. Because, yes, Blue Christmas is a perfect theme for 2009 , in “honor” of what my friend Sam calls a “kidney stone” of a year we just have to pass.
Just the losses alone make it so. Judy’s mom. Christie’s mom. My dad. Rebel and Heather, three little puppies, and many others, most recently Bailey, who was much loved not only by our blogging friend Kathy Flake but also by all her many readers and fans, who have long included Christie (who first noticed Kathy’s blog) and me. Kathy, writing about Bailey:
I loved what she brought to my life, the joy we found together. My favorite things to do here were the things I did with my dog—the long walks, the trips we took with her, the dog-friendly outings. There are so many places to explore with your dog here—many of them archaeological sites, which has led directly to my newfound interest in archaeology. Our trips to Scotland, to Wales, and Normandy were special because we were there with Bailey.
Seeing this ancient land through a dog’s eyes gives you a whole different perspective. A simple walk through our woods became an adventure with Bailey, who could always find the ripest blackberries, knew who needed a pet, and could unerringly locate fresh fox scat, to our dismay. If walking is beneficial, mentally, a walk with a dog is even more so.
When Bailey developed cancer, I finally accepted that our walks would be numbered, our explorations circumscribed by her illness. But I didn’t expect to lose her so soon.
Read the rest here, but get tissues first.
Just a couple more weeks, and 2009, too, shall pass, Blue Christmas and all.
Wishing us all the happiest of New Years, starting now.
On a more upbeat note: Pet Connection BFF Dr. Patty Khuly chooses some holiday gifts for pet-lovers in her regular USA Today column.
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This year and last were tough ones I am hoping for an awesome 2010.. Much happiness, health and joy for all!!
Comment by Gloria Keknhofer — December 13, 2009 @ 8:44 am
“This kidney stone of a year” is absolutely the most apt description. May 2010 be as wonderful for all as 2009 was painful.
Comment by David S. Greene — December 13, 2009 @ 8:47 am
I cannot read Bailey’s story as it hits way too close to home. My kidney stone started the 2009 year with the loss of my golden, Cedar. He was diagnosed with Cancer the day after Christmas, so Christmas does not hold any joy for me. The next golden who has graced our lives was born on the exact same day. A golden ray of hope for a good 2010. Henry, you have big paws to fill and broken hearts to heal.
Comment by Jill — December 13, 2009 @ 9:27 am
LOL I just figured it was my pre-fifty tune-up and that I was getting everything out of the way at once.
Glad this year will be over soon and know of many others who feel the same way.
Comment by Ark Lady — December 13, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
In January, my friend Robin lost her greyhound Badge to bone cancer, and on Feb. 12 we lost our old beagle Felix, the light of our lives. It HAS been a hard year for so many people we know, so we, too, are looking forward to a happier 2010 and hoping it turns out to be a better year for everyone who had trouble, strife, and sadness in 2009!
Comment by Glenye Oakford — December 13, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
I am slowly preparing myself for my own blue Christmas, as Tessa winds down the last part of her life, and as I try to find the strength to do what I know I owe her.
I don’t know how I ever will manage this, and I just don’t want to know.
Comment by FrogDogz — December 13, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
I’m so sorry, FrogDogs. The last act of love is the hardest of them all. I wish you strength and courage when the time comes.
Comment by David S. Greene — December 13, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
I don’t know how I ever will manage this, and I just don’t want to know.
You will love her. Just as I know you always have.
Sending strength and {{{{hugs}}}}}
Comment by The OTHER Pat — December 13, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
Life has dealt me plenty of pluses and minuses this year.
The hardest was giving up my beloved
Batman last February.
I did what I had to do—just got hysterical in the process, that’s all. Boy, do I miss him.
I am so sorry for you, FrogDogs, but I feel you will find the strength no matter how hard it might be.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — December 13, 2009 @ 9:07 pm
Good riddance, 2009. “Kidney stone of a year” is the perfect description. I may have to steal it.
I had many losses this year. Both dog and human family. It’s been a rough one. Just found out last night that one of my photo subjects in our Calendar for a Cause this year collapsed on a walk the day after the calendar went online. Dog’s lives are too, too short. Beautiful tribute to Bailey, Kathy.
Here’s to remembering 2009 as a year we survived. And 2010 will be the year we thrive.
Comment by Amy — December 14, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Hugs FrogDogz…
Comment by Carol V — December 14, 2009 @ 10:23 am