To Every Thing There Is A Season

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I hadn’t planned to write a post today as I’m feeling sad and a little mopey about Maud.  While I’m happy she’s not suffering anymore, I miss her. I keep thinking I need to take her for a little walk, give her medicine, or look in on her.  I miss Maud’s presence.

I’ve spent a lot of time with Dash over the course of the day, figuring he may be somewhat confused by Maud’s absence.  Plus, I needed to be around him more as well.  It’s been a sunny, beautiful day on Green Hill Farm, and Dash and I have taken full advantage of it by going on two, long walks.  On our jaunt around the pastures, I noticed both the sheep and chickens basking in the warmth, enjoying the spring weather.  A sight that offered solace.

This afternoon, I was running a tiny bit late feeding the barn cats and collecting eggs–just feeling a little off, I guess.  Anyway, I walked into the barn, and “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrds was playing on the radio.  I don’t know if you’re familiar with the song, but the lyrics, except for the title which is repeated throughout the song, and the final verse of the song, are adapted almost word-for-word from Chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes, set to music and recorded in 1962.

 

“To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep…”

~The Byrds

 

I listened to the song while I let Churchill Kitty out to run around, cleaned his room, and fed him.  As I listened to the lyrics and completed chores, it crossed my mind that this was a fitting song for how I was feeling today.  Another song played while I took care of Finn and Olive’s room and dinners.  By the time I finished, Elvis Presley’s voice was filling the barn, crooning his classic song, “Hound Dog.” The lyrics made me think of Maud…and smile.

 

“You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog

Cryin’ all the time

Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit

And you ain’t no friend of mine

Well they said you was high-classed

Well, that was just a lie

Well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit

And you ain’t no friend of mine…”

~Elvis Presley

 

The lyrics, “Well they said you was high-classed, well that was just a lie,” reminded me of a funny comment Dad once made about Maud.  After he and Mom did some pet sitting for us, Dad observed that our other dogs–Sadie, a Lab mix, and Scout, a Jack Russell Terrier, always went as far away from our house and patio as possible to do their “business.”  But, Maud did not.  Maud barely got all four feet clear of the patio when it was time to “go.”  Anyway, Dad remarked, “Maud isn’t very couth, is she?”  To which I replied, “No, she is not. What she lacks in refinement, she makes up in personality.”  All I can say, is in her 10 1/2 years with us, she never went to the nether regions of our backyard for privacy or to spare us from her “business.”  Maud may not have been “high-classed,” but she was definitely in a class of her own.  And, that’s why she was so endearing and lovable.

After bee-boppin’ around the barn to “Hound Dog” and remembering Maud fondly, I felt upbeat for the first time today.  Once the song finished, the radio announcer commented that today is National Pet Day. She went on to encourage everyone to give their companions some special attention and remember how important they are to all of us.  A wonderful reminder, indeed.  With that, I thought about the 24 other pets I have who deserve my love and regard.

Here’s the thing:  This all may sound a little corny, but I don’t care.  I walked into the barn later than normal to do chores, and out of all the songs in the world and all the minutes in the day, these two songs played within a ten minute window.  Two songs with lyrics that were so meaningful to me on this particular day. Lyrics that were comforting and uplifting.  Over the years, I’ve stopped believing in coincidences.  I really believe that we experience what we are meant to experience, and maybe, somewhere, there is a lesson in it. Maybe, this was Maud’s lesson and way of saying…”Everything is okay; I’m okay.  I’m running around, howling, chasing rabbits, and having a marvelous time being uncouth.  Please let me go and be happy.”

Although, right now, I may feel sad, I’m really going to try to take Maud’s lesson to heart. So, in honor of one of the best pets ever, Happy National Pet Day!  And, here’s wishing you a couth companion as well as one with LOTS of personality!

 

Categories: Animals, Reflections on Farm Life

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64 Comments »

  2. I have always felt God’s angels come in many forms to us. Sometimes He puts the records on at the radio station, sometimes He sends a cardinal (from my grandpa), He sends a perfectly timed falling star (from my Dad) or He brings baked cherry pie aroma while no baking is going on (yay, grandma.) Hugs and love to you, Tonya. 🙂

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      • No thanks needed, Tonya. I would visit more but working at Advance Auto parts warehouse means we ship auto parts to our stores and we took on extra ones from Indiana since their Remington warehouse is not able to keep fully staffed. I like winter blogging since it is less hectic. Last week, I worked 48 hours and babysat my grandies about six hours over the weekend. My DIL helped my oldest daughter who has to work weekends. Thank goodness, I don’t do this! 🙂

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      • I do feel pets are family and felt very saddened about your loss. Over the weekend, a fellow blogger posted her husband passed away. It really hit me hard, since they had a 21 year old I am imagining she is only in her forties. . . 😦

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  6. I am so sorry to hear about Maud. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I know how hard it is to let a beloved pet go. I’m glad to hear that your day turned out to be a good one in spite of the sadness that you feel.

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  10. Love this post! So sorry about Maud, just wanted to add if you go down a bit from the verses youmentioned in Ecclesiastes, there is a verse that says ‘God has made everything beautiful in its time’ …your Maud was beautiful!

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  18. Definitely agree on not believing in coincidences, Tonya. There are so many things we experience that just have to be a message if only we take the time to see it and if we’re brave enough to embrace it when it comes it can make a world of difference in how we proceed. Wishing easier days ahead for you, Tonya, as you continue to adjust.

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  19. I love it. Music can speak to me when I’m completely inaccessible. Even on days when my brain is so overwhelmed I can’t focus my thoughts enough to read a reflection, music can cut through all that noise and make me feel. I’m so glad you got this beautiful message from your Maud!

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  20. 2 great songs and one great message. It’s not corny at all Tonya and I truly believe those we love have a way of letting us know they are ok and at peace. I hope you can find some comfort and peace with Dash and your other furry friends in the warm spring sunshine☀️

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  22. I love this post. It’s so true that sometimes the fates send you some comfort and solace when you least expect it. Nothing feels as empty as your home right after you’ve lost a beloved pet. But the grief is a little easier when you know that ending their suffering was the right thing to do…if only it was as simple for us humans. Enjoy the company of all of your animals, and the beauty of spring!

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    • I do, too. When Farmguy pulled into the driveway last night, he changed radio stations. “Wildflowers,” the song I used in my tribute to Maud post was playing. Neither of us had even heard that song until last Monday. I told Farmguy it was Maud’s way of howling at him when he got home–something she loved to do from the backyard gate when he arrived from work. 🌸🐶

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