To Every Thing There Is A Season
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
Awe, she passed. I must have missed the post. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I almost feel like I knew her from your posts.
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That’s very kind. Thank you.
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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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I feel the same way, Robin. Thank you for sharing all the ways He has reached out to you. Many thanks for your compassion and kindness. 🙂
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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 certainly understand. Busy days, indeed. Many thanks for stopping by to visit. It’s always nice hearing from you. 🙂 xo
Take care!
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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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That is very sad and tragic. I’m sorry for her loss.
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Sometimes there are no words, Tonya. Just hugs.
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Hugs are most appreciated. Thank you, George.
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So sorry your dear Maud is gone…. A sad day, indeed.
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Thanks so much, Christina.
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I’ll take personality over couth anyday!!!!! Lots of love and comfort to you.
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Me too! 🙂
That’s very thoughtful. Thank you.
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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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Thanks very much, Joy. Having a good day took some effort, but the songs definitely helped. 💙
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Yes, I am sure it isn’t easy! Bless your heart!
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xo
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The Oldies-Music-healing! xo T-
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Thanks, Cheryl.
💙💛🐶 xo
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xoxoxxo
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I don’t believe in coincidences, and I’m glad the music could bring you that connection 🙂
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Thank you. I am too. I felt a sense of peace afterward. 🙂
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There are no coincidences!!!
Maud made sure you heard those songs…
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Sweet Maud….💗
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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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Thank you, Camellia. That is lovely! 🙂
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Wonderful post….I have always believed that if we pay attention there are always signs.
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Thank you, Sally. I believe that as well.
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So sorry Tonya… I didn’t realize she was gone… 😞
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Thank you, Michelle. We said goodbye last Friday.
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🌼
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I think these things happen for a reason…. See, the radio conspired with life to cheer you up! Maud will be smiling down on you Tonya 🐶
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That’s a very lovely thought. Thank you, Ritu. 🙂
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😚
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xo 🙂
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Sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. They are part of the family. I’m sure she had the nicest life on the farm.
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Thanks so much, Emma. Maud was definitely a beloved family member.
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She has been looking out for you alright in her own way 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful time with your other pets as you all remembered her spirit!
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It’s a comforting thought. Thank you, Prajakta.
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I think now she’s an angel who takes care of you from above.
Hugs, Tonya ❤
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That’s such a wonderful thought, Monica. Thank you.💗
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❤
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Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry for your loss. Xxx
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Thank you so much, Raphaela. 💛 xoxo
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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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Thank you for your lovely and supportive comment, Torrie.
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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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I agree that music is healing and uplifting. Thank you for you kind words, Laura.
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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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Thank you, Melody. I’m fortunate to have other sweet animal friends to help lift my spirits. 💛 ☀️ xoxo
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Words fail, but my heart goes out to you. Hugs.
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Thank you. 🌼
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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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Thank you so much. It does help to know Maud is peaceful. I’m grateful for the beauty and joy she brought to our lives. That’s what I’m going to think about now…and all of our other sweet animals.
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So so sorry for your loss. Loosing a dog is never easy. Always makes me sad and brings tears to my eyes even when it’s someone else’s loss.
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You are very compassionate, JR. Thank you for your kind comment.
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This is a beautiful post and so very fitting to be written in Maud’s honor on National Pet Day!
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Thank you so much, Anna. It just worked out like that way. 🙂
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She’s keeping an eye on you for a while. I really believe that.
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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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Lovely tribute 😊
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That’s kind of you to say. Thank you. 🙂
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Most welcome my friend!!
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