Love Hound Lenore lying on Helen’s bed getting her tummy rubbed. Soon, she was
snoring.

April 4, 2008 – I have to admit when Helen wrote her first poem several weeks ago, “My Garden,” I thought it might be her last. She was frail, weak, and struggling. She still is, and she had a grinding week, but Helen is a scrapper, enjoying her time with Warren, and very much enjoying the response to her first two poems. So much that she wants to work on another one this week, tentatively called “Life is like a road,” that she says she has been thinking about.
  “I know I might as well do it,” she huffed tonight, “because you’ll just harass me into doing it, pushing a sick old lady around.” She did admit, after a bit of prodding, “well, I have to say I am enjoying these poems and letters coming in.” I have to say I think the poems have had a significant impact her spirit. Thanks again.
  This was a rugged week for Helen, lots of medical procedures, new medications, exhaustion. She continues to amaze me with her cheerfulness and humor, and I have yet to hear her complain about anything. Today, Warren told me stories about his service in Worl War II. I show Helen and Warren my photos now, when they are printed, and they offer me much praise and encouragement. We have had some special times, and I am surprised, even stunned, that Helen is cranking out another poem. I’ll go over tomorrow and we’ll work on it over the weekend and hopefully, get it posted Sunday.  She and Warren are talking about it tonight.
  Warren got a new clothes dryer installed to help with the laundry. I am still badgering him to get a medical reclining chair, as he sleeps by Helen’s bedside, and his legs seem very stiff.
  We are planning another effort to get out into her garden Monday, with the help of some Hospice staffers. Helen says she is nervous about it, but very eager to get outside.
   The dogs relentlessly boost the atmosphere in the house, swarming over Warren, visiting individually with Helen. The dogs have been stellar, focused and loving and unobtrusive.
  For a couple of weeks, Izzy zeroed in on Warren, and now seems to be refocusing a bit on Helen. Lenore is in everyone’s lap.

Izzy hanging out with Helen earlier today

So Every Day

“So every day
I was surrounded by the beautiful crying forth
of the ideas of God.

one of which was you.”

              — Mary Oliver

  
Izzy loves Annie, but then, so do all the animals. So do I.

   I decided to shoot Annie a bit out of context, away from the barn and hay and goats, with her beloved pal, Izzy. What can I say about Annie? Couldn’t live her without her (and Rose) and wouldn’t want to. Annie loves all of the animals dearly and equally, and they know this and love her back. She is big-hearted, faithful, generous and loving. Not much more could be asked of any human being, let alone a Farm Goddess. Her presence her makes my coming and going possible, along with much of my life here. Go girl.