Receiving Gracefully…Giving Fully

In my time on earth, I taught mama many important lessons.  I was on a mission, you see — an earthbound angel assignment, you might say.

Giving from the heart is an attribute that mama has held since she was a little person and she didn’t need guidance from me on that point.  I was just the happy recipient of her bountiful love and gifts, but she was lacking in how to receive graciously.  Sure, she was able to receive my sloppy kisses and my abundant joy, but in the more traditional sense, mama has not been good at receiving.

Baby Timmy Elijah and Wilbur receiving mama's love

I know I’ve talked about this in previous posts and I think it’s a topic that needs to be revisited.  Mama has been forced to face this deficiency in herself this year, and this was my final gift and lesson to her.

When I was ill this summer and had emergency surgery, FOA’s started sending cards and checks to help with my medical bills.  Our friends at SacPaws even reached out to find specialists and experts for my care.  I felt fine receiving support and love in it’s various forms, but mama was reluctant and unsure how to act.

I was able to coach her along and remind her how good it feels to give freely and that she cannot deny others that same glorious feeling.  The universe has properties that are set in stone, and one of those properties is to continue putting situations before us until we finally learn the lesson.

And since mama had not been fully educated on the art of receiving, the universe (and her furry angel) continued to throw circumstances and people her way to challenge her growth.  After my transition, the support coming mama’s way was a tidal wave of love that could not be ignored and, I’m happy to say, she’s starting to get it.  Did she have a choice?

Lisa sharing her laughter & love

Our dear FOA and close confidant of mama, Lisa Maslack, has taken giving to a whole new level through my issues.  Lisa has been a great friend — one of those people who always listens with her heart and laughs with a snort.  These past weeks, she has demonstrated her support and love for us with big, swooping gestures.

Lisa started a donation site to help with my medical bills.  As you know, mama insisted the doctors go to every length to try to keep me here on earth, and the expenses grew quickly.  When all was said and done, mama had incurred almost $13,000 in vet debt and Lisa, being a friend of action, was compelled to do something.

And, had it not been for Lisa’s generosity, Little Timmy would never have come into mama’s life.  Mama is filled with gratitude and finally able to accept being on the receiving end of goodwill.

Mama can see the immense joy that Lisa experiences in giving of herself, her time and her resources.  How can mama possibly deny her friend all of this joy?

And, with gratitude, I say that this is the lesson, friends… Receive as fully and open-heartedly as you give.

Timmy happily receiving kitten love

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How to Name a Puppy (with Angel Intervention)

I told you in my post Heaven Sent Messages that I would fill you in on how the pup, Timmy Elijah Love, got his name… and it’s a doozy, if I do say so myself.  Of course, my influence was key to this decision, but read for yourself how the confluence of spirit, serendipity and relationships formed this elegant name.

Little Timmy Elijah Love

Once mama came to the conclusion that she must adopt this new little guy she started pondering names.  Her first inclination is always towards personally meaningful, literary or cultural names.  Names that immediately came to mind were Aramis, Amadeus and Sirius (notice the cadence of all are in sync with Atticus — no coincidence!)

Backtrack one month… An FOA I met through twitter (a gloriously centered and spiritual soul — @OneLoveOneEarth) had emailed mama telling her that her son had some insights on the night of my transition and when mama was ready, she wanted to share.  We’ll come back to this storyline in a moment…

During a road-trip last weekend, the name Timmy kept coming into mama’s mind.  It made sense because both mama and I have a deep love and respect for young Timmy Lincecum, ace Giant’s pitcher and 2-time Cy Young award winner.  As you FOA’s know, mama has been a diehard SF Giant’s fan since she was a wee child and Timmy holds a special place for her.

Timmy Lincecum

Our “freaky” pitcher stands for so much more than award and World Series Championship winner.  For us, Timmy Lincecum is a beacon of hope and resiliency.  Proof that an underdog — a skinny, scrawny, long-haired kid — is capable of indescribable greatness.  A strong name indeed, but others thought it was a little silly and not dignified enough.

As mama was driving, she was listening to her beloved Chris Robinson Brotherhood and grooving to their rendition of the old classic, “Poor Elijah”.  Then when she switched to the radio, can you guess what song was playing?  Eric Clapton’s version of Poor Elijah!  Lightbulb moment!  His name will be Elijah.

Now, getting back to my twitter friend… Mama came home to a long email from @OneLoveOneEarth and mama felt my spirit moving in the universe.

“December 12th, before bedtime, my son (Timmy) – who is six and VERY aware and intuitive – said some very interesting things.  He said it was a very special “angel day.”  To us an “angel day” is a day to honor someone’s passing.  Timmy is very passionate about Jesus (100% his own truth and took me completely by surprise a few years ago) and is curious about “Jesus’ friends who are now angels.” “

“He told me that night (December 12th) a very special angel was being born.  Timmy that the special angel was going to the Light because he believed in the Light.  He said the angel’s family believes in the Light too – and that they’d be sad – but they should be happy because the new angel would be very happy.”

Sweet baby

Blimey!!  Little Timmy’s revelations were spoken at almost the exact time of my transition!  And Mama had no idea of our friend’s son name.   It immediately made sense to mama… I was driving this decision from the heavens and she got it!  Timmy Elijah Love.

They say the universe works in mysterious ways.  But it’s not such a mystery when there’s a furry angel keeping watch.

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Heaven Sent Messages

Excuse my absence friends.  I’ve been a little busy up here and I think my messages may be delayed due to some sort of time/space continuum.  As I described in my post about Kelly Ripa (such a sweet, dog-like human!), I’ve been making my presence known to mama.  And she’s picking up on my cues!

Last week was the one month anniversary of my transition and I pushed mama in a direction that will change her life.  She felt me around her that entire day, even poking her head of the shower from time to time expecting to see my on the bathmat.  (I always lounged on that mat while mama showered, just to keep her company, and I still am.)

Just as mama was compelled to watch that recorded episode of Live with Kelly (compelled is an earthly term — she receiving heaven-sent nudges from me), she felt the need to reach out to my breeder in Canada and inquire about upcoming litters.  Mama was only interested in a solid red male puppy (like moi! — good choice) and fully expected to wait awhile.

As the universe conspired to heal mama’s heart (with a little help from me), a solid red puppy was available.  Not in Canada, but in Northern California only 30 minutes from home!  It helps to have angels in your corner to achieve the impossible!

Needless to say, within days a new little pup was added to my family and named Timmy Elijah Love.  A

baby Timmy

strong and meaningful name in my book.  Timmy is not a replacement for me — clearly I’m irreplaceable! — but he is helping to heal mama’s heart and provide the physical puppy love that mama craves.

The story behind the naming of this youngster will bring chills and goosebumps… it’s that poignant and amazing!  And I will save that story for my next post, so stayed tuned.

I know that mama misses her snuggles with me and my physical presence, but I am always with her and she feels me every moment now.  Grief and loss are not simple emotions to navigate, but with the knowledge that all souls are eternal, healing and growth will appear.

I'm happy to see Timmy is playing with my toys (well, sleeping on them)

I am soulfully still with my mama and all my FOA’s.  I hope you leave this post knowing that a furry angel is watching over you and pulling a few strings.  Peace and wags to you, friends.

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