My dog can smell sadness. He came up to me just now, sniffing, all in my business more than usual. I had just walked in from the garage. Ray finally, finally, finally went to my dad’s house this morning to collect the last load of tools my dad gave him when he died in April. He had me come out to the garage to see dad’s clever set-up for one of his power tools. My dad ranked pretty high on the cleverness scale, and we are still uncovering the things he created to make jobs easier.
I’m missing him this first Christmas without him.
The last few years were rough and his quality of life wasn’t great. When I think of him it’s of him from years ago, tinkering in his retirement, making gadgets and gizmos to ease his daily chores. Tears threaten and I return to the kitchen, to the dog who can sniff out my sadness. Christmas cookies beckon, teenage gingerbread house decorators arrive, and so many preparations force the tears to the background, but Dad is right at the front of my mind, hanging out with the dog at my feet.
Very nice!! Sounds very much like your dad. I miss him very much!! Love your writing!!
Jenni this is lovely. A tribute to your dad and by gone days. Precious memories. Blessings.
Thanks Barb. It’s a weird Christmas.
Thanks MaryEllen.
I would love to say they get easier, but I would be kidding us both. The hardest days- the day he passed, Father’s Day, his birthday and holidays, mostly Christmas. And yes, pets can smell your emotions. I read somewhere once that especially with dogs, this is how they not only learn by smelling, but also communicate by smelling. And it’s also a method of comforting. I wish I could remember where I read that. You would find that article fascinating. In my case, with Liebchen, just yesterday she discovered The ceramic Christmas tree my mother bought me and Liam painted silver with blue lights, which is even more bittersweet because my dearly departed grandmother once had a silver tree with blue lights. I chose that for her, but Liebchen was fascinated when she saw it. And of course my father called me and my sister Liebchen, which is partly how she got her name. <3
Sorry I’m just now reading this and commenting! What a sweet collection of related memories! 🙂
Such a lovely vision you create with your words. You are loved.
Thanks Mom.