Last year, I had occasion to interview a lovely lady, a talented art quilter who lives nearby. The interview was for American Quilter Magazine – my article entitled, Is Quilting Healing Medicine? Margaret Jones Jessop had lost her beautiful 31 year old daughter, Katy, in 2014.
At the time, I couldn’t relate to Margaret and her family’s searing, lingering pain. Now, unfortunately, I can. It’s one club that I wish I didn’t belong to – parents who have lost a child.
Margaret mentioned to me that she didn’t touch her sewing machine for six months after Katy’s death. She had no interest whatsoever in sewing or quilting or creating. I get it, completely – I haven’t touched my sewing machine since Mike’s passing. It’s like all creative juices instantly dry-up. There is a deep feeling of “what’s the point”?
Three weeks ago, my husband casually mentioned to me, “Maybe we should get that dog now”. I know that it was his attempt to make me feel better and I love him for that. I had been searching online for a older, rescue dog…a hypo-allergenic senior that wouldn’t irritate my allergies and was already house trained. I had been monitoring several Alberta senior dog rescue websites like, ARTS, Senior Animal Rescue, Misty Creek Dog Rescue, and of course, the City of Calgary. but finding a small, senior dog in a certain breed (shih tzu, bichon, maltese) is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Then I happened upon Heaven Can Wait, a rescue organization run by Kim Hessel from a rural setting outside of High River, Alberta. I was inquiring about Beau the Bichon but Kim regretfully let me know that Beau had already been adopted. But, as luck would have it, she had a ten-year old, ten pound Maltese rescue that would be available for adoption. “Snowy” as her previous owner named her, was used to peace and quiet and needed to be placed in a home without children living there and be the only dog in the home. That was us! Placing a senior dog with seniors? Hmm…it sounded like a good idea to me.
So, Rick and I took a road trip and headed out to High River to meet the dog.
She was adorable! It was love at first sight for me. It took Rick a smidge longer.
After some extensive doggie dental work, Kim gave us the green light and we took Snowy into our home for a ten-day trial period, which passed in the blink of an eye. Snowy is absolutely lovely and now she’s our little dog. We take her on daily walks, car rides and she sleeps on our bed at night. She’s eased the pain, just a little bit, of losing our beloved Mike. It’s like she fills a portion of that gaping void in your heart. She’s like a tonic that soothes. She’s an affectionate little girl that brightens our day. She’s wonderful company.
The other day, just out of the blue, I decided to work on some quilt designs in response to a “call for queries” from Annie’s Publishing. Like I used to do, before Mike passed, I started to pull out fabrics from my cupboard. I sat down at my desk and drew and erased and drew some more. It was so cathartic! I couldn’t believe how being creative was part of who I am. I came up with three queries for the editors and we’ll see if they like them or not.
But, the funny thing is, it doesn’t really matter if they choose my designs or not. What matters is that I actually “felt” like doing my work again. I actually “felt” like choosing fabric palettes. I actually “felt” like myself again. It was temporarily, exhilirating.
I know this new development is not just because of a dog. Rick and I both have a very long way to go. But I also know that Snowy has helped us tremendously. I hope we can make a good home for her and give her some happy years. Just like she will give us.
Kim
My heart hurts for you and your family. Learning to navigate the new world that you live in now will take time. I wish there was a way to make it easier. Having Snowy there to help bring happiness to your day again is such a blessing! She is adorable! I look forward to hearing more about her and how she inspires you creatively in the weeks to come!
Thank you so much Julie! I hope you have received your fabric by now?
Your dog Snowy is very cute. She looks very lively and happy. Taking her on walks is very healthy. Moving about probably helps more than we realize. Snowy is good medicine.
So glad to read that you felt like working some, and being creative. Always good when we discover things that help us. Many things are restorative. God bless.
Thank you so much Donna. God bless you as well.
Kim, my heart aches for you and your family.
I rescued a cat from Heaven Can Wait, and I can’t say enough about the great work Kim does for the animals. What a great woman. If anyone wants to donate to a good cause, this is one of the places that could use not only your money, but “gifts” of food, cat litter, time to walk the animals or clean cages and litter boxes—whatever someone is moved to do would be appreciated. Our cat needed us, and we needed him, and it was a good match. I don’t regret rescuing our cat, as he filled a space for us after our dog and elderly cat passed.
Hugs to you in this difficult time.
Jill – that’s amazing that you know Kim and Heaven Can Wait. I totally agree donations would be so very appreciated. Nice to know you have your little cat and thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment.
This is an especially moving article for me. I understand we live in a fast-paced society where everything happens in the blink of an eye. Healing is not on that schedule and learning to live with a loss such as yours takes time. It has many twists and turns. But in our society, these things are not easily understood. I’m so happy you have a new friend and that you had a little bit of fun with fabric and ideas. I hope for more days like this for you.
Thank you so much for your kind words Rochelle. They are very much appreciated. You are a wise woman.
Oh Kim, your little darling Snowy is adorable!! My eyes filled with tears reading your heart break of losing Mike. You are in my thoughts always and I’m praying for you all that your happy memories with Mike will continue to help ease your pain.
Oh Karen! My sweet little pumpkin. Thank you so, so much.