Late in the evening, my husband and I are sitting in the living room watching TV, when all of a sudden he lowers the volume and turns to me.
He says: “You know I love you.”
“Yeeeesss…” I reply, a little bell of warning jangling in my mind. Something in his tone….
“Well,” he goes on, “I have something to tell you.”
Immediate thought: Something is wrong. A doctor has called with not-good news. Anything is possible. Since 2015 my husband has suffered much: the loss of an eye, heart attacks, cardiac arrest, two heart surgeries, a spinal fusion, and this past winter, heart ablation to treat arrhythmias that left him light-headed and out of breath…
What now??
My own heart begins to fail…but I have to ask:
“What is it?” The only thing worse than knowing is not knowing.
He pulls up a photo on his phone:
“What do you think of this?”
A puppy on a website? I’m confused. “Precious!” I say.
My husband looks at me for a moment. Then…
“He’s ours. I put a deposit on him three days ago.”
What I am hearing? Is this real? Am I dreaming?
And then we both begin to cry.
He knows how much I’ve been wanting a dog since our youngest moved out last fall and took Dennis the dachshund with him.
I know it isn’t fair to expect him to care for a dog when his strength is impaired and I’m at work during the day…and so I’ve tried to let go of my longing.
But ever since the ablation, he’s been strong. Energetic. Renewed.
He is ready.
We are ready.
Ready for the next chapter of this beautiful life God has granted us, with our boys married and settled nearby, with our granddaughters growing up, bringing us infinite joy and laughter. Ready to celebrate the milestones of my sixtieth birthday this spring and our fortieth wedding anniversary this summer. Ready to love a little golden-red animal in our golden years…
Favorite lines from Robert Browning come to mind:
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be…
And so it came to pass, on Saturday while the granddaughters were staying with us, that my husband brought our baby home.
Our granddaughter, Scout, was so overcome that she cried.
Our granddaughter Micah’s reaction…glee.
—Exponential joy.
We named him Jesse. Hebrew for God’s gift.
In looking over the breeder’s information, I noticed a thing: Jesse was born on January 28… the day I was driving to work, feeling despondent, praying aloud to God for encouragement…and saw the eagle in the tree…
“Jesse” also means God exists.
My heart is too full for any more words.
I may not be writing many words for a while, anyway, as my hands are pretty full…
Here’s to the ongoing story of life, with all its golden glories shining through every challenge, and wonders untold waiting just around the bend.
*******
with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge
—we made it through, fellow Slicers!
I celebrate you all.
Joy to you on your journey.
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lit bits and pieces 
What a delightful bundle of gold! So perfect for you and your family. How wonderful that your husband knew exactly what to gift you and I’m glad he’s feeling more energised now. You will have your hands full in the best way possible. Happy birthday and anniversary in advance! Thanks for sharing your final surprise!
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Jesse really is a bundle of gold – his hair sparkles in the sunlight! He is a lot of work but as with most things, the labor of love is worth it. Still can’t believe my husband did this! Such a sign of overcoming. Life is good. Thank you for all your beautiful words throughout this challenge.
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Welcome to your new family Jesse. After all you’ve been through, it sounds like a few puppies and a smattering of kittens might be in order.
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Ha – that would be my son’s house, with all those critters! Jesse is settling in nicely and although he’ll be a lot of work for a while, he’s a pure delight. Sleeping on my lap as I write this.
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Oh, what a joy for all of you. I’m so glad that your husband’s feeling so much better and that his news was something to celebrate. Enjoy every minute!
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Every day is precious – we are savoring them!
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what a sweet pup. Meant to be yours. What a gift. He’s joined a beautiful family. ❤️
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Thank you for your sweet words. I believe Jesse really is meant to be ours – he is settling right in, like he knows it!
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Oh Fran, this is glorious news! Congratulations on being a puppy Mama and congratulations on writing for thirty-one days! I am so happy for all of you! Your puppy and granddaughter photos are precious. I think the last time I saw a photo of Micah she was a baby. I am so glad that your husband is feeling more energetic. You are all going to have so much fun with Jesse! Happy early birthday and happy early fortieth anniversary! I will go back and read some of your posts that I missed. I have enjoyed reading your posts, again. Thank you for sharing your inspiration, joy, and light.
PS I remember your stories about Dennis. They were so good!
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I am sure there will be many Jesse stories to come! I am still in disbelief, even as I type this response with him asleep in my lap. Thank you for your sweet and supportive words, Gail.
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I’m smitten with this sweet Jesse! It sound strange, I know – – but I can see a little of you in his eye expression, the way he is looking at the camera. Maybe there is some divine dwelling in the heart of this sweet baby! And what a post to save for last. Truly the best. I love your choice of name. So many great memories and fun ahead, and the girls know it. I’m a boy dog favorer, too…..so much more mellow when it comes to temperament. It will not surprise you one bit to know that I have a garden sign in the front beds that says Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. It was the closing line of my mother’s wedding book when she wrote about her hopes for the future years together with my dad, and so of all the lines of poetry I could have chosen for that sign, this was the one. It rings so true. Congratulations on your sweet addition to the family. He is one blessed pup.
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Jesse is an absolute joy, Kim – you would love him! Sleeps through the night and is doing pretty well with his first couple of days of training. I am on spring break so even the timing is divine! That you can see something of me in him thoroughly enchants my heart. It will be a big summer over here, with him and the girls…I don’t know how I am even going to go back to work after break!!
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Adorable! You really showed us the power of this moment!
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Oh Jesse! Good for your husband! What a life-affirming act to take! The pictures are great, but the celebration and the joy in your writing is what I will remember from this post. I do hope that you’ll share more on Tuesdays about life with Jesse. I have a feeling there will be slices, and I’ve been developing a love of long-haired blonde dachshunds. Maybe one’s in my future.
I’ve loved your slices this month, Fran. So much wisdom and insight. Thank you for being part of this community.
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Jesse is pure joy, Melanie! He’s our first long-haired dachshund; we have had two short-haireds. Everyone says the long-haireds are calmer – definitely a plus! I hope there’s one in your not-too-distant future also. Please know how much your incredibly thoughtful comments have meant to me throughout the month. Part of what kept me going 🙂 Your work with TWT has extraordinary effects!
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Adorable! And you are so right, this is a perfect slice to finish the challenge. Big smiles all around.
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So much love and joy in this last post of the month! I’m with Scout- full of happy tears for you and your family. Your writing touches the heart and soul, Fran. Thank you for these lines- “ongoing story of life, with all its golden glories shining through every challenge, and wonders untold waiting just around the bend.” Your writing and comments have helped me learn and grow. Until next time…
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I always treasure your comments, Cindy – you are a true encourager, and a great inspiration 🙂 -Keep writing, friend! Your wordcraft is magnificent!
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Wonderful end to a busy month! I am sure you will bring each other much joy!
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OH. MY. GOODNESS. My last comment to you was asking about Dennis and how he got his name. NOW – you and your loving hubby have Jesse – the gift. I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU! It’s such a nice surprise to see your growing granddaughters too! That puppy is the CUTEST! Mazel tov – Fran!
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So glad you saw this post – I thought of you while I wrote! Dennis is thriving at my son’s house, albeit with a foundling beagle, two cats, and two guinea pigs, ha. Jesse is pure joy. He’s a lot of work, of course – but this summer I will have two devoted little helpers! Thank you as always for your great words of encouragement.
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I would say exponential joy sums up my thoughts of me reading your story. How exciting to begin a new journey with a new puppy. I am quite certain we will be reading Jesse stories on Tuesdays. 🙂
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Oh yes, there will surely be Jesse stories to come! We will have adventures! Thank you for your thoughts 🙂
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Adorable!! I’m glad you saved the best for last…this is too cute! I love how you started the story through dialogue, taking us through the emotional ups and downs. I was right there with you with the anticipation! I’m glad you have this experience documented…now you can return to this slice and remember the feeling as you sit snuggled with your fur baby 🙂
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Thank you, Megan, for reading and for your words about the structure of the slice…and Jesse is indeed snuggled in my lap as I type this response 🙂
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Perfect final slice of the month! What a cutie and what a way to find out you have a new member of the family! Here’s to you husband for the grand surprise! Thanks, as always for sharing your wisdom, ways and words, Fran!
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I still can’t believe my husband did this – he made a nine-hour round trip to get Jesse! He’s so proud of himself, lol…we all love our Jesse so much and he is settling in nicely. Thank you for your words, Dawn.
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Fran, ahhhh! Jesse is adorable and I love the message behind his name. Plus, your granddaughters’ joy with him is pure gold. I am so glad you were able to bring Jesse home. Enjoy!
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I am still stunned by Jesse’s presence, Barb! He’s in my lap while I type this. Also: I have so enjoyed your posts throughout the month, and I deeply appreciate every comment. It has been a joy – truly.
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Fran, I am so happy for you. Jesse is precious. He is a gift. May you have many happy years together.
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Thanks so much, Bob!
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Ahhhh!!! What a precious little surprise! Jesse is gorgeous and he is going to be so loved in your home! I’m so glad you saved this until the last day. What a way to end the challenge! Thanks for all of the encouragement this month. Your words have meant so much to me. Until next time, friend…
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Your words have also meant much to me, friend – until next time! There will be stories to tell, for sure!
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What a joy-filled post! Congrats on the new puppy. Ours is bringing much joy, but the puppy stage is not easy. Good luck with it all!
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Margaret, I thought of you and Albert (Al-Bear) during my excitement about Jesse’s coming…I confess to some apprehension about puppy training, having lived through it several times before. We are doing a couple of things differently with Jesse; so far, so good, and the timing is divine – I am on spring break now. Whew! It’s a true labor of love, raising a dog…and they give the love back a thousand times over.
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Oh, yes, Fran, I do see Jesse is the best slice of this month. You shared the backstory perfectly about why Jesse is a gift from God, a reminder that God exists and God is good.
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Thank you, Denise…we went round about names, and “Jesse” seemed perfect to both of us, all things considered. He is a sweet little dog!
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My reaction is like Scout’s! What a wonderful surprise, and you build up to it so well. We did not expect a puppy picture. And then did not expect for it to be a new family member. This also reads as a celebration of your husband’s survival, and how you both are thriving.
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Thank you, Fran – especially for understanding Jesse’s presence as a celebration of my husband’s survival and both of us thriving at this stage of our lives. That is exactly what I hoped people would see 🙂
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A joy-filled post from beginning to end. Can’t wait for more Jesse posts. Enjoy every precious puppy moment!
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Thank you, Ramona! I will try to find time to write The Adventures of Jesse, lol!
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Oh my goodness. This is such an amazing slice of life – what a gift! Snuggle that puppy extra from all of the slicers!
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Thank you – and I have probably hugged him enough times to represent every Slicer! He may need an SOLSC dog collar, lol!
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I couldn’t resist your teaser, and I love how your story unfolded. Jesse looks so sweet and adorable (as do your granddaughters!). I’m sure you’ll have so many joyous moments with Jesse. There is nothing quite like loving a pet, in my case a cat. But I grew up with a dog who I adored as well. Good health and happiness to all of you! Great last post.
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Oh my goodness!! Jesse is the sweetest! And, this slice just brought so much warmth to my heart and chills as I read about Jesse’s birthday. There really is something greater than us out there — I believe it when I look at those closest to me who were brought into my life. I feel so thankful. This slice reminds me of that.
Congrats and enjoy being a new dog mom again!!
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Ahh!! This is such a sweet slice to read this evening, Fran! Your words, the story behind Jesse, the name you picked, your reflection on welcoming this cutie! Your words felt like a warm blanket. Thank you for sharing and including those photos!!
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Leave it to you to finish strong with this heart-warming, well-crafted slice. I usually read your posts first thing in the morning, but never have time to comment until evening. This tugged at my heart strings and I am so happy this little fellow is joining your family. On the other hand, I am so sorry to hear of the health issues your husband is handling. He is lucky he has you and now Jesse to care for him and lift his spirits. I love the pictures, especially the expression on your granddaughter’s face. Hope to read more of your posts as the year goes on. Bless you and yours!
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Oh Fran! So many gifts in this post! Here’s to health and love, to tear of joy and wild glee, to long lives and new lives – what a wonderful way to end this month. Welcome, Jesse!
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