Flip the page…

A lot has happened since you all last heard from me. Both good things and bad things.

We got a new dog. At first I wasn’t too keen on the idea, but if I’m being honest, I sort of like having her around. She’s a real calming presence, so my Mom says. Initially I was a little concerned about sharing all of the attention I get, but it turns out that in our house, there is more than enough love to go around. Plus, I’m told pretty often just how special I am, and I believe it. I mean, after all, nobody has a better party trick than I do. No way any new dog could ever top that!

Meet Quinlay!

We’re at the lake for the holiday. It’s cold and clear and the eagle is out hunting. My Mom’s not too happy about the killing, but she knows it’s that whole circle of life thing. She did get a picture of that crazy bird surveying my kingdom.

I was really sorry to hear that some of my favorite tripawds crossed the bridge. According to my Mom, it’s a very sad time when that happens, because it forces her to acknowledge the club we are all in, and she knows that eventually every member, including her, will have to go through it. She says it’s a reminder that we have to live each and every day with purpose and laughter and love and that we absolutely must take nothing for granted.

I’m feeling pretty good, so that’s pretty easy for me right now. I’m even enjoying the snow. It hasn’t slowed me down too much, but I really do hate those miniature snowballs that I get between my toes. Pretty soon though, the lake will warm up and the flowers will bloom, and the whole cycle will start anew. I’ll swim and run and roll in the grass and my Mom will smile and laugh at me and all of my antics. I can’t do all of the fun stuff while it’s cold and snowy outside, but I am making the best of if.  It’s like this saying my Mom told me once, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer.”~Albert Camus

The other day she told me that never in a million years would she have guessed I’d be around to see 2011. That was one of her sad days, though, and I’m pretty sure she was thinking about all the dogs who didn’t make it to the new year. I understand why that makes her blue, but I’m going to do my best to celebrate, not just for her, but for all the tripawds. I’m going to celebrate for those who fought and those who had courage and for those who bravely continue to do battle. I’m going to rejoice in the memory of those who died and be triumphant for those who live. I’m going to forget sickness and surgeries and remember only the sun and the snow and the water and the waves. I’m going to celebrate life, both for those still with us and for those who are gone.

My Mom says that love never goes away if you always remember it. That’s what I’m going be toasting to tonight at midnight, for sure. Despite everything, I’m lucky in a lot of ways. I have lots to be thankful for, but tonight it’s all about love.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. ~ Albert Einstein

Author: credocanis

Lincoln is a huge golden who has had one brain surgery, two ACL surgeries, and one rear leg amputation. Yikes.

15 thoughts on “Flip the page…”

  1. Congratulations, Lincoln, on the new addition to your family – and what a babe Quinlay is, as white as you are red!

    Beautifully said. As always.

    Beautiful pictures. As always.

    Keep on celebrating life, Lincoln.

  2. Remember the Love. Lincoln, you are a bright spot in this journey. Unfortunately, James did not make it to see 2011 and I have been having many sad days.

    Congratulations and much love to you,

    Nancy, Spirit James’ Mom

  3. Oh, Nancy, I’m so sorry. I’ve been so worried about James and thinking about you both. I hope you’re doing okay. We’ll drink to James tonight and remember him always.

  4. Congratulations on the new addition in your family Lincoln. And thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I love reading your blogs because they are so descriptive and full of life and emotion. I am so glad you are feeling well and enjoying the lake. I love it at the lake and am waiting eagerly to go again. Last time there was the day I got my stitches out and I wasnt up to too much activity, but spring is on the way and Im ready! You are a true inspawration to us all!

    Happy New Year!! Cooper

  5. Lincoln, as always such a beautiful blog. Thank you for your blogs…they sure do speak the truth through and through and remind us all that we need to live for TODAY.

    Quinlay does look like she has a nice calming presence. Enjoy her!

    Tracy & Maggie

  6. Lincoln and family,
    So much to say! I love Quinlay, great name for a great looking girl. I hope we get a chance to meet her someday. Lincoln, you are beautiful, the photo’s are brilliant, and the quote, it is perfect. I always look for your quotes.
    I am glad you made it to 2011, I believe my heart would break if it had been any other way. So many hugs to you and your family. I will celebrate with Sammy, a day for you.
    I love bald eagles! I don’t like that they eat the way they do but thanks so much for the picture, it is thrilling.
    How did Quinlay become yours? Was she a pound puppy?
    Take care my friends,
    Elizabeth and Sammy

  7. Happy New Year, Lincoln! Give Quinlay a hug for us – she is a beauty! We’re so happy you are making the best of winter – Holly’s been loving rolling around in the snow here. Thanks for your quotes – like others, we love to read your blogs and your wonderful quotes. Great to hear from you!
    Hugs,
    Holly, Zuzu and Susan

  8. lincoln, thanks for reminding us of what’s really important. your new sis is beautiful, glad you are opening your heart to her, we know it will be a bountiful investment. hold on to the moment, squeeze every ounce of joy and love out of it, and never forget to nap!

    charon & gayle

  9. Happy New Year! What a beautiful post and what a wonderful thing to see how much love you guys have to go around. Can’t wait to hear more about ‘The Q’ since it’s always nice to have more big dogs around to love on.

    Cheers,
    Kat (Hurricane Rosie’s Momsa)

  10. So nice to read of the ‘Winter of Lincoln’

    I hope your Mom will take a minute to tell us the story of your new sister. and how she came to be a part of your pack.

    Happy New Year to you all!
    Deborah
    Mom to Spirit JD + Serena + Maya ( the quadpawds)

  11. Lincoln, you are a wise soul and I heard someone tell a friend of mine that he was an “old soul.” I believe you are an old, wise soul.

    We are so very happy you are hanging around this winter. I like winter because as each day of winter passes, summer is one day closer.

    We must have the continuing adventures of, “The Summer of Lincoln.” Plus, your new sister is beautiful, you gotta watch out for her next summer at the lake.

    You take care, have a Happy New Year!

    the P.P.

  12. Lincoln, my Mom got all teary-eyed reading your post. I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful..that’s why she says she’s got watery eyes.

    We’re glad to hear from you, we’ve been wondering how you’re doing. Looks like things are good and the new kid is keeping you busy.

    Here’s to living life the dog way. We sure have a lot to show those humans, don’t we?

    Thanks for sticking around to show all of them what life is really all about.

  13. We are going to join Lincoln in his quest to live for every day to the fullest and celebrate the loved ones who have gone and the ones who are still fighting. My Daddy once said on one of your past posts that you were going to blow past the Summer of Lincoln right into the Autumn of Lincoln. Well, look at your now, you cutie. The Winter of Lincoln is here, and we are celebrating. We can’t wait to see what the next Summer of Lincoln will bring. Keep us posted, my philosophical friend.

    Ginger

    P.S. I hope that one day you and my Mommy meet so that you can exchange brain surgery stories.

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