A bittersweet anniversary

I lost a lot of things in 2001. The first thing I lost was my dog, Rudy.

In early spring 2004, I was talking with my boss' neighbor about her two dachshunds, one red, one black and tan. Much to my surprise, she asked, "Do you want that one?" indicating the black female. "Yes," I exclaimed, "but I'll have to talk my dad into it."

Daddy's answer was simple. "No." Upset, I got into the car and drove to Henderson to visit my mom's twin, Corene, or "Corn" as she was affectionately known.



Lucky for me, her good friend Lucy was also visiting that night. Before long, they had me laughing and promised to intercede with my dad to get him to change his mind.

Reluctantly, Daddy agreed that I could have THIS dog. Unfortunately, the neighbor lady was not as successful in getting her elder daughter to agree to let her go.

On June 4, 2004, the neighbors were going on vacation and told me I could take the dog home that day. Ecstatic, I loaded my new two-year-old into the truck and headed straight for Corn's house to show her off. I was so disappointed when she wasn't home.

When we got home, Daddy asked me where I'd been. Then he told me, "Corn died today." They had discovered she had cancer a few days before and she was gone before I even knew she was ill.

Corn, I miss you so very much.

Happy anniversary, Reese.


copyright 2005