Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Wannabe Miracle Worker

Have you ever found yourself in a situation of total helplessness, knowing that something drastic needed to be done, but you were unable to lift a finger to change the circumstance and felt paralyzed by your lack of command over the sad state of affairs?  
And you knew that nothing short of a miracle would save the day?   Feel alone no more.                 
A sunny, blue-sky day when all is tranquil and bright.  A perfect moment for taking my black lab to the quiet peaceful lake for a long walk.  Where geese glide across still waters without a care in the world…
 Until I make the mistake of unleashing Rip for a split second, then watching in horror as he takes off like a rabbit and speeds toward the water, sending a gaggle of geese scattering skyward and honking louder than the trumpet of God at the second coming.  
A man stands in his solitary spot, fishing and minding his own quiet business, witnessing this disruptive scene in silence.  I gaze in shock as my dog paddles across the lake, pretending he’s deaf and ignoring my bellowing commands to “COME RIP!”  And oblivious to my shrill, non-stop whistling.
Now all that’s visible of my dog is his head and chin gliding across the water, diminishing by the minute as he swims out of sight.  All the while these shocked and peeved geese still sound the alarm, alerting all creatures for miles around of imminent danger.
Shock gives way to embarrassment.   What to do now?   I can’t up and leave my dog at the lake.  He must think he’s died and gone to heaven, but wait ‘til I find him… just wait.  I mosey over to the fisherman for lack of anything better to do, and state the obvious.  “How’s the fishing going?”
You’d have thought I was a bee by the way he stands there stone silent at my presence, waiting for me to buzz off.  Without batting a lid or turning my way he simply says, “It was alright.”  Omitting, until you came along. 
No matter how many times I mentally pray the words, Peace be still, Peace be still, the geese remain flustered and the fisherman goes home out-of-sorts and empty-handed.   Near dusk my water-logged dog shows up and I drag him into my freshly vacuumed car and drive away. 
So what does all this have to do with Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller and becoming a miracle worker?   Boot camp training, that’s what.  Stay tuned for Where the Wild Things Are. 
Now for the question of the day.     
When have you experienced a moment of downright helplessness and total desperation?

63 comments:

  1. In court last week fighting to keep my grandsons safe. Needed a lawyer. So I prayed,and prayed and prayed some more and the need for a lawyer has been granted. Costly, but so worth all the money in the world to keep these two little boys safe and happy. Love your pictures and could feel your frustration and embarrassment by the way you wrote your story. :)

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  2. I have felt helpless many times for family reasons as well. But thank god things are much better now. Sorry about the embarassing situation,with Rip.Hope that never happens again. Blessings jane

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  3. I loved this post. This is the second "doggie" post I have read today (not including mine)! Something must have been in the air! I have felt helpless many times because I have had not control over the situations. Like when my ex left, when I had to fight for my kids, watching important relationships deteriorate because of adults' immaturity, losing the hope of a lost love. . .I could go on.

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  4. Janet, you have to do what you have to do for the best interest of those grandsons! I’m so sorry to hear you’ve gone through such an ordeal. But it sounds like your prayers have been answered. Whatever it takes, keep those boys safe and happy. Some things in life are worth the cost.

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  5. Jane, so glad to hear that things are better in your family now. And where Rip is concerned, trust me, that will NEVER happen again!

    Pam, I find it interesting too that our blogs have “gone to the dogs” lately :)

    It must have been a nightmare fighting for your kids when your ex left. But I’m guessing that these dark seasons of life have contributed to your brilliant writing. Just surmising.

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  6. You have such beautiful pictures on your blog. I'm a new follower but couldn't find a blog to put on my site. I enjoyed reading all your posts. Doylene

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  7. Good post and loved the pictures. This is strange because I just wrote a post about this same type of thing the other day. However, not as well put as yours though.

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  8. Thanks for stoping by praisesofawifeandmommy.blogspot.com

    Love the pictures! Beautiful

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  9. Doylene, I found you at a Gracious Home and entered my site... also commented on your recent post. Thanks for stopping by.

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  10. Thanks Karen! I'd like to read your similar experience. What's the post called?

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  11. Hello! Thank you so much for the sweet comments on my post! I would love to go back and have something else put on that same old marquee someday! It belongs to a theatre in the town we went to college in and at the time the theatre was vacant. We recently got word that they have started a fund to restore the theatre so who knows what will happen to the marquee. Hopefully they will keep it!

    Your blog is sooo pretty and it is so cool that you have had your works published. I look forward to reading your posts as a new blog follower!

    God Bless!

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  12. Thanks Amanda, I appreciate that!

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  13. Okay, that question seems not easy to answer. Hmmmm... thinking! Alright, it was when my mother was hospitalised and in a comma and I was overseas... My sister called to tell me this news and I was in total shocked and tears just rolled down my cheeks continuously, mum for a moment till I broke down helplessly praying desperately for God to give her a second chance to live.... Thank goodness God heard my prayers and it turned out to be happy ending....

    Thanks Debra for another excellent article that helps to reflect our pasts moments and how we should deal about it...

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  14. I love the pictures.. beautifully taken... and it is an excellent story.. I enjoyed reading..
    Thanks for dropping by my blog.. and you can count on me, I will try to be a frequent visitor as well...
    keep up the fabulous work

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  15. By that expression on his face in the last photo he definitely knows he's in for trouble!!

    It's a horrible feeling I know just what you mean.

    Hugs Jane

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  16. Jorie, how helpless you must have felt to be overseas and hear that your dear mother was hospitalized and in a coma… but thank God for the miracle that restored her!

    Miera, we will count on each other. Happy blogging:)

    Jane, he was just like a kid who knows he’s crossed the line, returning at last with a peace offering :)

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  17. I was four Wheeling in my Jeep in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and I ...ran out of gas. 40 miles in the middle of nowhere, silence was thundering in my ears as I looked at the huge mountains I would have to climb to get out of that lush wilderness to a gas station. Luckily I have excellent survival skills and good equipment. Never go out unprepared! I hiked for miles that day and when night fell I rubbed sticks to get a fire going even though I had a lighter. Just a man thing. After I built a lean to and went to look for something to eat. Found some berries in a bush and to my luck there was dinner underneath it...a snake! Well I settled inn for the night knowing it would be an all day walk to civilization starting early in the morning. Looked up at all the stars and felt so isolated..alone. I awake with a chill in my bones and had to go relieve my pent up fluids, so I walked over to lean against a tree and let it rip. All of a sudden I here some laughing and commotion, I looked up still half asleep and there were to my surprise 15- 20 campers going about their business in a remote camping area! I was Found!! So there you have it Helpless and alone...so I thought! See you at Link Share Forums, Drop me a comment if you have time! http://gsccos.com/members/upload Bye!

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  18. I can relate to this with my mum's dog. He's from a rescue and you cannot have him off the lead. I took him to the lakes where I walk Charlie and because it's fenced off I felt quite safe from traffic. He did the exact same thing - I feel your pain :D

    I absolutely adore the first picture of RIP head above the water - beautiful x

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  19. Hi Debra, I had to laugh when I read this! Your pictures made me laugh even more. You described it so well I could actually picture myself sitting on a bench (quietly) and watching the saga unfold. Shame, I hope you didn't have to wait too long for RIP to finish his hunting expedition :)

    Nelieta

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  20. Ed, I’ve always known you were an adventurer, but had no idea you were this much of one! I would have freaked out, being on empty in the middle of nowhere. Always be prepared: a lesson well learned. Bet you were a good Boy Scout :) If so, you certainly did learn well how to survive in the wilderness. I can only imagine how isolated and lonely (and scared) you must have been at the mercy of the wild. But what a great ending to the story!

    Sarah Jane, we live and learn, don’t we? What a consolation to know that someone else can empathize and feels my pain :)

    Nelieta, so glad you saw the humor in this saga, and didn’t have to “be there” to see a clear picture of desperation turned comedy. Rip took his own sweet time coming back to earth from doggie heaven.

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  21. Your writing radiates calmness. While reading this post I felt like I was a bystander watching everything. Your writing comes alive.
    Thank You for sharing

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  22. I have to agree, YogaSavy. It was as if I was standing next to her! My moment was when my son rolled his SUV and had to be helicoptered to another town, and all I could do was drive there. My skin was crawling, knowing he would be there alone until i could get there.

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  23. Loved your post Debra! Helplessness alright.... This was enjoyable here is one that is similar to yours but in a tragic way ... The love of my life, Bingo, my Apso, died in my arms when I was trying frantically to make his heart beat right! In the last helpless second before he passed away, I thought if he drank some water he may feel better. I ordered him to drink and he obeyed (habitually). That was the last time he had to and then closed his eyes forever...

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  24. Thank you YogaSavy. I am blessed to have discovered your writing too. The joy of capturing a moment in time, and sharing, is pure bliss.

    Christy, how helpless you must have felt when your son was airlifted out of town without you. How is he now, if I may ask?

    Oh Kriti, how sad. You must have been devastated when Bingo died in your arms. My daughter’s cat Manny died in her arms last winter. I tear up now just remembering.

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  25. OK, now that all that has had to have been said, has been said. I have nothing else to say!

    Except I loved it! But where did you get the name Rip?

    Cheers A

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  26. Unfortunately, the year 2010 is my answer to your question of the day. It is a year in my life that I would love to erase, but of course, can't. No one thing in particular, just an accumulation of events over the entire year.
    Love your post. I'm an animal lover and can totally relate to your dog and how you felt about his return. I have two dogs and sometimes I just want to choke them (never do though)!

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  27. Debra, He is doing fine - 5 days in ICU for bleeding on the brain - very scary. But God protected him, and he is so much better now! Thank you for asking :)

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  28. Because of my faith in the Lord I don't experience that. I'm sure it has to do with my being so old also. I enjoyed your story. Doylene

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  29. Mary, I hear you. When one thing after another accumulates, it feels overwhelming. I hope 2011 brings you abundant joy and peace. Two dogs?? They make chocker collars you know :)

    Christy, thanks for the update on your son. Praying for complete recovery!

    Doylene, encouraging word!

    Alejandro, Rip is short for Rest In Peace, meaning that he’s such a good watch dog, we can sleep at night. Just kidding. I made all that up:)

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  30. Yeah I know the desperation of watching an errant dog chase off down the beach- in heaven trying to catch seagulls, and there is always another one 100 metres furher along, just gotta get that one two, and there's another.....another...
    Well, our new dog accompanys me to work each day.Often sitting right at the door, awaiting to herald "Hey Dad. Here comes a customer'' loudly.
    I look up, and the next neighbour's big red hen has strolled up the drive looking for big fat snails. Right up to near our door before I saw it. 2 metres away from our dog, who lay there watching, never moving. I was not wanting to cause any disturbance to set my dog off, but just quietly mind-talked to her, 'stay.'
    The hen completed her scratching investigation under the guava tree, Lilly the dog watched intently, then off strutted the hen.
    My potential hen killing dog went back to snooze mode.
    Can you believe it?

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  31. That's wild Jim - dogs after seagulls. I can see him now, going crazy on the shore at those screeching gulls!
    Love the way your dog announces customers... doesn't miss a beat does he?
    Then here comes the big red hen at his own risk.. what a gamble!

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  32. I can't say that I recall a moment of helplessness off the top of my head, though I'm sure there were some somewhere along the line. I do remember a moment nearly identical to the one you described, though it was much more comical. At the time, I too had a bird dog, an Airedale and she did love to chase the birds. She decided one time to chase a momma duck and the momma duck did what momma ducks do - the whole broken wing ritual and staying just out of reach. Every time she got too far ahead of the dog, the dog would turn around and start to come back to us, then the duck would circle around and lead her off again. I don't know how long she would have kept it up but I finally called the dog all the way in and took her to the house, leaving the duck to bask in her victory and tend her nest in peace.

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  33. Loved reading your post Debra, I can sympathize with you because I too have a dog, she is a dalmatian named sparky. She has put me in similar situations on numerous occasions..Great writing

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  34. Well now, let's see. That mighta' been a little over a month ago when we found ourselves livin' in the ditch... we hoped. There ain't nuthin' like slippin' an' slidin' to a stop an' hopin' that you landed where the traffic won't find you. After a three-hour search by two counties, we were mercifully rescued an' later realized that we had, indeed, landed in the ditch. Love them white-outs!

    ~ Yaya

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  35. The day our cat ran out te front door, and was AWOL for more than two weeks, we felt helpless. Poor thing. Then one day while my wife is in the kitchen doing something, our beloved cat appeared at the back door. She lost a few pounds, smelt like a trash can, but was otherwise in decent shpe.

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  36. Thanks Sulekkha. Oh, what we go through for the love of dogs!

    Yaya, I went back and read “livn’ in the ditch.” What a white-out adventure/nightmare :( Thankfully you were rescued and survived to tell the story… and warn others to stay home during blizzards. What’s up with your computer? Ever get one that likes you?

    Diplo_Daddy, Know the feeling. Cats do their own thing at their own peril and don’t seem to think twice about our feelings :( They go AWOL whenever. Mine do. Loved the description of your cat showing up smelling like a trashcan and minus a few pounds, but otherwise fine.

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  37. This is a couple days after you first posted this...somehow I must have missed seeing it on my feed! Anyways..great post!...This is so ironic because my answer to your question would be a few days ago.

    While walking our golden retriever I had left our border collie puppy in her crate inside the house. It's much easier with the deep snow to walk each dog independently. Anyways, my two year old son intentionally let her out of her crate then opened the front door! It was a morning after a huge snow storm...we had a total accumulation of over two feet of snow and our puppy was out and nowwhere to be seen. Finally I found her on the road a half an hour later and she kept running away from me, right into traffic in front of cars! Finally a man drove his truck right across the street and hopped out. She was stuck in between me and him and finally ran to me laying down in front of me. I was scared to death the whole time, worrying about her since there were plows all around and felt totally desperate and helpless. I was so glad when this guy came out to help!

    Anyways, enjoyed your post...as always! Love your blog!
    ~many blessings

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  38. Thank God you found her Jessica! What a helpless moment that must have been:( I can hear the intense prayer of your heart… And I can feel your relief and gratitude at the kindness of the stranger - that Good Samaritan –who showed up in the nick of time. Miracles never cease to amaze!

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  39. Wonderful post, and beautifully crisp pictures! I felt helpless when the economy went down the tubes and the bill pile was 3 times higher than the 'coming in' pile. But live, learn, adjust and forge ahead. Life is great no matter what my situation is. Beautiful blog you have here!

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  40. Thank you Sheila. I know what you mean about the economy going down the tubes. Not a pretty picture... but WE still have pretty pictures to show, regardless, and a bright outlook too.
    Cheers to us!!

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  41. I so love the look of your blog. An' I was thrilled to see that you had stopped by my Home on the Web for a visit. I look forward to reading more of your lovely posts.

    ~ Yaya

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  42. Likewise Yaya. Thank you for sharing sunshine and so much more... even blizzards and white-outs! And I enjoy your writing voice too:)

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  43. Anna, chasing birds… that’s what birddogs do best! That’s what they were made to do. They’re naturals. I can see that scene right now with the mamma duck doing what mamma ducks do best: protecting their young. And I can see you doing what pet owners do best: dragging your dog in the house and away from the wrath of mamma duck – unless you happened to want roast duck for dinner :)

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  44. Awwww...that would feel crummy! I've had many times I've felt helpless...at a new level in the past year. Last spring I was diagnosed with MS, and every day I wake up with the question in the back of my mind as my feet hit the floor, "Will this be the day I can't walk?" "Are my legs shaky today?" It's more a question than fear, as I try to walk by faith (no pun intended) but I must say it does pose a new reliance on God that I never had to deal with before. Ever.
    For the most part, the answer is a pleasant surprise and my symptoms are more irritants and annoyances than devestating. Praise God! When seen in the scope of what they could be, it puts everything in perspective. :) God is good. All the time. Even in the midst of trial, I learn so much about Him and our relationship...so I can never complain. :)

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  45. Pennie, what a powerful testimony of faith! When you say you “walk by faith” it gives new meaning to the word now, since you mean it in the literal sense as well as the figurative. You are the epitome of true character, and what an example for others afflicted with diseases or ailments of any kind. I have an upcoming post on this very subject, how we can even benefit spiritually from affliction. How even in the midst of trial we can grow.

    Thank you for inspiring me today. This sheds brand new light on what I’ve pondered in my heart but haven’t yet written. You’ve just provided new fuel for the fire! Bless you!

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  46. It happens quite frequently but once I get my mind under control, I just pray and lay it at His feet. I'm learning to trust so so much. I still have an anxiety attack initially over things that happen but I'm learning to take those thoughts and feelings captive quite quickly.

    Blessings,
    Mel
    Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God

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  47. Mel, how we all need this kind of encouragement! You are a great source of inspiration, especially to those suffering anxiety – and I know a few who suffer serious anxiety. It all boils down to controlling our thoughts and taking them captive... you’ve hit the target here. Thanks for these words of wisdom!

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  48. Downright helplessness and total desperation? There is really only one event in my life that truly has had me in that place. I had gone into labor in my third pregnancy. Alot conspired against me that night ... eventually, when I least expected it, I found myself faced with an unbelieveable decision in the middle of an emergency c-section -- to let my child die in utero or risk my life to "maybe" save the life of my child. They had me all alone in an operating room preparing me for surgery with no support, no help in making the decision, my husband had not even been told what was happening. Though I know I made the right decision, it has haunted me to this day and the memories bring back those feelings like they were yesterday.

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  49. Patricia, your plight was truly one of downright helplessness and total desperation. My heart goes out to you for the nightmare you endured in that operating room. And to be all alone with no support… I don’t know what I’d have done. No wonder that this remembrance still haunts you. May you find total healing for this memory.

    ~ Love and prayers

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  50. I truly hope you won't be offended that I laughed through the majority of your post - it was so delightfully painted with words that I couldn't help it. Perhaps I look at the world a wee bit, or even a great deal differently than some. I'm sure you did feel helpless in that scenario, but you also recognized the droll absurdity that life hands us. Happily, Rip returned at the end of the day and you used the energy of the experience to give us all something to chuckle over! Well done, my friend.

    If I'm coming across as unfeeling of your plight, I promise, I'm not! I just saw a rich humor in your words; something I enjoy writing on my end when the notion strikes me. Perhaps this type of experience is given to us to help us keep in mind that there are worse ways to spend an afternoon. An absurd memory shared that evokes laughter is a gift given, I think.

    Namaste',
    Dawn

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  51. You have a very beautiful Blog - love the layout. My total sense of helplessness and desperation began the day my husband died - 3 years ago and continues today. Seems no matter the time that passes, my pain and that sense of 'there's nothing I can do to change this' won't let go.

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  52. Loved this post Debra. Staying with the doggies what about when they decide to sniff a visitor's unmentionables ;)

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  53. Dawn, you read with the eye of a writer.
    So I juxtapose a question, “When have you experienced a moment of downright helplessness and total desperation?” to allow my readers to interpret however they will. And every comment was uniquely meaningful to me, for it allowed me a glimpse into each individual’s life experience. Some feedback was humorous, some heartrending… yours affirming, as you clearly caught the gist!


    Arlene, in the dark winter of grief, the promise that time will heal rings hollow – yes? Now I see why you are contemplating Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. Makes perfect sense in light of your present experience, and I hope you find peace and comfort in these words, for they are inspired and, to me, reassuring.
    I also found this quote by Joseph Fort Newton, and it reminded me of you, for this is exactly what you are doing with your life in the absence of your husband.
    “We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us – how we take it, what we do with it – and that’s what really counts in the end. How to take the raw stuff of life and make it a thing of worth and beauty – that is the test of living.”
    ~ Love and prayers


    Corinne, this comment immediately brought to mind the 1998 Doc. Doolittle film starring Eddie Murphy. Have you seen it? There’s just such a scene as you mention in the movie, and it is hilarious!

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  54. Debra,I am passing the stylish blogger award to you,I have enjoyed your blog and hope you enjoy this award,just go to my blog read and collect your award. Blessings jane

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  55. Oh no! I know the feeling of utter humiliation that you must have experienced...An embarrassing story about my 1 year old son, a shopping mall, and a dirty diaper...too humiliating to even repeat! LOL! Although I am sorry for your horrifying experience, I did quite enjoy your story telling. You have a wonderful way with words, and I felt as if I was there standing next to you, sharing in your embarrassment as well!

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  56. Amanda, I get the picture – and not a pretty one at that. I can fill in the blanks… I can even smell the dirty diaper… and I can see your humiliated face, as you could see mine:( Thanks for stopping by and making my day; I’ll be right over to visit you too.

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  57. One weekend I was watching my friend's dog. I needed to pick something up at the mall and don't really like it when people leave their dogs tied up outside this particular store. So, I was there the second the store opened... practically no one was outside wandering... I was literally in and out of the store in 60 seconds or less. When I came out I got yelled at by a guy who had let his small child go up and try to pet the dog. She'd barked at them semi loudly. He claims the dog tried to bite them. I did fell pretty helpless and humiliated because of all the other shopppers whose attention had been drawn by the screaming man. However, I must say... who lets their child walk up to a strange dog when the owner isn't there?!

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  58. Rachel, I can see the whole scene now. I say the guy, instead of barking at you, should have contained his child. How humiliating this must have been for you :( I can understand the dog barking. Strange child comes up...and the dog's not supposed to bark? Get real man!

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  59. I know that I'm "off point" here - this isn't what you were driving at - but as I mentally imagined your dog taking off, "deaf", while you called him to return, I wondered if this is sometimes what I look like to God?

    I suspect so.

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  60. Oh Sue, you noticed the word "deaf" here. You are not at all off point. On the contrary, I deliberately added "deaf," as that's where I'm headed with all this. I think that many of us are deaf in this sense, don't you?

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  61. Oh, Debra, I feel for you. There are so many times when we are helpless, can't do a thing about the situation. I'm sure glad you finally got your lovely dog in the car although he was wet. I've been there, done it, as they say. In times like these, we just have to wait it out, and keep our faith in God that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose."

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  62. You're so kind and sweet Brenda. Thanks for your encouraging words!

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  63. I loved how you told the story of your dog! And the pictures just make it perfect.

    I'm so glad to "meet" you in this blogosphere!

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