Shopping and dogs

Today, after church, Mom wanted me to drop her off at Target. As requested, I went back to get her 2 hours later, only to discover that she spent all that time in another store -- she never even made it into Target! Also, she wasn't where I told her to be to pick her up!! But I can't get mad -- all she purchased was a little statue. She was pulling it out of the bag as she climbed into the car, "Here, for your garden." I was touched.

Mom is "teaching" her dogs again. She puts them on an ottoman and reads to them. I call it "school on a stool." The dogs are so special to her - I often think they are what keep her going!

Speaking of dogs, another poem for you:

Reward

With shining eyes and lifted nose,
A million dogs lined up in rows
And stood before the throne of God,
While He, with just a smiling nod,
Bade all the household pets sit down
Upon their haunches on the ground.
Or should I say, upon the sky,
For they were spirits. As for why
God wanted dogs, that seemed to be
Much more than anyone could see.
Each ear upon each spirit head
Was up to hear each word He said.
"You've all led lives untouched by greed,
And love and honor seemed your creed,
So, now, because of that, you've come
To dwell with Me in this, your home.
You'll not have any crowns to wear,
But you'll have bones and meat to spare,
And friendly fires 'round which to sleep,
And, too, some spirit fleas to keep
You busy when you've naught to do
But haunt the homes of masters who
You loved in other happier days
When once you walked in earthly ways."
They all lay down just where they sat,
While God gave each a loving pat.
And as He walked between the rows,
They each rubbed their cold friendly nose
Against His robe as He passed by
And strolled on down the windy sky.

-- Galen Drake