It’s early March, right? I live in the Northeast. Yet, the temperatures are going to be in the high 50s, the 60s and even 70s this week.
As Don said, “I want to go to Florida when it’s really cold at home.”
That might not be the scenario, sweetheart.
My sinuses are wondering what’s up, but other than that, I’m thrilled that we can open the windows and maybe, just maybe, smell a little spring in the air.
It’s a month today since we said goodbye to our girl. In the midst of the hundreds of reminders of her that we have each day, this morning I was enveloped in sadness at the thought of peanut butter. She loved peanut butter and we would always use a dollop of it to disguise her pill. No matter how badly she might be feeling, no matter how sleepy, she always wolfed it down. Oh, my girl, I hope you can eat all the peanut butter that you want now that you’re free.
I could write a week’s worth of posts just on the many reminders that come to us throughout the day. Each of them makes us stop in our tracks and, more often than not, tear up.
We miss her so.
I’ve been thinking about Pat Conroy since I learned the news of his passing. At the age of 70, he was too young. He had a lot more stories to tell. Don was going out yesterday, so I asked him to stop at the local bookshop to see if they had any of his books on hand. I simply needed to drop everything and read some Conroy. In the meantime, I looked online at what might be on the shelves at our little library. South of Broad was available, so I figured Don could go check it out if there was nothing in the shop. Wouldn’t you know it? Don walked in the door with this hardcover copy of South of Broad – he got it for $5. Much better to have my very own copy.
I cracked it open and was immediately plunged into the gorgeous prose of Mr. Conroy. I had to reread the first page, simply because it was so beautifully crafted and the images so dense and rich that I was stunned. I liken it sinking into a hot bubble bath. Ahhh. A familiar friend is back and I can relax and let myself go, to be taken away to another world.
That is why I have always loved the novels of Pat Conroy and why I mourn his absence. He leaves an empty space that no one else can fill.
Happy Monday.
We seem to be having a very early spring this year too Claudia. I even had my snow tires taken off early last week. I hope I don’t regret that. I don’t believe I’ve ever read any of Mr. Conroy’s books. I may just have to find one and see just what it is that you love so much. Thinking of you and Don today as you go through one more day without your beloved Scout. I hope thinking of the trip to see little Z bring some cheer. Blessings, Betsy
It does. Little Z will be the best medicine for both of us, Betsy. I can’t wait to witness the meeting of Little Z and Don!
Good morning, Claudia. It is “only” 50 degrees here right now but it feels wonderful. I have the living room and kitchen windows open and the cats are in all their glory with sitting on the sills. We’ll be in the 60’s later this week, but looks like rain almost every day. That’s ok, I’m just happy that we’re warming up.
Reminders of Scout will always be with you. I remember when we had to have our cat, Sasha put to sleep. She was a beautiful pure-white kitty with delicate features. Months later, I was still finding white cat hairs on the couch and it was painful.
I totally agree with you about Pat Conroy’s writing. It is almost lyrical. Draws you in completely. I’ve read South of Broad. And, of course, Prince of Tides and Beach Music. I haven’t read The Death of Santini, The Water is Wide, The Lords of Discipline, or My Reading Life. I also know he had a cookbook. I’m going to look and see if my library has any of the novels I haven’t read.
I haven’t read Beach Music yet, and I keep hearing incredible things about it, so it’s next on the list. You would love My Reading Life, Melanie.
Scout’s hair was much like cat hair. And we keep finding it everywhere, as well. Sad.
Those moments keep grabbing me also dear friend. Sadness about Charlie and my brother are never far away. Yesterday was such a good day for me. Sunshine and peace for a change. I really needed that. I’m going to pick up a Conroy book also. I feel the need to read some his amazing words. I hope your back is better. It makes me feel so old when I can’t so things because of my back. Hugs to you and Don.
Linda
Me too. It’s so frustrating, isn’t it?
I’m so glad you had a good day yesterday, Linda. That makes me very happy. You deserve it.xo
I sincerely hope this weather means spring is here…but, then, we’ve been fooled before! I admit I’ve never read any of Pat Conroy’s books…so I’ll put him on my list. I’m sure there are hundreds of daily reminders of Scout…and that’s good. She is and always will be part of your life. The tears may slow down over time…but they never stop. Enjoy your day…are you still leaving tomorrow? ;)
More likely on Wednesday. We aren’t really ready because I’ve been babying my back.
I don’t think I have known of “My Reading Life”, so will have to order that from the library for sure.
One month.
I read this recently: “Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal. Love leaves a memory which no one can steal.” It wasn’t attributed to anyone, so I don’t know who said it, but it struck a chord with me. ♡
I like that very much, Chris. Thank you so much for sharing it here. xo
I too will miss Pat Conroy’s books – and just placed an order for my two favorites, Beach Music and South of Broad. Although I read most books on my Kindle (due to problems with my hands/fingers – the Kindle is easier to hold) – I ordered these two as paperback books. I thought it was only right to read his books and be able to touch them – that’s sounds funny, I know – but, it seemed fitting to honor him in this way.
It doesn’t sound funny at all. It’s the same reason I held off ordering any of his books on my Kindle. They need to be three-dimensional and, after reading, they have to go on my shelves. They deserve that. I want to order Beach Music, but I guess I’ll wait until I get back from FL.
I am so sorry you and Don have to be without your beloved Scout, Claudia. It was clear from your posts how much you love her.
I will love her forever, Josje. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Miss Scout was there at the beginning of your Mockingbird Hill Cottage and those little reminders are what they should be…little reminders of her sweet life with you and Don…
They are so poignant, Nancy.
I’m constantly in some state of emotion about the rapid passing of time. How can it be that Scout has already been gone a month?
Claudia, I don’t know much about Conroy. You’ve piqued my interest. I did hear that he passed at 70 and like too many other people in the news lately, they’re dying too young.
Our startling news here in SoCalif is rain. Odd rain. Comes in with a big bang and doesn’t last long. But we’ll take it. It happened again…this has now happened twice!…we awoke to flashes of light and crackling, BIG thunder (my poor dog, it’s as bad as firecrackers for her); absolutely furious thunderstorm at 5am that lasted under an hour. It’s nuts! And I just read that Death Valley is awash in wildflowers…they call it a superbloom. I was there in March once and I don’t remember any wildflowers, ever. Just old covered-wagon ruts from the pioneer days, early settlers making their way West.
I imagine you’re possibly taking off to Florida tomorrow? May your back be better, so that you can enjoy a nice road trip. The one thing about leaving the Northeast in good weather is that at least you don’t have to worry about roads being clear and pipes freezing, right?!
I know. Time seems to pass more quickly lately. So glad you’re getting some rain, the news reports show deluges!
No frozen pipe worries, it will be above freezing up here the whole time we are gone. Hurrah!
Lots of empty spaces that can’t be filled, Claudia. However, thank goodness for the immense spaciousness of the human heart and mind, with plenty of unused empty spaces to fill with new memories.
Thank you, Wendy.