I’ve finally found the right spot for Riley’s Dish Garden. After trying it on the kitchen island (too far from a source of light) and right by the kitchen window (too close to the window and the baseboard heating), it has landed on the kitchen table. It’s thriving.
For those of you who are newer readers of this blog, I made this memorial from my beloved Riley’s food dish. You can read about here. That boy loved to eat. When he became weaker in the last few months of his life, I fed him by hand. He remained a foodie up until the end.
I’ve been thinking a lot about him lately. Last year at this time, we were in the midst of what I now call hospice. After returning from my job in Hartford that June, I proceeded to station myself in a chair in the living room where I could get to him quickly, where I could do my best to anticipate his every need.
June. July. Almost all of August.
It was a bittersweet summer. On the one hand, I was surrounded by my gardens; I was watching my plants grow and bloom and prosper. On the other hand, I was watching my boy decline, knowing that there was not very much time left. We were struggling with the question of ‘When?’ We knew we would know when it was time. For most of that summer, it wasn’t yet time.
This house is filled with Riley’s spirit. In every corner, there is a memory or two. Or three. Or more. When Don plays his guitar and sings, I cannot help but remember how much Riley loved music. The minute he saw that guitar, he was a happy boy. When I sat down at the piano, he immediately wagged his tail and plopped down next to me.
I miss him so.
Can his spirit live on in this little dish garden?
Why not?
It’s growing, sprouting new tendrils, reaching toward the sun. That makes me happy.
Our family is once again headed into a long period of separation. Don leaves on Monday for a job that will take him away for five weeks. When he returns, I’ll have exactly one day with him before I leave for six weeks. While we are grateful to have the work, the prospect of three months apart is daunting and depressing.
Our little girl no longer copes very well with this sort of thing. She’s older now. She lost Riley and misses him a great deal. She doesn’t like change. (Her mother and father don’t like it, either.)
Just a wee bit sad today.
Happy Thursday.
I can identify with the sadness of losing sweet Riley. It is so hard to see such loving, trusted friends pass on. I love the idea of using his dish as a planter. Unfortunately, Bridger ate from stainless steel, so it wouldn’t look quite as cool. Enjoy your little garden as you remember your sweet friend.
The dish is made of battered plastic. I’m thinking stainless steel might look pretty neat!
Thank you for your post about Rileys dish. It was exactly what I needed as I struggle with losing our beloved mini schnauzer last week. Her decline for the last months was evident and the When question had loomed between my husband and I. We miss her every minute of every day. It is comforting in an odd way to know that others feel the same. Thanks for sharing. I watch for our blog to pop up in my feedly when you post because it always has something to speak to me about. Cindy
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss, Cindy. I know very well how hard it is to cope with the loss of beloved pet. I strongly believe your sweet baby is still with you. Take care. xo
Claudia, I was thinking of you just this morning when I was ironing and glanced over at my craft closet and saw my lovely crocheted garland that you made. Sending hugs your way and hoping the melancholy will pass. Martha
Thank you, my friend.
Claudia, there are no words that will take away your sad today but know that you have lifted many of our hearts today as you shared your special bond with Riley and the impact of his life on yours. A beautiful tribute you have created with his dish and plants that continue to show life. Thinking of you today as you remember sweet Riley and as you begin the process of being apart from Don and Scout for some time. Hugs from Canada!
Thank you so much, Chy.
Hugs to you Claudia. I know you miss Riley. I still miss the dog my daughter had. That dog loved me even though I am not a true dog person. I think people who own dogs should treat them like you and Don do. Not have them on a chain, or little yard….no playing, Out in the heat and cold all the time. If it’s a pet, it’s part of the family. Period. xoxo,Susie
I agree. I can never understand having a pet and leaving it outside. It’s cruel.
Claudia, So sorry Your feeling blue. If you have a chance to get out in the sun (and dirt) if possible, it really does heal your soul. Try as hard as you can to live in the moment, and enjoy who you have around right now. I know that is easy for someone else to say,but just try? Denial works! lol -Judy A-
I’m on my way out to put some plants in my galvanized planter, Judy.
Yes, Riley’s spirit lives on in his dish, his little garden and in your hearts. I personally think it is important to the grieving process (though it really never ends, does it?) to make these memorials so that we have a place to go with our sadness and let it all out. It is a tribute to him, and a blessing to you. Yes, the garden thrives because Riley is still watching over you, I believe, on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. He is running and playing and free of pain. Just waiting for the some day reunion.
As for the font in my sidebar, not sure. Came with the theme.
Brenda
It is. I checked it in Firebug.xo
Claudia, my heart aches for you while reading this. I so understand your heartache and how much you miss your baby. I lost my little Nash this past December. He had been my baby for 14 years, since the age of 6 weeks old. That baby brought so much joy and love to my heart, our lives and especially into our home. I just can’t get passed this grief. Life without him just doesn’t seem right.
I have health issues that have me in bed quiet often and he always knew when Mama was hurting and needed her boy beside her. I do still have his precious brother Mister with me and thank God for him but I really don’t know how I wll ever learn to live without my little Nash.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers while you walk through the loss of your baby. I hope you can find a way to deal with such a tremendous loss as I’m trying to do – the loss of our babies, our children.
Blessings to you and yours.
Belinda
I’m so sorry about Nash, Belinda. What an enormous comfort he must have been. I guess we never truly get over the loss of our beloved animal friends.
Dogs are such special gifts to us. And when they leave, it leaves a hole in our hearts. I know your grief. Sorry you are sad today. I know the separation between you and Don is so hard on you three. But, be glad for the work and know that it’ll be over soon. At least one of you will be home with Scout. Look at the bright side.
Judy
Sometimes it’s hard to look on the bright side, Judy. I will have spent a total of 3 months in Connecticut this year. Don has been away for periods that total 4 months. That’s seven months of the year that we’ve been apart..
Claudia, we have pretty much always had our dogs in “twos”. When one passes, our grief is shared between the 2 of us, and even our grown children who aren’t at home. Our vet told us the remaining pup is grieving, too. And she said to expect the grief for that one to last a year if not longer. I love our pets. Beyond the moon. But every time we lose one, I vow we won’t ever have another one because of the grieving that is inevitable. And, of course, we always find a new one….. or perhaps they find us ~ and that circle begins again.
My mom used to swear she would never get another pet after one of them died. The grief was so enormous that she couldn’t bear it. But, in the end, she did.
Blowing my nose with streaming tears along with you…..
Riley lives in the place of great rewards.
Can’t write more through the tears… I’m just an ole softie and the one who shares your exact birth day and year and always remembers….
Bless you, dear Patricia.
A year ago, we too were providing hospice care for our dear Dion. He told us it was time on August 1st of 2012 — and I still miss him terribly. I think I always will.
We h ave since adopted two dogs through breed rescue, and they have “issues,” so my time and home are filled but my heart still has a hole in it.
I love the idea of the garden in Riley’s dish.
He’s still with you, you know.
Hugs — Cass
I remember that, Cass. We lost our babies in the same month – Riley died on August 20, 2012. I know how much you loved your Dion – I can still see his sweet face. xo
Changes can be so hard. I know as I get older the being apart from loved ones and losing beloved friends, pets and family makes me know that time is fleeting. I love the dish garden, a loving tribute to a sweet boy that will always be in your heart. Sending you a hug!
Linda
I seem to have a heightened awareness of time fleeting nowadays, Linda.
I remember sharing those last months with dear Riley – you were such a marvelous ‘mom’ and he knew it. Love how his garden is growing and bringing you fond memories of a life well-lived in a lovely home.
Gosh dear friend, these long projects which are keeping you and Don apart are really hard I know – but thankfully you can share time with Miss Scout – and the reunions must be awesome!
Love and hugs – hang in there.
Mary
The reunions are nice. But I just totaled up the time we’ve been apart this year: 7 months! That’s over half the year.
His spirit can live where ever you want it to be..For sure, it will always be with you..The garden is a sweet tribute…
I’d like to be able to pet his silky head right now.
Makes sense to be sad ….missing him plus another separation coming up….
Yes, I guess it does, Debra.
What a handsome boy Riley was..It’s a wonderful little memorial you have made with his dish garden..We lost one of our dear kitties earlier this year to breast cancer..She was such a sweet little girl..I so much agree with Susie above..If you have pets they should be treated as one of the family..otherwise you should not have them at all..I guess it was a shock when you realized how much time you and Don have spent apart..I would be upset too..I guess that is the nature of the work that you two do..but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier does it Claudia..Hugs
It’s so devastating to lose a beloved pet, Nancy. I’m sorry about your darling kitty.
We know our work will take us away from home, but I don’t think we’ve ever had a year where we’ve been apart that many months in one year.
Oh Claudia, I can so feel your pain on both fronts. My Angel (so aptly named Sheltie mix) will be 13 on the 28th of this month. She came to us at 8 weeks when we were stationed in San Antonio and I so value the time I have with her, but know that it is getting shorter.
My husband will be coming home July 9th on a two week leave. We will have been apart 11 months when he arrives and when he leaves, we’re looking at another 13 months apart. So giddy to see him, but the ‘hello/good byes’ are heart wrenching! I just try to focus on the welcome home part and try to push the rest of it into the recesses of my mind. Our three pups are going to be sooo excited to see their Dad! A bonus is that our younger daughter gets to fly in from TX to be with us for the week. Our oldest daughter lives in MA, so the four of us will have some wonderful time together!
Anyways, just wanted to let you know that I totally feel and understand what you are feeling today! Hugs to you!!
Yes, I understand. Scout is 14. I dread the day we face that loss.
I know how hard it is for Don and me to be separated – I can’t imagine how hard it is for you, Donna. I know when we are apart I have to do the same thing…I have to just push it out of my mind.
I’m so excited that you will soon see each other!
Claudia,I just had a light bulb moment (rare these days). How about you take Riley’s Garden with you, for your long stretch? just a thought. -Judy A-
That’s a good idea, Judy!
Claudia, so sorry you’re feeling down today. Wish there was something I could do or say to help. Thinking of you… Donna
You did help when you gave me that beautiful tray, Donna, along with your kind, loving and compassionate words.
My heart just aches for you Claudia…there just aren’t any words. Riley’s garden is thriving…I’ll leave you on that note! ;)
Sending you big hugs today my friend! I know how much you loved your boy and his dish garden is wonderful.
xo
Leann
So happy the dish garden is thriving sweet friend. I know how much you miss your boy. I also know that it is hard for you and Don to be apart and that it is your work that you need so badly that keeps you apart. I hope Scout does okay during the separations.Thinking of you. xo Laura
My heart feels for you Claudia,and for the spirit of your relationship with Riley which is a blessed bond that transcends his passing.It is also a joy to know when someone loves their companions in this way.The dish is a great idea May you be keeping up your spirits .