The Gentle Monster – NBC

October 2, 2017 | Newbloggycat

A special dog like you would only

come along once in our lifetime.

And the name Monster suited well

for you were born a mischief-maker.

Remember all the furniture you destroyed and

dad’s new Ericsson phone you nibbled.

Did you try to call your girlfriend

and got upset with the not so

paw-friendly phone buttons?

Also the curtains you pulled down

together with the rod

the two bags of soil you ripped

and painted the front porch mud brown

and did not miss a spot.

You chewed every pair of

high-heel shoes that I bought.

Were you confused and thought

you must try to heel your sole

for all the trouble you caused?

But we could never really be angry with you

after all you were just

a monster with a gentle soul.

You adored and babysat

Sydelle and Shaye when they were younger

you were so smart you even

played hide and seek together

and your love for soccer was like no other.

You guarded the oven patiently and

waited for the roast lamb to be cooked.

You enjoyed your weekly spa moment

when dad gave you a shower.

Sadly though, three years ago today

you knew your end was near and

so very hard for us to let you go.

When I was out with the girls that evening

dad fed you your favourite meal

you spent some private moment

as he held you gently in his arms until

you were ready CT to say your final goodbye.

Three years on and

we love and miss you still, Monster.

Remembering my dad

January 7, 2017 | Newbloggycat

Sixteen years ago today, my dad passed away. Recently, we said goodbye to my beloved aunt and it’s comforting to know that my dad was reunited with his beloved sister in heaven.

My message to my dad this anniversary is:

“Hi Dad, I can’t believe it’s been 16 years since you were gone. We are all imperfect. While on earth you had much pain and struggles yet you were honest, kind and generous and that’s perfectly you. And I believe you were at peace with your past and is now resting in eternal peace.

I wish you could stay longer to meet your beautiful grandchildren. But I know you are watching over them from heaven. You’ll live in our hearts till we meet again. ~Love always, Pat (♡ ὅ ◡ ὅ )ʃ♡“

Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.

—Terri Guillemets

Quote of the day – Author unknown

October 10, 2016 | Newbloggycat

“We begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived.

And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.”

A tribute to our wonderful friend and fellow blogger, Paul Curran.

“This is how I’d like to remember you, Paul! “

A Special Place

February 22, 2016 | Newbloggycat

Sydelle's drawing_tribute to Zap.jpg

You have a special place Dear Lord
that I know you’ll always keep
A special place reserved for dogs
when they quietly fall asleep
With large and airy kennels
and a yard for hiding bones
With maybe a little babbling creek
that chatters over stones.
With wide green fields and flowers
for those who never knew
about running freely under
Your sky of perfect blue.
Lord,I know You keep this Special Place
And so to you I Pray,
For one Special Rottweiler puppy
Who quietly died today
He was full of strength & love
and so very, very cute.
He is dearly missed my Lord
By a very good friend of mine.
He went to join his ancestors
To Your land that is Devine
So, speak to Zap softly please
And give him a warm hello.
He’s a Special gift to you Dear Lord
From Pat, Jan, Sydelle and Shaye, who loved him so.

RIP our beautiful angel!

Original poem by Jan Cooper 1994

Grandchild, please don’t mourn me

October 11, 2015 | Newbloggycat

This post is dedicated to my longtime friend Isabelle, whose beloved grandmother had passed away at a respectable age of 105.

Grandchild, please don’t mourn me I’m still here,
though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
And within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near,
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart.
As long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of your sight,
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach,
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves when Autumn’s around,
And the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
And you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
You can talk to Grandma through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
And you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep,
And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, Grandchild, I’m every place!

~ Author Unknown ~

Seasons of Grief – Belinda Stotler

June 8, 2015 | Newbloggycat

Our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims – earthquake on Mount Kinabalu.

Shall I wither and fall like an autumn leaf,
From this deep sorrow – from this painful grief?
How can I go on or find a way to be strong?
Will I ever again enjoy life’s sweet song?

Sometimes a warm memory sheds light in the dark
And eases the pain like the song of a Meadow Lark.
Then it flits away on silent wings and I’m alone;
Hungering for more of the light it had shone.

Shall grief’s bitter cold sadness consume me,
Like a winter storm on the vast angry sea?
How can I fill the void and deep desperate need
To replant my heart with hope’s lovely seed?

Then I look at a photo of your playful smiling face
And for a moment I escape to a serene happy place;
Remembering the laughter and all you would do,
Cherishing the honest, caring, loving spirit of you.

Shall spring’s cheerful flowers bring life anew
And allow me to forget the agony of missing you?
Will spring’s burst of new life bring fresh hope
And teach my grieving soul how to cope?

Sometimes I’ll read a treasured card you had given me
And each word’s special meaning makes me see,
The precious gift of love I was fortunate to receive,
And I realize you’d never want to see me grieve.

Shall summer’s warm brilliant sun bring new light,
And free my anguished mind of its terrible plight?
Will its gentle breezes chase grief’s dark clouds away,
And show me a clear path towards a better day?

When I visit the grave where you lie in eternal peace,
I know that death and heaven brought you release;
I try to envision your joy on that shore across the sea,
And, until I join you, that’ll have to be enough for me.

For all the remaining seasons of my life on earth,
There’ll be days I’ll miss your merriment and mirth,
And sometimes I’ll sadly long for all the yesterdays;
Missing our chats and your gentle understanding ways.

Yet, the lessons of kindness and love you taught me,
And the good things in life you’ve helped me to see;
Linger as lasting gifts that comfort and will sustain,
Until I journey to that peaceful shore and see you again.

– Belinda Stotler

Blessing of Peace

April 29, 2015 | Newbloggycat

Deep peace I breathe into you
Oh weariness here, O ache, here!
Deep peace, a soft white dove to you;
Deep peace, a quiet rain to you;
Deep peace, an ebbing wave to you!
Deep peace, red wind of the east from you;
Deep peace, gray wind of the west to you;
Deep peace, dark wind of the north from you;
Deep peace, pure red of the flame to you;
Deep peace, pure white of the moon to you;
Deep peace, pure green of the grass to you;
Deep peace, pure brown of the living earth to you;
Deep peace, pure gray of the dew to you;
Deep peace, pure blue of the sky to you;
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet Earth to you,
Deep peace of the sleeping stones to you,
Deep peace of the yellow shepherd to you,
Deep peace of the wandering shepherdess to you,
Deep peace of the Flock of Stars to You.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to You.
Deep Peace, Deep Peace.

– Old Irish Blessing of Peace

5 Memorable quotes by Lee Kuan Yew

March 25, 2015 | Newbloggycat

Beautiful sunset over the Merlion Park, Singapore

“A nation is great not by its size alone. It is the will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of its people and the quality of its leader which ensure it an honourable place in history.”

“You know, the cure for all this talk is really a good dose of incompetent government. You get that alternative and you’ll never put Singapore together again: Humpty Dumpty cannot be put together again… and your asset values will be in peril, your security will be at risk and our women will become maids in other people’s countries, foreign workers.”

“I’ve always tried to be correct, not politically correct.”

“Churchmen, lay preachers, monks, Muslim theologians, all those who claim divine sanction or holy insights, take off your clerical robes before you take on anything economic or political.”

“At the end of the day, what I cherish most are the human relationships. With the unfailing support of my wife and partner I have lived my life to the fullest. It is the friendships I made and the close family ties I nurtured that have provided me with that sense of satisfaction at a life well lived, and have made me what I am.”

Lee Kuan Yew (1923 – 2015)
First Prime Minister of Singapore

A Letter From Heaven – Ruth Ann Mahaffey

January 2, 2015 | Newbloggycat

♡ A warm tribute to the family and friends of those on board flights MH370, MH17 and QZ8501.

To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness;
Here, is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.

I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.
There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night….My day was not in vain.
And now I’m contented… that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.

When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when its time for you to go…from that body to be free.
Remember you’re not going…you’re coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey

Goodbye Monster, our beautiful Rottweiler

October 4, 2014 | Newbloggycat

You'll always be our guardian angel ☜(˚▽˚)☞

Adopted when he was about 6 months old on 18/03/2004
Departed at approximately 7.30 pm on 02/10/2014

“Still can’t believe you’re gone. You were always vibrant and full of funny antics.
We miss you more than you ever know. Please say ‘Hi’ to Mylo for us.
RIP Monster. We love you always. You’ll be in our hearts forever.”

Sydelle said you're so special because you were such a happy dog.

You were a great football player. David Beckham would have been impressed.

Sorry I've to add one of your outrageous antics...

Always agile and a daddy's boy till the very end.

Here's a photo taken just for you by Shaye and a lovely poem below to let you know how we really feel. Rest now our beautiful furry friend.

Goodbye (by John Quealy)

With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes
after all these years; we must say goodbye
Please understand; we’ve done all we could
if there was anything we could do; you know we would

I’m sitting right here; gently rub your ears
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us; we’ll never forget
especially the ones; of the day we all met

One last hug; and one last kiss
you have no idea; how much you’ll be missed
To look into your eyes; this one last time
you tell me it’s ok; you know it’s your time

Close your eyes now; and go to sleep
we’ll pray to the Lord; your soul he’ll keep
Go in peace now; our good friend
we’ll stay right here with you; until the end

Dream of that special day and time
when we’ll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine
We’ll run and play; side by side
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside

Your memory will live on; in each one of us
you’ll always be number 1; to all of us
Have a safe journey; through the night
I promise when you awake; you’ll be in God’s light

So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes
just for now my friend; we say goodbye