Saturday, May 3, 2008

I Have An Amazing Mother-In-Law...

My Mother-in law is the best. She's never not been the best. She's kind, loving and generous. She loves us and has never made it a secret. I on the other hand have not been the best daughter-in-law. Too much on my plate and not enough time to spend with her. Yes, I agree, I've failed.
These photos of us together are my favorite because she was visiting us in L.A. for Christmas. No one had taken a shower or even fixed their hair and she said "Let's take some photos. Rob looked at me. I looked at Rob and we both began to laugh. I said "Mom, we just got out of bed!" Her reply "Ahhhhh, who cares." They remain my favorite photos of all time.
She's a brilliant, magical woman and I'll tell you why today is so important in our relationship.
~
Most of you know I feed feral kitties at the park every day. About 2 months ago I met a homeless couple on my way out. They were parked next to my car. I saw a chihuahua get out of their camper barely able to walk. It appeared to have a broken leg. You know me by now, I didn't hesitate to approach them. They were a lovely couple and said that they'd rescued him from the park a few weeks earlier. He was homeless himself. They had taken him to Loaves and Fishes (a wonderful organization you've probably all heard about) and encouraged to take him to their monthly Vet Clinic for treatment in a few weeks. I told them that I'd take him to my vet's immediately and bring him back once he was healed. They said no, they'd rather care for him because they loved him. They insisted they would get help from Loaves and Fishes. I said okay, but gave them all our numbers and my email address. I made it clear that if ever they needed me, all they had to do was call or email.
~
Today, I received the call. I know to call me broke their hearts. They love their dog. Anyone who has ever loved a dog can understands the pain of surrendering him/her. But I was asked if I'd take him and without hesitation, said yes. They went to Loaves and Fishes and were told by the vet that he doesn't have a broken leg, but horrible ingrown toenails. He needs treatment they can't afford and they also realize the summer is going to be very hot and the camper is no place for a dog. He actually apologized for calling. That broke my heart. I told him not to worry, that everything would be okay and that of course I'd take their dog. We'll meet Monday morning after I feed the ferals and he will officially become my dog.
~
I wondered how to break the news to Rob. Our house is so full and the money we spend on animals is insane. I simply told him the story, and that I was taking the dog directly to the Vet's from the park to have surgery for what ails him and have them give him a good bath, then bring him home to adjust. Honestly, Rob looked like a deer caught in the headlights. And then a lightbulb went off. Mom!!! A few months prior she mentioned she might want to adopt another Chihuahua. I said "Honey, what about Mom!?" We debated because he worries about her age, etc., but I know Mom's heart and picked up the phone and called over his protests. And just as I didn't hesitate to call her, without hesitation she said "I would love him!!!" Perfect match. That's my Mother-In-Law. She's perfection.
~
Everything's going to be fine. We'll get his foot fixed, give him a good bath, nice food, a warm home, lesson in good doggie behavior if necessary and lovely walks in the park. Life will be beautiful. And no, I will never forget the homeless couple who helped in his journey and alway incorporate them into our lives. Why? Because they saved him. I will meet them periodically if they wish, show them photos, bring the dog for a visit, etc.. I sincerely believe that people who matter in an animal's life should always be remembered. Always. So on Monday, I'm a new parent, again. Briefly. And then my darling Mom will become a mom again to a beautiful little soul in need.
~
I love you Mom. You know that. Thank you.
~
XO
~
P.S. The black and white photo of mom is my favorite. It was taken by a professional wedding photographer at a family wedding overlooking the ocean in Malibu.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your mother-in-law truly is the best, with a heart of gold - you two were made for being 'related'.
I hope the little fellow recovers well, and you must tell us what his name will be!!

Peter x

Suzanne said...

Peter, I love you. Thank you and yes, Mom and I were made for one another. She's a remarkable woman with a beautiful life story. I just cherish her with all my heart.

It's funny you mention a name because one of the things she said that made me laugh so hard is "Well...I've gotta start thinking about a name!" I replied "Mom, I think you have to spend a bit of time with him before chosing a name." She said "Well, I know that honey, but I'm going to start preparing!!!" She's the best.

Peter, isn't it interesting how life unfolds. When I got the call today I remember that feeling of pure panic, but then the words "Yes! Of course," spilling out of my mouth. My first thought was "How in the hell are we going to fit another animal in this house!?" But things have a way of working out if you have a bit of faith. My Mother-In-Law has come through big time and I will never forget this act of generosity and I'm sure the "Little Fellow" won't either. He's about to get the surprise of his life, a beautiful life.

I love you Peter and hope all is well in Moscow. I'll visit soon. Until then, take good care of yourself. I'm now going to visit Kylie and Dad and ask them to pray for the "Little Fellow!"

Much love,
Suze XO

kylie said...

hey suze,
i had read this post earlier and wondered what el perro "Rastus" would be called.....
got your request and i'm on it
xx

MARIA said...

Beautiful!

:)

Maria

Lavinia said...

What a heartwarming story! So full of love and caring and concern....

I marvel at your generosity and spirit.

That is one lucky dog; how lovely that he has found a good home, with someone who will cherish him.

It's sad that the cost of vet care can be so prohbitive that some people simply can't afford it... Our animals depend on us...as you know, I am crazy about my own dog...The Bebbers...a pampered and spoiled rotten little shi-tzu....my little buddy...my faithful friend...

You are a true humanitarian Suzanne, and I salute you.

Best regards,
Lavinia

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
How sweet to have a kind and loving mom... (i know it is your mom-in- law but am sure she is dear for you as mom and you are her daughter)

He is one lucky puppy to find you and mom.. both of you are kind and generous....
I'll be praying for all of you..
Hope you having a beautiful day!
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

ps. I am trying to post a comment from yesterday...but for some reason that word verification is not showing up ):
hope this time...ahhh

Suzanne said...

Thanks so much Kylie! I read the prayer and love it. That'll work for me. Rastus sounds fine with me. We'll have to discuss it with Mom!

Suzanne said...

Thanks Maria ~ always good to see your beautiful face.

XO

Suzanne said...

Lavinia,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I really do hope this is one lucky dog and that everything works out. Of course I will keep you all informed. I feel so nervous about tomorrow! I simply want everything to be effortless. Just let me warn you, that never happens in my life, but I still have hope!!!


Your dog is so percious. I know you love The Bebbers, it's so obvious. That's one lucky puppy. And I agree that vet care is prohibitive and prevents so many good people from having animals. We have a lot of kitties and our dog and I honestly don't recall ever getting out of the vet's office for under $100. That's insane. We spend thousands and thousand a year to care for the animals and most people aren't in the position, even with one animal. I had one of my feral kitties spay a short while ago and got a little bit of a break because she's a feral, but still ended up paying nearly $300. That's crazy. I've given it a great deal of thought, but don't know what the solution is.

Oh, you might want to check out "Hobie's World." You can find him on my side bar. He's the greates dog, with the most amazing life and parents! He lives down in San Diego. You and The Bebbers will just LOVE him. Tell him his Aunt Suzie sent you and he'll welcome you with open arms (you'd be welcomed with open arms even without me!). He's a gem. You'll see.

Thank you again for your wonderful comment. It's always nice to find you here. I'll visit if time permits tonight. Until then,

XO Suzanne (Suze or Suz or Suzie or Suzy! Take your pick.)

Suzanne said...

Hi Bindi,

How wonderful to see you and Serene. And yes, you are absolutely right, Mom is Mom and I am her daughter. That will never change, even if Rob and I were to divorce. People have such horror stories about mother-in-laws, but that's something I can't even imagine. Mom and I love one another so very much and we're friends as well. Some women are just good to their core and she's one of them. I'm lucky to have her in my life.

Bindi, I hope this works out with the dog. I'm getting so nervous. So I'm in here typing in an effort to take my mind off tomorrow morning. I can honestly say it isn't working at all!!! Everything's arrange with the Vet's office, so as soon as I get him we're going directly there. Our visit is sceduled for 11 am, but it's just an estimated arrival time. I've rescued so many animals that the rule at my Vet's is now "Honey, when ever you get here, get here!" It's so funny because there have been mornings when I've rescued a kitty, I'll call and say "Okay, I'm ten minutes away, is that okay?" And the reply is always "Suzanne, we'll be waiting." One less stress.

Pray for us tonight Bindi. This just has to work out. Mom is beyond excited and has said she'll pay all the vet bills! What a bonus. I don't know how severe the dogs ingrown toenails are, so have no idea if this will be surgery, or something less. I have a feeling it will be surgery. I've seen the dog and he's obviously in a great deal of pain because I thought he had a broken leg. I'm so eager to see him well, and walking on 4 legs, not 3. I think he's going to be so grateful and happy, once everything's taken care of, he's safe, well fed, and has a normal life.

Cross your fingers for us baby. I'll try to write tomorrow, but it's going to be such a crazy day because Ohno and Hopper also have vet appointments at 5:30 (Ohno for that lump on his hind leg and Hopper because he's limping after a horrible fight with a neighbor's kitty). Cross your fingers for them too. Cross your fingers for us too, because administering medication to kitties is insane!!! Yup, it's official, life here at Rose Cottage is never dull. Nope. Never!

I love you and I'm so happy you're safe and sound after the tornadoes. Bindi, I don't think you belong in Arkansas! I haven't called Cece because I don't want to bother her, but as soon as you hear from her, please let us all know. I hope she has power by now because trying to imagine Cecile with out power for a few days isn't a pretty sight!

Love you and thank you for always caring.

XO Suze :)

bindhiya said...

Sweetie,
I will be crossing fingers for all of you... I can see you are in a lot of stress...
Please try to relax a bit and get some sleep...
Everything will be fine...
Cecile's computer is messed up...she have power...
I am not sure when i will be able to call...am thinking about Shara too...I didn't heard from her...for almost a week..
talk to you soon..
Praying for all of you...
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

bindhiya said...

You are one of the lucky one to get two Mom's....it is very very rare to find a loving mom like that...
♥ you

Suzanne said...

Hi Bindi,

Yup, I'm still here. Rob's playing tennis and the kitties don't seem to want to eat yet, so I've planted my butt firmly on my chair. I don't plan to move until I have to.

I just posted at the Cafe. I thought we could all use a laugh.

Yes, it's true, I'm stressed. But I have to relax because being stress with a dog who is stressed isn't a good thing. One of us has to be sensible! I wish I had Rob's personality some times. He's so calm and collected and I'm just a ball of nerves and energy. I will meditate and exhale A LOT before tomorrow morning!!! Thank you for reminding me to calm down. Everything's going to be fine. I know that. The only things that's ever gone wrong is losing Ireland. And yes, I still think about him every day and look for him every day. It's hard to believe it's been almost 4 months, when it seems like only yesterday I held him in my arms. I will regret that all my life Bindi. And yes, I'm crying. I love that cat and I miss him. I made a horrible mistake and I will regret it forever. It's sad that you can never go back and change the course of history.

I'm worried about Shara too. I visted her blog and saw absolutely nothing. I didn't leave a message, but will tonight. We absolutely have to all exchange phone numbers. This is insane to wait and worry. I'm hopeful she's just busy. I know that's probably not true. Gig is safe, Skeeter is safe. We'll just wait to hear from Shara. I have a feeling it has something to do with electrical service.

Robyn finally showed up. She's been very, very ill. You might want to stop by if you have an opportunity. It's such a relief to have her back. I was worried.

I love you Bindi. You know that. You bring a sort of calm to my life that matters. Just hearing your voice (and yes, I hear it) matters. And yes, I'm lucky to have two moms. Where one falters, the other fills the gap. I like that very much. Robyn once informed me my life is perfect, I have no problems. I had to laugh and inform her she was terribly mistaken. Life is a struggle for almost everyone and mine is no exception. It's often complicated and hard. None of us escape! Do we? Why do you think we're here Bindi? I ask myself that question every single day.

I love you,
Suze XO

Susan Bowden said...

What a beautiful story. I wish the new little guy a wonderful life - but it sounds like he's already had a good start with loving friends and now "new family". Thank you Aunt Suzanne for taking care of all my "friends". You have a really BIG heart! Love, Hobie

bindhiya said...

Sweetie,
I talk to Shara a bit ago...we talk maybe 30 minutes.. She is fine... just busy with her school...
Last week she called...
It was so sweet to talk to her...like known her for long long time..
then I talk to Milly...
I know you worry...thats why am back to let you know Shara is fine...
Yes, Sweetie, everyone have their own problems... Milly will say 'nothing is perfect in this world' that is 100% true..
one or another everyone have problems..

Please try to relax and rest a bit...
everything will be just fine..
I am praying for all of you..
take care
talk to you soon..
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

bindhiya said...

There is a reason for every single thing happens or happening...most of the time we don't know...
Sweetie, Ireland is somewhere around and sure he will show up when it is time...
I didn't saw my family for 7 years...every single moment am thinking about them...everyone want to see me and i want to see them too...when i talk my mom every time she will cry but she will say "i'll be able to see you when it is time...
I wish i can bring him to you...
I love you...

Suzanne said...

Hobie,

I love you. You know that. I'm nervous you know. I know everything's going to be fine, but I'm scared. He'll be okay, won't he Hobie? You know. You know what I'm about to do and you know what he's about to endure. I have a big old lump in my throat honey. But I know I'm doing the right thing. Just tell me he'll be okay and I'll fell alright. I know you know. Cross your paws for us darlin'. I love you and thank you for your constant support. You're the best. I'll keep you informed honey. Thank you. And Mommy, thank you too (I'm scared...any words of wisdom would be appreciated just about now!).

Love Aunt Suzie XO

Suzanne said...

Bindi, I love you and thank you for everything. It's nice to know Shara is okay and that Milly is fine. Huge exhale. I will try to relax. I'm not feeling it right now because I simply have so much on my mind, but before I rescue the dog tomorrow I will find that place in my heart. I always do. I couldn't rescue if I didn't. But before I'm just a wreck. Then suddenly, calm. It's simply about going to a place you have to in order to do what you must. But it's hard. And so right now I'm in that place where I struggle. But I'll find peace within hours. Thank you so much for appreciating what I go through. I know you understand.

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

When it is time. I'm crying. You know that. All in due time. Your mom will see you and I will see Ireland all in due time. Oh Bindi, if I could just turn bsck the hands of time. I would. I swear to God, I would. I made a horrible error in judgement and I will regret it all the days of my life. I will.

XO

Suzanne said...

Bindi, I love you. I know you hurt the same way I do. Everything will work out and we'll all be okay. I'm confident we'll be okay. Life is often just a bit complicated.

I love you.
XO

bindhiya said...

Sweetie,
I just came back to say 'i can feel the pain in your words'
Life is a mystery...we have no idea about the next moment...
If I know i will be struck in here...

I know you miss Ireland terribly...
still I believe he will show up one day...
maybe this kind of feeling keeping me alive...still..
I love you...
Praying for all of you..
((hugs))
bindi

Leah said...

Well, Suzanne, I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you and the rescue you're about to tackle, and also rooting for Ohno and Hopper...this stress is the hard part of caring so deeply for animals...but how worthwhile it is when all is said and done, right?
love and xoxo,

Leah

Anonymous said...

Suze,

It is very strange how life unfolds, and that's the wonder of it, isn't it? I never thought I'd visit Moscow, let alone live here. Life isn't too bad, there are some negatives and positives, but I try to go with the flow. I'm already thinking that I'll only stay in Moscow for a year, and maybe try to find a job in Paris - now that would be something.

Hope you're well, and the kitties, and 'little fellow' - my word, there are so many!!!

Pxx

Suzanne said...

Hi Bindi,

Thank you for your kind words last night. It's the following morning and I woke at 4am as usual to get things organized and feed the kitties, but everyone went back to sleep. So I'll sit here for a few minutes and think. You already made me cry, but I have to stop that immediately! This is a big day and I can't be too weepy because my face already looks like a big puffy wreck from crying last night! You'll see your mom and I'll see Ireland one day. I have to believe that. I'm starting to cry again, so I have to change the subject immediately.

I have to go to WalMart before going to the park. Ugh. I hate WalMart, but they have good prices. I need a leash and a collar and I think I'll buy Mom a bed for the wee one too, oh, and a blankie, toys, etc.

I'll talk to you later. Have a wonderful day. Keep your fingers crossed for us! I'll try to keep you informed as the day progresses.

Much love and thank you,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

Leah, thank you. Your words always matter. I was thinking about you last night and wishing I could stop by for a cup of tea! Isn't that funny? It seems like your house would be a fun place to relax and laugh.

I'll keep you informed. Wish me luck!

Love ya,
Suze XO

Suzanne said...

Hi Peter,

That is the wonder of it and also the beauty. You're absolutely right. I try to remind myself when things get too complicated.

I'm glad you've had this opportunity to live in Moscow, but I'd prefer you live in Paris!!! Yippie!!!

Thanks for all your support my dear. You're always so kind and generous and I hope you know I appreciate you.

It's already after 5pm and I'm now so behind with this day, so I have to boogie. Cross your fingers for us baby! Talk to you later.

Love ya,
Suze XO

CIELO said...

Owesome relationship...so nice to see a daughter and mother in law loving each other like that! Thanks for setting an example... that's how it always should be....

Pd: you have a wonderful smile :)

Have a wonderfu day and rest of the week, sweetie

cielo

Anonymous said...

Suze,

Yep, I'm glad of the opportunity to live here too, but I think I'd prefer to live in Paris too!! But I'm still only 4 months into my year contract!
I'll keep looking for Paris jobs though ;-)

Good luck with your fellows, my dear.

Peter xx

PS - You're a God-send.

Suzanne said...

Cielo,

Hello my dear! Always love when you stop by. And thank you for the kind words. I agree, Mom and I are very fortunate.

I'll stop by soon to read your new posts and to hopefully find out when we'll have the next Carnival! That was way too much fun. And thanks for all your hard work. By the way, did you have a chance to read Random Chick's post about her strawberry recipe. It is absolutely hilarious! Don't deprive yourself!

Have a beautiful day and week too. Talk to you soon.

Much love,
Suze
P.S. Thanks for the PD!

Suzanne said...

Peter,

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, Christmas will be here before you know it! I can't even believe it's May. I barely got to appreciate January, February, March and April. How'd that happen?

Moscow is lovely, but Paris is PARIS!!! Just keep submitting those applications baby!

Bad news from the park. I'm going to post about it just to divert my attention from this one. Ugh.

Love you!
Suze XO

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a lovely story and it sounds like it was meant to be. I'm so glad I got to know you...you are a beautiful human being.

xoxoxoxo
RC

krystyna said...

Hi Suzanne!
What a beautiful story, love story between you and your mother-in-law.
It is amazing and very inspiring. I'm sure that you are fantastic, lovely daughter-in-law too.

I really stop blogging, but I love reading your writings and I love your amazing place, so for sure I'm going to visiting you.

Love and hugs!

Suzanne said...

Random Chick,

Apparently it wasn't meant to be. At least not yet. Hopefully I'll get a call. I'm so glad I got to know you too because I think you're equally beautiful. And in addition, you can make me laugh like nobody's business!!!

XO

Suzanne said...

Krystyna,

Hi honey. Oh my God I miss you, but at least you're here. As long as you visit, I'm fine. To have you go away forever would be heartbreaking. You don't have to explain why you stopped blogging. I've often thought of doing so ~ it's a lot of work!

I love you dear. And please stop by often because without you blogging feels lonely! Oh, and give me some health tips now and then!!! :) Thank God your Mom hasn't stopped blogging!

Love you SO much, and thanks for the wonderful compliments. I'm lucky to have my MIL. She's an absolute gem.

Have a beautiful Tuesday.
XO Suze :)