It’s TOUGH to be the center of attention. In SPITE of all the therapy and introspection, I continue to feel a bit STIFF when people want to give me something. I can get a big case of “no, don’t go to any trouble.” Well, really, if I am quite honest, it’s a bit of a dilemma: yes, please make a happy fuss, and no, please don’t make any kind of fuss. This year, I took a chance and said, actually, now that you mention it, it would be rather nice… (STILL, a bit of a wobble around that request) I feel intense gratitude for the whole: the generosity and the love. (It would be a bit of a STINK to do anything else. And I am not and do not want to be that way) So, I will graciously accept and enjoy my STINT as the birthday queen.

Georg’ann

He’d GROWN fond of SANDY, which he hadn’t expected. In fact he’d initially resisted her. Quickly she won him over. She was a steady companion and so good natured. Great with the neighborhood kids, it was not unusual to find her lying on the front lawn with children draped over her in one way or another.

Their daily walks became an important ritual in an otherwise chaotic life. Sandy knew the route and it was soothing to follow her lead. She had all her favorite places to SNIFF, delighting in new discoveries. Though her warm poops did STINK, it was small price to pay for all she gave in return. It was his first STINT as a dog owner. He wasn’t sure about them all, but knew he’d been transformed into a man who loved at least this one very much.

Heather