Tagged: TV
REX
(Photo courtesy of Apertome)
Ever since I could remember, I hated dogs. I’m not sure how I felt about them when I was younger, but in my teens, a dog away from me was a good dog.
My mother inherited a dog when I was fourteen. His named was Rex. From day one, I hated the dog and he hated me.
He growled every time I passed him on my way out of the house. And he barked when I returned. Most nights he slept on the front porch. Honestly, I think he did that to prevent me from coming in. Stupid mutt.
The routine – I walked past, he cut his eyes and let out a low growl; I would do the same. We understood each other. There would never be any love lost between us.
One night, after two months of this routine, I passed him as he lay curled up on the porch – he didn’t growl. Nope; he got up, left the porch and began following behind me as I rode away on my bike.
That dog…no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t chase him away. I threw everything but the kitchen sink at him, he just wouldn’t go home. So I jumped back on my bike and tried to outrun him. He was way too fast.
When we got home Rex followed me up the steps and into the house. I sat down to watch TV; there at my feet lay Rex.
From that night on, everywhere I went, Rex followed. I soon gave up trying to sneak off without him – he was just too smart.
Every time I rode my bike, it was just me and my buddy, Rex.
One Saturday morning, Rex wasn’t sleeping by the front door or out on the front porch.
“Mama, where’s Rex?”
“He’s on the back porch.”
Sure enough, he was kinda sitting, kinda lying down.
“Come on boy, let’s go.”
He sat for a minute, turned those sad brown eyes at me and slowly crawled under the porch.
I called more times than I can remember, but he just wouldn’t come out. Maybe he’s tired I thought. So I let him be. I rode off with my friends.
When I got home, Rex was still under the porch.
“Mama, Rex won’t come from under the porch.”
My mother’s eyes went soft. “Baby, I think Rex died.”
While I was out riding around, the dog I came to love died. I will never forget that moment and I will never forget Rex.
For our GOOD FRIDAY, come back and read a heartfelt short story I penned and published for Rex. For now, tell us your most heartwarming story about your four legged best friend. And, as always, keep your head up.
Share this:
Compassion
You never know where you’re going to be when compassion sneaks up on you and wraps your heart in its warm embrace.
For me, it found me sitting in front of the TV. During the commercials, an ad for Christian Children’s Fund flashed on the screen. As always, it’s difficult seeing so many kids living in extreme poverty. Many times, I watched for a while, and then slowly turned the channel. I turned, not because I didn’t care, but because, “What possible good could an average guy like me do?”
In the spring of 2001, I called the number the next time I saw Christian Children’s Fund flash on the screen (now Child Fund International). It’s proven to be one of the best decisions of my life. Why? I got to know and sponsor Erimias.
After the sponsor package arrived, I saw he was a young boy, age eight. Seeing those bright eyes, his brave stare, I felt honored to be his sponsor.
Many letters later, so many filled with joy and accomplishments, some with filled with sadness; since my sponsorship, Erimias has lost both his parents.
He continues to be an outstanding student and is now age 19.
Six years later, my family and I were leaving a Christian concert. Near the exit, two women stood at a long table. On the table sat rows of pictures of young children with their bio’s attached. We saw Trishna’s picture right away and said to each other, “She’s the one.”
Over the years I’ve been blessed to receive encouraging letters and as you see, beautiful pictures. As of today Trishna and family are doing well.
Child Fund International and Compassion International are great ways to help needy children. These charities put the money in the hands of parents and let them purchase what their children need.
It’s been a privilege watching these children grow and being able to contribute in improving their lives in a small way.
How was your GOOD FRIDAY? How do you like to show compassion to others? Leave your stories in the comments below. And as always – keep your head up.
Cop A Squat 