There are some 24 hour periods when I wish we could simply press the rewind button and start again. Today is a case in point - it can only get better. As I write a step-grandchild is recovering from one of our dogs biting her. As I write she is in the day children's ward at the local hospital. Stitches under general anaesthetic and some time to come round and be checked out. The dog in question very nearly saw the condemned cell today - but her defender was my step-granddaughter's mother - who felt it had been an awful accident - but an accident never the less. The poor child attempted to cuddle a large Newfoundland half way through her breakfast - and the dog bit her lip. I could weep for the little girl on her first big trip to stay with her Grandpa with her Dad, Dad's partner and her big sister. First day of the holiday she has got to know the local A & E. Welcome to the Highlands.
The Newfie has a reprieve - but we need to look at the dynamics of the situation that occured and guard against a child full of life and curiosity - and a dog who is middle years and rather set in her ways particularly when it comes to eating!
There are no excuses; some lessons to be learned and a horrible sense that always accompanies an accident that we all wish hadn't happened.
In amongst the anxiety of the day - I had a joyous and inspiring letter and card from a person who I have worked alongside. She is gifted, funny, original and her own person. I commisioned a banner some months ago from a local amateur artist and priest and, quite unexpectedly, as we began the usual rather long-winded negotiations about style and emphasis, she withdrew and no longer wished to create the piece. I was very disappointed, her work is often beautifully crafted and intricate in ways that would work well in St. Columba Chapel, here at the retreat space. However, this morning a drawing arrived with the letter from this person I have come to admire and respect very much - and I suddenly saw exactly the sort of hanging/banner/collage I was looking for in the chapel. It was beautiful.
Today's events have felt random but somehow congruent - all one. In a moment of wild possessiveness our dog pack leader lands the youngest member of the family in need of stitches - by another turn of perception there have been moments in the day when new bonds have been forged through phone calls and updates and conversations over coffee while some of us waited at home for news. It all added to the sense that all this can only build towards a greater understanding and more confident relationships. In another turn I have heard, in a form I can still hear in amongst mounting anxiety, that there are some things I do well and excel at. Encouragement and acknowledgement that we all need, but that I am particularly appreciative of at this time.
Somehow today we all worked as a team; we communicated well and we recognised we all had a little girl's best interests at heart. We lived community and we experienced family - and not just those present here - but also from those connecting from a distance.
After the Dog BIte
For my Step-Granddaughter K.
For in the moment
When I saw blood
stain the cloth
and you were whisked away,
I knew the pain of
what cannot be done
when mayhem reigns.
I caught within
the strongest sense
of personal attachment to
your wellness and being.
For as you hurt
and went in search
of healing
I named a love that
is the touching fullness of protective shame.
If only time could be returned
and a pause inserted where violation once was flamed.
Vulnerable and impressively
present,
your arrival in our life
has transformed and changed.
I am sorry for the pain
your enthusiam unleashed,
but know, my little one and be assured, that you are beautiful
and wonderfully made.
When wounds have healed and life goes on
you will know
you are surrounded by a circle of support
which is life and love itself.
JEWG
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