More humble thanks to David over at authorblog for recognizing this as Post of the Day.
During the last few years of her life, my mother would go back in her mind to her early days. She told me all about Jock, the only dog she'd ever had and the only one she'd ever loved. He was a black Scottish terrier and, considering the disdain Mom showed towards all other animals including other dogs, it was quite something to hear her go on about Jock.When Christmas came around in the year 2000, I was sort of stumped as to what to get her for a gift. Mom had everything she needed and it seemed silly to buy her more ornaments, clothes, or bath products. I wanted to find something really original and special for her that year - I think because I knew her time was limited. She'd already been suffering from Alzheimers for some years already.
I must have wandered the malls (both indoor and outdoor), trendy little boutiques, department stores and Walmart, and every little "off-the-beaten-track" store I found. One day I arrived at a card shop and thought I'd pop in and get her a special Christmas card to go with whatever I'd end up finding. As I gazed around the shop, my eyes landed on a shelf where lo and behold I found her gift!
Sitting amongst a group of stuffed animals was a stuffed black Scottish terrier! Well, I just KNEW this was her Christmas present!
When I arrived home, I had second thoughts. Buying your mother a stuffed animal for Christmas? How silly! But then, I thought "No! She's going to love it!"
I found a tartan ribbon that I put around the little black dog's neck in honour of my Mom's Scottish heritage, put him in a box with tissue paper, wrapped him all up with colourful paper and took him over.
My mother was absolutely thrilled with him! So much so, that she named him Jock after the dog she'd had as a young girl. From that day on, he sat on the back of the sofa right where she'd sit every day and she would talk to him as though he were real.When she passed away in 2002, Jock came to live with me. He now sits on the back of my sofa and every time I look at him, I remember my mother.
ABC Wednesday is brought to you courtesy of Mrs. Nesbitt. To see more participants' blogs, simply click here.
22 comments:
Wonderful picture. Old ones always have an "extra"
You know I think 'Jock' might be the universal name for Scottish Terriers! Did you realise though that us Brit's often refer to Scots as 'Jock'?
This is funny because when my gran got lonely I bought her the exact same little dog and she loved it too.
Sweet story. You were right to follow your instinct and to get the dog for her.
That is absolutely lovely. I really enjoyed that post.
Touching tribute to your Mom and her dog Jock. Good tender memories.
What a lovely story! Funny how much comfort a stuffed animal can give, isn't it? Love the old snapshot of your Mom, too. Great post!
Sometimes the 'silliest' presents make the best ones. And as long as the recipient loves the present, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
It's a great J!
What a beautiful present and a lovely reminder.
What a nice story...love the photo of your mother...and a good J choice...
Ah, what a sweet story! I love that you have 'Jock' now...
What a sweet gift. You look so much like your mama! How is your back doing?
that is so sweet
What a lovely story! It's amazing how some animals just creep into your heart, and clearly, Jock did that for your mother.
What a great flash of inspiration you had to buy her that little dog!
Hi Leslie! We have commented to each other before. I am a big fan & friend of Jo's blog but everytime I try to go into it, it kicks me off the internet! So I haven't been able to read her blog or comment to her. Hope she is doing well. Please tell her I miss her. Thanks.
A very nice story - and one that goes right to the heart of anyone who has been close to children and parents.
PS Thank you for the kind comment!
What a great tribute to a special woman in your life. Having met you, Leslie, I see a strong facial resemblance there.
I think it's wonderful that you still have Jock with you.
What a good present to find, lovely story and I am pleased Jock is living with you now with a wonderful memory.
What a lovely post, Leslie. That gift must have given your mother so much pleasure and now he's got a good home with you!
That is a wonderful story. I'm so glad it really made a difference for your mother at that stage.
Where I live there's a very old lady going out every day with her little dog. The dog follows like a well trained poodle just a few steps behind her on a leash. Whenever I meet her with my two dogs she very protectively picks up her little one in her lap. She is a very endearing figure walking that tiny dog every day like that. The dog is actually a little stuffed toy dog.
I'm so glad I found your blog. I'm over from authorblog. I really enjoyed reading this post. The picture of your mother is lovely.
What a lovely post. So glad that David found you and mentioned you on his Post of the Day.
I really enjoyed this post. David certainly has a good eye.
And I think buying your mum a stuffed animal toy is a wonderful gift. Most mums have everything don't they!
CJ xx
Post a Comment