Happy Saturday All!
This coming Wednesday the 22nd of April is Earth Day.
It is also a day that I will remember forever, it is the day my dad died. Maurice Ray Bradley passed on April 22, 1994 when I was just 23 years old. So I hold Earth Day close to my heart and give back when I can. My dad’s ashes are scattered on what used to be “his property” which is now my brothers and I. We have a memorial there because besides my dad’s ashes being there my mom’s are there also. We plant tree’s there to give back to the earth for what it has given to us. My parent’s may no longer be with me but they are aiding in the growth and life of the tree’s so I find comfort in this special place.
My dad had a Chesapeake for a hunting dog when I was growing up. Trigger was the first dog that I got to go hunting with. I knew at that time there was no other breed for me.
My dad nor mom never got to meet any of our chessies in person but they met them many times when I would take the gang to this special spot to hang out with my parents. This is my go to place when I just need a moment to myself. The dogs love going to this place as it is tucked away in a back field surrounded by marshes, woodlands, cows and other wildlife so there is much to smell, see and check out without the everyday hussle and bussle of life. A place where one can go and have the memories of a life that once was and try to feel that moment again.
On 10/16/13 a couple weeks before Norman passed we paid a visit to this special place, just Norman and I. He walked over and visited with my mom and dad, he walked around the field picking up sticks and hauling them around as that was one of his favorite things to do. He sniffed the scrub oaks, sniffed the pines took in all the great smells that this earth provides. We said our goodbyes and I told him he would rest here one day when I have the strength to let a part of him go.
I have a number of pictures from this day, these are just a few, I will share more another day. These are my most favorite pictures of Norman that I look back on often. He photographed so well this day that I will remember forever and wish that I had my buddy with me again to visit this special place together again. One day buddy we will visit this place again and walk next to each other once again. Hopefully not to soon though as I have many things I need to finish up on earth.
“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”
by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
We are joining Ruckus The Eskie and Earl’s World for Sepia Saturday.
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
We are also joining The Pet Parade.
Hosted by: Rascal and Rocco, Jan’s Funny Farm, Basil the Bionic Cat, Barking From The Bayou and Love Is Being Owned By A Husky.
Sand Spring Chesapeakes 
I’m sure your parents have pointed out how awesome your dogs are to all of their friends. They are taking good care of your Norman until you are all together again. ♥ What an incredibly beautiful place to be remembered.
LikeLike
JoAnn, what a wonderful place you have to reflect and remember. You lost your parents way too young — I admire your strength to share your loss publicly and pay tribute to the great parents that are responsible for giving all of us such a great friend. Love you!
LikeLike
It’s so good that you have such a place to remember…. Norman is in my thoughts every saturday and I always send him a big hug when I read your post. I will light a candle on earth day for your dad…
LikeLike
I know only too well how you’re feeling, I lost both of my parents within 8 months of each other , it breaks your heart. I’m glad that Norman is with them, they will take good care of him. They are all watching over us everyday. Hugs
LikeLike
What a wonderful, yet sad post! We never got to meet my grandpa who was an animal lover. My mom always says he would have loved us so. Good thing there are memories.
LikeLike
A beautiful tribute to your parents sweets and also Norman..a lovely place to go and breathe in the air and enjoy being with nature..i am sorry you lost your parents so young and I envy that you had such a loving relationship with them..big hugs Bev xxx
LikeLike
What wonderful memories and photos to have. It is sad you lost your dad so young but it sounds like he left you with a very special legacy, and I’m glad you have that perfect place to go to think of those you have loved and lost.
LikeLike
Memories keep us close to the things we love. Hugs and Likes on Earth Day and every day – Your friends at DogDaz Zoo
LikeLike
Hi Y’all!
That was a wonderful post, but it made my Human cry. It’s so wonderful you have your family all there where you can visit anytime you want.
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
LikeLike
We hate saying good-by, but realize it’s a part of the life cycle. It’s nice you have a special place to visit.
LikeLike
I am glad that you have special pictures of Norman from that special place.
LikeLike
What a very touching post. It made me tear up.
LikeLike
What a beautiful tribute to your parents and to Norman. The photos of him really are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing your tribute with us, I love that you are filled with such peace.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
LikeLike
Love the extra splash of colors. 🙂 Happy Sepia Saturday, Ruckus the Eskie
LikeLike
Aw wow 😦 it’s great that you have a tribute type place to visit and reminisce memories.
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
LikeLike
Such lovely tributes all around for Earth Day. 🙂
LikeLike