The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)

The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)

Early this morning my 14 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever Ginger passed away in her sleep. I was entrusted with the care for Ginger about 4 years ago when my Mom passed away from complications of a massive stroke. My Mom and Dad were entrusted with the care of Ginger for most of her years. My sister Ruth Ann actually found Ginger when she came into her home as a rescue dog. The Lord really gave us a great dog to care for. In fact I believe that my Mom was able to live alone for three and a half years following the death of my dad because she felt safe with Ginger around. Ginger was a gentle guard dog who took care of Mom. When Mom passed, my sisters allowed me to take Ginger home to Colorado and the picture above is Ginger experiencing her first snow. She actually loved the snow and it was sometimes hard to get her in. As you saw on the webpage a few weeks ago, Ginger and Susie really got along together and certainly enjoyed trips to the cabin and to the dog park.

This morning as I drove to the vet with Ginger’s remains, that scriptural verse from Job came to mind. The Lord gave me Ginger, even for a shorter period then I would have liked. The Lord has seen to take her away, probably because my Mom and Dad missed their dog and wanted her home. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Today I just reflected on the blessings of having Ginger in my life. Today I have been blessing the name of the Lord and thanking him for all the blessings that I richly, but undeservedly enjoy.

Please keep me in your prayers.

Fr. Brad