Just When You Think You Have A Lot On Your Plate...

The Universe comes to call and shows you just how fortunate you are.

I've been stressed with being stalked by my Ex-The Redneck as she moves just down the road from me, packing up my house, making plans to build a house, and all the other daily crap that just happens.

To answer the question that's on your mind from yesterday, yes we made up. She called me before lunch and I immediately said that I was sorry that I was a grit thrower before even saying hello. She forgave me. Easy.

Yesterday afternoon, I started dinner and heard the dogs going nuts outside.

Me: Looking outside, "That'll be enough."

Isaac and Abbi: "OHMAHGAWDOHMYGAWDOHMYGAWD Somebody's here!"

Me: Looking outside again, "Enough already."

Then, Trace starts barking. She means business.

Me: Looking out the backdoor, yet again, "Oh, hi."

A middle aged man around 55 is standing by my back gate with his old greying Rottweiler that I see him walking with daily. I've seen them plenty, but we've never spoken.

I can't hear him over the cacophany of dogs, so I send them all in except for Trace. She knows how to behave.

Him: I'm, um well, I'm Gary.

Me, extending my hand: Nice to meet you, Gary, I'm Julie. What's your dog's name?

Gary, holding my hand in both of his: Um, well...(he squats down next to his dog)...his name is um, his name is Milo.

Me, reaching across the gate: Hi Milo! Aren't you a pretty boy!

Gary: I've seen you, well... I've seen you around here...and well, I want to go out of town with my son.

Me: Oh, so you're needing a pet sitter?

Gary, pointing to his head: Um, well I have a problem. I can't remember what it is.

Me: With your brain? You have a brain problem?

Gary: Yeah, well um, I can't remember very well. He holds his hand out again and introduces himself again and I do the same.

Me: Well, we can work around that. I'll get together a list of pet sitters and bring them to you after dinner.

Gary: I'll make sure the tv is down so that I can hear you knock. By the way, My name is Gary.

We shake hands again.

Me: Ok, we'll see you in about an hour. I promise, I'll come up there.

As he walks away Gary says, "Oh I remember, it's Alzheimer's."

Me: Are you on medication? I heard that there are some new ones out that are pretty good.
Gary just shakes his head.

I finish up dinner, feed my woman and tell her what's just happened. We're both tired and a tad grumpy, but I put together a list and tie up my shoes.

As we walk up the hill, I see him sitting outside in an old lawnchair and Milo is lying beside him. We wave at each other and we walk up into his yard. I show him the list with my name at the top so that he can remember my name.

Me: When do you leave for your vacation?

Gary looks down and unfolds an envelope that he's holding with notes on it, "July 12th."

I'm starting to realize that there's no way that he can navigate calling these people and setting up someone to keep Milo.

Me: "Would you like for me to call these folks to find someone for you? Oh, I have an idea. Why don't we just keep Milo for you? Then you can go on vacation and not worry about him."

Gary's face beams.

Gary: How much will you charge me?

Me: Nothing, Gary. Sometimes you just do what's right. I'm sure he won't be any trouble.

The front door opens and his son walks out. I had the impression that he lived alone and his son was coming to get him for the vacation. David is a lanky 25 year old, clean cut and friendly.

We introduce ourselves and he fills me in on the things that Gary's left out. They have been along most of the coastlines. From Oregon down to San Francisco. From Savannah down to Daytona Beach. And this year, they want to go to New Orleans and skirt the coast to Panama City Beach. This may be the last year that they can do this together.

My heart crashed into a thousand pieces.

Then Gary said, "I want to give you a hug."

And we hugged. It's a hug I'll never forget, but I bet he already has.