15 Years Ago

I leave work around 6am and go home to bed.

10am my neighbor calls and tells me a bomb went off downtown.

I turn on the television, look out the window and see the smoke plume rising above Oklahoma City. I cant believe my eyes.

I try to call work for hours, we are only a few blocks from the Murrah building.

I reach my boss, most of our windows have been blown out and the phlebotomy station collapsed on Tammy. (her name is not really Tammy but I will leave it at that)

Triage for St. Anthony hospital is set up on our lawn. Hundreds of injured people are being tended to including babies. There was a daycare in the Murrah building, filled with babies. Babies that now lay injured in the grass where I work.

I ask my boss if I should come in and try to help. She tells me to stay away, you cant get through anyway.

April 19th 1995.

As the week progresses I pass the building nightly. Giant stadium lights are put up to aid in the search. It is cool still in OKC and the rain starts falling. It is the most eerie sight to see the Murrah building, tarps flapping in the wind. It looks like the lowest dimensions of hell. Wonder if there are people still alive in that place. There were not. Stories about the lives affected and lost saturate the media.

McVeigh is caught and arrested. His past is revealed. My cousin calls me in tears. He is a Military man. "I cant believe one of our own did this". He wails. "He was NOT one of of you." I say. "He never was".

15 years have passed. I remember it like it was yesterday. I have never seen human beings act with such caring, kindness, love and beauty. In the midst of horror people were at their best. There is a reverence at the memorial that is breathtaking. There is a statue of Jesus at the sight. His back is turned to the what was the Murrah building. The caption at the bottom simply says "And Jesus wept."

If you happen to pass through Oklahoma City, stop and visit the memorial. It is beautiful. Along the fence hundreds still leave cards, pictures, flowers and other mementos for the dead. Let it be our reminder of the danger of fanaticism out of control.

Monday Mantra

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night.

Edgar Allan Poe

Rock Stars!

Pic's arent the best quality.

My nephew Jake played for the first time in public tonight. They did a talent show at the high school. His mom warned me when I got there that they wouldn't win, said the other band had the most popular kids and it wouldn't matter how they sounded. She was right. The other band made it into a big joke and won the trophy. Jake and his boys did awesome, they played a Metallica song and nailed it then walked away with nothing.

To say I was pretty ticked off was an understatement. I had a few things to say but tried hard not to embarrass Jake. Anyway, I was so proud to watch that kid tonight. I know his daddy was watching from above. WAY TO GO JAKOB! YOU AND THE BOYS WERE FANTASTIC!

Just a Breath Away

Ever notice while we wait for Spring everything seems to turn green and bloom overnight? This sight greeted me when I walked to the south side of the house this afternoon

Baby's Breath and Phlox

Here's wishing everyone has a wonderful Easter and a joyous spring.

Touched by an Angel

A year ago this month my precious Haven came to live with me. What a privilege it has been to have him in my life. For those of you that may not know Haven has a pretty severe head tilt and other ailments. He was a resident of the hospital warren at Heartland. Normally the hospital buns arent available for adoption but Jeannie (our director) trusted me enough to allow me to adopt Haven. The pic is from last April, this was a really good day for Haven and he was able to hold his head quite high.

Determined to make Haven's head tilt better we began a six month long routine of vet visits and meds. We did 3 kinds of antibiotics during this time, anti-parasite drugs, and herbal remedies to make him stronger. I put him through a lot trying to get him a little better. Not much helped. He looked at me one day and I could almost hear him say "ENOUGH, this is as good as it gets Mom" and so we stopped and just let him be. Now he only goes to the vet if something changes with his health. He continues to have weepy eye on occasion and we doctor that with the eyebright tea (great stuff)

Haven has always been allowed free range of my bedroom. We have a baby gate up in case he decides to wander too far. My house is two story and we cant risk Haven falling down the stairs so the baby gate stays up. Haven prefers to stay in his little corner and use his leaning box. We have an open playpen around for extra "leaning" support but it is never closed. He uses his puppy pads like a champ ( a litter box is just too big an obstacle for him).

Haven has good days and bad. He is an older bun and his back legs are weak but still work pretty good. I have noticed in the last 3 months he is slowing down a bit. ( I have slowed a bit myself) He has trouble scratching his ears and we do that for him. He has a bit of dry skin around his ears (no, its not mites) and we massage a little olive oil into to them for him. It always makes him feel better. He has put on about 2 pounds this last year and is spoiled rotten. I debated for a very long time after Nemo left about getting him a new bondmate. I decided against it. He doesnt need the stress. I think he is enjoying being a single bun and getting all the attention. He is a little beggar and wants a bite of whatever you are having. He will sidle up beside you when you are eating and look longingly at you for a taste. He used to pick up his food bowl and slam it against the wall when it was empty. He is a little character.

Haven has taught me so much. He isnt my first tilty bun and he wont be the last. There is a special bond that forms with special needs bunnies that is incredible. He is totally vulnerable and dependent on me. It is very humbling and I would fight tigers for him. My favorite thing is to lay on the floor with him. He stretches his long body along my chest and stomach and is content to just lay there and snuggle. He is indeed a doll.

Haven was abandoned at a feed store many years ago. Jeannie walked into the store before the "snake guy" got there. He was very lucky that day but really and truly, I am the lucky one.

Millie's wish on the first star of the night

Please make yours chocolate this Easter

Our lovely friend Bridget and longtime supporter of Heartland Rabbit Rescue is kindly donating 25% of her sales between now and Easter to Heartland. Pop over and look at her blog and her beautiful jewelry at http://heartofacowgirl.blogspot.com/. Her blog is wonderful and there is a new kitty in town. You can read all about the adventures of Cactus Rose.

Hello Old Friend

Its really REALLY nice to see you again.