The Circle of Life

[Betsy D.]

Do you remember the Elton John song, The Circle of Life, from the movie, The Lion King? Today I feel like this is what is happening. You may have seen the blog from Teri Fann of Goldens-n-Doodles as she wrote about and video taped the birth of 3 new goldendoodles soon after coming into this world, today. Well sometime between now and hopefully next Tuesday, Teri and/or Teri's friend Kathy will be present for the birth of the newest member of our family, Cimmy (Cinnamon's Hope). A new life will enter this world full of hope and joy and bringing with her abounding love. This is the beginning of this circle of life.

On the flip side we are losing Dirk. Our 3 yr. old daughter, Emily had an hour long melt down late this afternoon due to not getting her afternoon nap. I really wasn't in the mood to drag the children in to the hospice house to see their father when, from past experience it would end up being a very short visit because of exhausted, argumentative, weepy children. The people at the hospice house are pleased to see the children because usually they bring joy and laughter to a place that can be so somber. They have been dubbed the "Dirkettes" and can be heard running down the hall to Dirk's room. When we got to the hospice house on Sunday, there was a note on Dirk's bedroom door that read, "Jim, Alex and Emily, You will find 24 Easter eggs hidden in your dad's room. Enjoy the hunt. Love, the Easter Bunny. I have no idea who did this; they do this type of thing for the kids all of the time. Dirk, however, slept through most of their squeals of delight at discoving another egg!!!

I know you haven't known of our story, but this has been going on far longer than any doctor predicted. I feel like I should be doing something to save this wonderful man's life. We have fought so hard to be able to stay together and my frustration level is very high because we are losing the fight. I spoke with Dirk's nurse and she said that he didn't wake up very much today; he only ate about 40% of his breakfast and he didn't eat anything for lunch or dinner. His appetite is really dwindling.

Life is bitter sweet. We are gaining a sweet, loveable little red headed goldendoodle and we are losing the love of my life and the father of my children. Our family is completing the circle of life.

[Cindy and Mandy]

I know words cannot ease your pain, and I don't have any great words of wisdom. All I can offer you are my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry your family must go through all of this at such young ages. The hospice center is wonderful to include your children in an Easter egg hunt, obviously your husband is in a wonderful center that cares not only about him but all of you during this time. And you are doing something to save him, even though you may not realize it, your love and your children are bringing him peace and comfort. T

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

In my thoughts and prayers... so glad we met up on this site!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Praying for your entire family. We will have to meet when you come pick up Cimmy in June. You can meet little Peri.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Betsy, I wish I could be there to help you in some way. Watch the kids, or help with the puppy when she comes home. Too far away...but I will be here for you when ever you need help online. Thank goodness for cyberspace-many people who don't even know you, Dirk and your wonderful kids can now reach out to you as you can to us for support during this difficult time or anytime.

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Betsy, I just can't fathom the pain you're going through or the strength it takes to keep on living, but know that my prayers are with you also. I wish there were something more I could do for you.

[Jeanette]

Betsy, I found this....I know you are familiar with Elton's circle of life quote, but this one has a different take:



“There is such a concept of loss. Loss and how we react to loss. We think of things in a straight line: birth-life-death. That’s not really how it works. You take those ends and you bend it into a circle so it’s birth-life-death-REbirth. So you have to be prepared when you lose something - when you go through a divorce, when your mother dies, when you lose your house you have to understand that nature has it no other way. There is a rebirth. The death is painful. It doesn’t change the pain of the death. But you gotta stay awake and stay focused for what’s the rebirth that God is about to offer you.”

- Will Smith, on Oprah 11/6/2008

While I strongly believe in the grief cycle and its stages, a rebirth is always encouraging! Stay strong! We are all behind you elevating you in our thoughts and prayers!

[Paula]

"Dirkettes" how so very sweet
I'm praying hard for all of you
A healthy happy puppy as well
God Bless

[Jamie Petro]

Oh Betsy. I am so sorry for your pain. You are such a strong woman and no doubt an awesome wife and mother! We are praying that you and your family will feel God's comfort during this very hard time.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

You and family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoyed talking with you yesterday even if it was not under the best of circumstances, but always know that God is holding you and your family in the palms of his hands. I know there are days when it may feel like you are walking in the sands of time alone, but always know your friends and family are here with you, our footprints are right beside yours, and God's.
You said you had a Golden named Honey when you were young and felt partial to that name, here is an irony...remember doing the page yesterday and I said how I did web pages for a bingo, bowling league....Well my screen name has Cinnamon in it, because as a kid I always loved Cinnamon Toast. I almost named Honey Cinny for Cinnamon, that was my 2nd choice, my first choice was Piper after the bag pipes of Ireland. My friend Barb actually named her Honey...and I really loved it so it stuck. Please keep in touch with us ...Lots of Love, Denise&HannahNHoney

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Through tears I send prayers to you and your family...what strength you have Betsy. I am humbled by it. God Bless you all.

~Carole