A 'mixed bag' week

From last Sunday, the week has just been different experiences jumbled together, each needing different responses and attention!! It started off with attending the dedication service of my former church as they have moved to new premises. A morning well spent, yet it took me away from my preparation for the Lent retreat that I facilitated yesterday.

Well, then I hoped for a quieter 'rest of week' and in fact had not many fixed appointments or clinic slots. But other things came up, requiring attention, even if not urgent. I have had to meet up with a contractor and draughtsman regarding my new house renovations, as issues came up. Amidst all this, I was trying to keep myself prayerfully focused on the theme of the retreat : "Journey to the Cross and beyond...."

Then Thursday came and the long awaited " SPM results" for my younger son - not that we thought it would be fantastic, but there was the desire that he would get enough grades to enter a college pre-u program. He did, thankfully, and now we have to register as classes start on 23 March for the next intake. In fact we are going over later today, as the traffic and parking situation would be better on Sundays. Again, amidst all this, I was trying to keep my focus on the retreat and enter into the theme myself. In a retreat, as opposed to a talk, the input time is limited and I wanted to say what was really important in that short time.

Then my dog Sabbath got sick, also on Thursday. In fact, it was not noticeable at first. Just that, in the midst of my preparations I decided to play with her. I carried her with her belly upwards - and I saw the 'spots'. I recognized them as bleeding spots. Immediately took her to the vet who said it might be a serious infection or an allergic reaction. But she was still well and frisky and the blood results not really conclusive that day. So took her home and she seemed well the next day, good appetite as usual, when I was in the whole afternoon and night.

The retreat day, she was well in the morning waiting at my feet (for any 'handouts') while I had breakfast. But as the day progressed she must have weakened. According to my children she vomited once during the day and lost her appetite. When I got back at 5 pm, I could see the pallor and listlessness. She didn't follow me to the fridge!! We rushed her to the vet again (at least my son drove while I held her!) - this time to a different place as the usual vet was closed. Got there just in time - they were about to close. And thankfully, by providential coincidence, the vet on duty was the son of a friend. I did not know him personally before this, but the connection made it easier to relate. So she was put on a drip and some supportive treatment - they are still not sure of the source of the vascular condition (her blood counts have dropped). And I am left now with 'anticipatory grief' - at the loss of my beloved and faithful pet. And also the realization that this is yet another 'attachment' that I have to let go, at some stage........(The Lord's way of 'stripping' us of attachments is like painful surgery - without the anaesthetic!! - or maybe with just a bit)

We will go over in the morning - hoping she is still alive! But I may bring her home even with the drip, if it's just supportive treatment. Better to have her around, even if only for a short period, thanking God for the good 8 years of her life.