The
Leaving of Miss Teddy Ming
In
Loving Memory (1990 - 2006)
Susan
Hoffman
Miss
Teddy Ming took her last ride in the convertible Saturday morning.
She remained steadfast, if tired and in good spirits despite the
pain until the moment Dr. Jones told her Mommy that she had gone
to sleep.
Who
would have thought that one dog could lead such an extraordinary
life? Of a nature that would never be tamed, she basked gently
in the love of her friends and family, but with eyes that said
she would be out the door in a hot second if given half a chance.
She loved certainly, but with a reserve, up until the last days
when she never wanted to be further than an arm’s reach away.
Her Mommy traveled, and so did she – everyone said she led
a charmed life. Her friends were many – the going away party
her Mommy threw for her after the cancer became the dominant feature
in her life – heck, so many old friends came by – and
sure enough, Miss Teddy Ming said hello to everyone then slipped
off across the back lawn and almost made it out the gate before
someone noticed and brought her back.
Such
a strong spirit she had. Her Mommy spent the last days of her
life with an ear open to Miss Teddy Ming’s urgent toenails
on the hardwoods – let me out. The back door bears
the sign of demanding toenails – let me back in …
now. Such were the days leading up to – listening,
holding, cooking a piece of chicken – now surely this will
taste good to you and help you hold on just a little longer.
Since
Miss Teddy Ming went to sleep, her Mommy spends lonely evenings
listening for her toenails on the hardwoods or at the back door.
When
Mommy went back to the vet’s office, she was given a white
bag with twine handles. A little cedar box inside says In Loving
Memory … she wonders, is this is all there is? She'd
brought Miss Teddy Ming in her favorite blanket and remembers
the quiet that overshadowed everything when she went to sleep,
a release from the old age and cancer that overtook her body but
never her spirit. It is a bittersweet time.
In
loving memory, but with thoughts to more toenails on hardwoods
… someday ... visits to Happy Tales Humane and perusing puppy
personal ads.
***
Susan
Hoffman enjoys writing as a creative outlet and hobby. Her
other hobbies include gourmet cooking, gardening, and collecting
Haitian art. She has traveled extensively for business and pleasure,
enjoying an eighteen-year career in government contracting.
She
currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee.
©
Susan Hoffman