Author: Xena, Lucy and Chia

All Saints’ Day

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This is the first day of November, also known as All Saints’ Day. Many churches will observe this holy day next Sunday. St Luke UMC, however, chose to observe it on October 30. Prayers are said for those who have passed, especially those who have passed since this time last year. The congregation is encouraged to name their loved ones who have gone on and to come to the altar rail to light a candle for them.

All Saints' bulletin cover
A Facsimile of the All Saints’ bulletin cover

At St. Luke, besides the candles on the altar rail, a special table was set up in the middle to hold larger candles for those who left us this year. A picture and/or a memento could be left for that special loved one. I think you know where I am going with this.

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I knew I couldn’t sit through this service without crying the whole time, so I asked Lexi’s favorite person at St. Luke to light the candle when the time came. I am sure this was hard for David, too, but he did this for Lexi and me.

bulletin-page

 

This is the page in the bulletin from where the names were read. I do believe that no matter what happens, there is a reason. Losing Lexi in early September is one of the hardest things I have ever endured. About one and a half years ago when I got my job at this wonderful church, I never expected anything like the support I have received since that time. I am blessed to be among these loving, caring people.

Party Like It’s Halloween!

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Riley with mask

 

Can I go first, Amy? Yes? OK. This is Riley. No one told me about the Halloween party at Dory’s. Now I am all dressed up and have nowhere to go. Hey, maybe my Dad will take me trick or treating. I love, love, love little kids, and I would get to see a lot of them if I go out tonight! *paws crossed*

 

 

 

 

 

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Piper and his gorgeous date Shelby from the Corkscott clan enjoyed the great food, drinks and other anipals at Dory’s Halloween party today. In fact, I think they are still partying! This was a first date, folks, so I can’t wait to see if they hit it off. I know Piper was more than a bit nervous, but he is such a sweet boy, I’ll bet Shelby was a bit taken with him. *fingers crossed for him*

 
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Lexi popped into Dory’s Halloween party and, as she commented there, “I am back for the party ’cause there are so many good food things and all my friends are gathered together in one place, but please don’t think I turned into a vampire dog when I died. I am not really a vampire! It is just a really great look for All Hallow’s Eve! Bwahahahaha – I have come to suck your blood. (barked in Transylvanian accent, of course)”

Hmmm. It seems like there is something just wrong about the title Angel Vampire, don’t you think? Happy Halloween, my sweet girl.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween, with no unexpected “bites”!

 

 

 

 

Memory Monday: Whose Interview Is This, Anyhow?

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I promised to do Memory Mondays after Lexi left for the rainbow bridge. Even though I have been following your blogs and getting smiles from them, it has been too painful to post anything, other than helping Piper from time to time. Every time I think I am beginning to heal, the wound rips wide open again. My precious husband is grieving much more quietly, but still grieving nonetheless. He has lost so much weight that his pants bag and try to slide off, and he is pulling out the clothes that fit him several years ago. We miss our little girl terribly. The house feels so empty with just Jeff and me here. Everyone else has moved on, one way or another.

It helps that it is October, with Jeff working Rocktoberfest every weekend and me accompanying him every Saturday. Even there, though, there are so many memories, as Lexi always went with us.

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Last week our eight year wedding anniversary came and went, with neither of us feeling like celebrating.

So today I am determined to tell a story I promised one of Lexi’s wonderful blogging friends not long ago. It is the story of how Lexi helped me get my job at St. Luke, where she was so loved, even to the point of a memorial service after her passing. So here goes.

In the spring of 2015, the Ochs Center – Lexi and my Tuesday and Thursday job – closed up their offices. Lexi loved going there and it was quite difficult to leave that last day.

Lexi leaving ochs
Last time at the Ochs Center: I know this is our last day here. So many good memories. I don’t want to leave…

The board president told me about her church needing a part-time office administrator and said she would recommend me for the position. Happily, I got the call and scheduled an interview. The next Wednesday we celebrated Lexi’s 12th birthday at St. Timothy’s, where I worked the other three days of the week, and where Lexi usually joined me on Wednesdays and Fridays. I brought cookies and people came by my office to wish Lexi a happy birthday and to eat a cookie. That afternoon it suddenly dawned on me that my interview at St. Luke was immediately after work that day. In looking forward to celebrating Lexi’s birthday, I had completely forgotten, and it would take me an extra hour to take her home and drive back into town.  I decided I would call to see if I could bring Lexi with me to the interview. Bold move, but I was desperate. As a contingency plan, I called Jeff, who said he would meet me at the foot of Signal Mountain to take the schnauzer if they said no. I made the call, explained the situation and made my request. Unbeknownst to me, I was speaking with a volunteer. He said, “Well, we don’t usually encourage dogs at the Sunday service, but I reckon it would be ok to bring her with you to your interview.” So I did.

It was certainly providence that the three ladies who interviewed me were – and still are – dog lovers. Lexi was on her best behavior as she sniffed around the room and under the table, then, not finding any food, sat quietly beside me. The interviewers were all impressed with my resume, but I think even more impressed with Lexi. After a rather brief interview, I was offered the position with the caveat that Lexi would also come work with me.  We started work the next week. She always believed she was the reason I got the job, and I won’t be the one to argue with that.

I had been sitting while being trained on phones, but decided I could learn as much in a more comfortable position.
I (Lexi) had been sitting while being trained on the new phones, but decided I could learn as much in a more comfortable position.

Sophie, are you there?

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This message is for Sophie the Scottie. 0929161042a-1

Hi Sophie. I didn’t know how else to reach you. This is Piper the Schnauzer.

 

Will you go to Dory’s Halloween Dance with me? I know it is short notice, and we are supposed to have our pictures to Ms. Beth by Monday, but I just found out. Will you go with me, huh huh, please? I know you are still recovering, and I promise to be very gentle and only give you a little hug if you want one. We don’t have to run or dance if you don’t feel up to it.

If anyone else who might see this knows how to reach Sophie, would you please give her a call or a text or an e-mail and tell er, ask, her to read this. I have never asked anyone out before, so I am not sure if I am doing this right. I am going to be so disappointed and maybe even embarrassed if she says no. Sophie, please say, “Yes!”

 

Angel Lexi Makes the News (again)

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This was in Wednesday’s paper. OK, so they got Lexi’s age wrong (but what girl doesn’t like to be thought of as younger than she is), combined what happened at more than one church, and misquoted me more than once, but hey, it’s the newspaper. What do you expect?

Newspaper Article page 1

Newspaper article

How my Week Turned Around by Piper

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About 87 weeks ago I agreed to go home with my Aunt Amy and Uncle Jeff ’cause I knew they were sad and I wanted to help. But it’s been real hard for me. I missed my own Mom and Dad and my sis Ella so much. At Aunt Amy’s, I would sit at the top of the stairs where I know people come up from their cars and I would watch down to the driveway from the patio to see if my Mom was coming. I whined and breathed hard and refused to take my pills (they got stuck down my throat anyhow) and didn’t much feel like eating. Finally, Aunt Amy told my Mom I really needed to come back home because this was too hard on me. I really wanted to be here but I wanted my Mom to be here too.

Aunt Amy would not take me to work with her on Tuesdays because I have never liked being around little kids, and the Parents Day Out program kids come to the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I tried my best to go, but she still left me all alone at home. By the time she and Uncle Jeff got home last Tuesday night I was a wreck. I even had what she thinks was a little seizure from getting so worked up.

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Thursday: a happy, relaxed boy

Wednesday morning finally arrived and I got to go to work. It was just me and Aunt Amy there. I was very, very  good. I got to run all over the church – except for the place where they hold the Sunday worship service – and I wasn’t nervous so I didn’t mess anywhere. I was such a wreck home alone on Tuesday and so good at work with Aunt Amy on Wednesday that she decided to “go against her better judgement” and take me on Thursday. Thursday is the day the people come in to get their food vouchers to go to the Food Bank and get their food. That opening you see behind my foot goes between Aunt Amy’s office and the volunteer office where those people come. I thought about what Lexi had told me, how she always went to them very calmly and suggested that they pet her. I thought I would give it a try with the first two ladies that came in and guess what? It worked!  So this is therapizing, the therapizing that Lexi loved to do and was so good at it. Well, I could be good at it too. In my desire to therapize, I forgot about what color people were, what they smelled like and how big or little they were. I made them feel happy and they pet me and made me feel happy. No wonder Lexi loved to do this!

In between therapizing, I ran downstairs to see what was up with all the little kids. I have a reputation of not being especially fond of little kids. I decided right then that if I could therapize people in the office, I could therapize little kids in their classrooms too. Twice Aunt Amy called me to come back upstairs. The third time that I ran down, she just said, “Well Piper, you know who is down there and you go at your own risk. Come back when you are ready.” I discovered when I went in the first classroom that the kids loved me. I mean they loved me! They were sweet with me and pet me gently. I made sure everyone was happy and then went into the second classroom. Sure enough, the same thing happened. And guess what? Lexi never did this!!  I think I finally got one up on my cousin. I even think I heard someone say that I could be the church dog!

So you think this is good? I have to tell ya’, things only got better from there. Over the weekend I went for a ride up Lookout Mountain to Rock City with Aunt Amy. On the way, she said we would see my Uncle Jeff and, 15886-1and, and my Mom!! Woohoo! I got to lead the way on the trails and sit with my Momma while we listened to the oompah band, the Wurstbrauts. Mom even helped Uncle Jeff teach polka. The only bad part was when I got tied to a chair. Momma was on the dance floor and Aunt Amy was taking pictures. All these middling size kids kept running past and it kind of scared me. I started yelling “Momma! Amy!, Momma! Amy!” My Mom finally heard me and pointed at me and Aunt Amy saved me. Whew, that was a close call.

Now I am safely and wonderfully home in Kentucky with my Mom and Dad and Ella. I miss Aunt Amy and Uncle Jeff.

I am Piper, the why-can’t-everyone-just-live-together schnauzer.

Eligible Bachelor

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piper-with-bowtie
Party boy!

Eligible bachelor dog looking for a hot bit… Ow! Aunt Amy, stop it. No, YOU stop it, Piper! This isn’t a dating site and you can’t use that kind of language on this blog. I m going to have to change my password.  But Siddhartha Henry said… the good Purrince did NOT say to do this!  Start your own Craig’s List account if you want to hook up. Can I? NO! I was being sarcastic. Oh. If you really want a girlfriend, Piper, let’s go about this right. What should I do? Well, now that all the girls know you are “eligible and looking” maybe someone will show some interest. And if she is shy, she can tell Siddhartha Henry she is interested by leaving a comment on any of his posts. You know he has offered to help you like he helped Noodle. Now, why don’t you tell the sweet ladies out there about the real you?

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I love my Mom. A lot. Is that enough, Aunt Amy? It’s a good start. Keep going, buddy. I am a great hugger and I love to cuddle and snuggle. I am 12 years young and like to run and play and chase squirrels and rabbits.  That’s what I meant, Piper. Let everyone know more about you. I  hate baths, but don’t mind being groomed. That’s right, sweet boy, you are the easiest dog I have ever groomed because of how good you are on the table. *smile* I also have a big heart. No, really. I have to take pills every day for it. And I am extra-sweet. Really! I have to get shots every day for it. I am very brave about getting my shots and only scream if someone forgets to let the stuff in it warm up a bit before sticking it in me. Then, it hurts a lot more. And I have been told that I am handsome, but I will let you decide that for yourself. *big grin*  Yes, I can vouch for your handsomeness, little guy. I think maybe that is enough for now.  If someone shows interest, you can ask her to go to the next Blogville event with you. But I think I should be going home soon. I won’t be here when a sweet girl answers my, er, your, er, this not-a-dating-site post. Sweet boy, that’s not how Blogville works. You won’t miss out, trust me. I love you, Aunt Amy. I love you too, Piper.

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Yay! I can hardly wait!

Lexi’s Memorial Service – Recorded

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For those of you who were unable to watch live this morning, here is the link to the recorded service. The sound levels are not great on this raw footage, so please bear with it. They improve a bit into it. Later, when my dear, over-worked husband has a bit of time to work on the sound, I will repost it. But for those who don’t want to wait, here it is on Vimeo:

Lexi’s Memorial Service at St. Luke UMC

 

 

Memorial Service, Live Today at 10:30 Eastern DST

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Please go to the St. Luke website to watch the service live. It will later be posted on this site.

Pre-service video roll begins at 9:00 a.m. Eastern DST, the service begins at 10:30 a.m. Eastern DST. This is the same time zone as New York City and Atlanta, if that is helpful.

Many thanks to my wonderful husband for coordinating and executing much of the streaming as well as the video. Another huge thanks to Pastor Evelyn Harris who suggested we have this service. I had never heard of such a thing, and had to think about it before saying yes. And thanks to all our dear friends here and across the world, many of whom have only known Lexi through her blog, for all their love and support both during her illness and since her passing. It has truly given me strength to keep going.

Now, tune in, worship with us, and celebrate the life of one very special dog.

Piper on Loan

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You know someone is your best friend when they lend you their schnauzer for a month. Yes, Piper is on loan to his heartbroken aunt and uncle until mid-October. His job is to, well, to be a schnauzer, and he is doing it quite well. He does have 12 years of practice under his collar. To keep us both busy, I have begun working with him to reinforce some fun things like heel and stay. Wouldn’t it be grand if we progressed to doing some dancing while he is here! We’ll have to see if he has the same twinkle toes as his cousin did. It’s been nice just doing routine dog things, like letting him out to do his business, feeding him, petting him, combing him and all the other normal, everyday things one does for/with their dog. It’s helping to fill some of the empty space, both within and without. Piper is looking up at me, as if to say, is it my turn to blog now, Aunt Amy? Take it away, Piper.

Hi, it’s fun to use my Angel Lexi’s blog and I am sure she wouldn’t mind. It’s been kind of strange to smell her everywhere, like on her dog bed and the rug, but not be able to find her.

Today I went to work with Aunt Amy and I could smell Lexi on the floor in her office. I licked the floor where she used to lay a lot; it helped me remember her better. I got to meet Mr. Dave, who was Lexi’s favorite person at work. He always brought her treats and talked really nice to her. I only barked at him once, then I got lots of ear scratches. He has a schnauzer, too, so I couldn’t scare him with a bark.

I was pretty good at work. Mostly. I did poop in the hallway and pee on the carpet in the pastor’s office (again). I got scolded a little, but it wasn’t bad. Aunt Amy says my cousin had years of office work experience under her collar, and doesn’t expect me to know everything right away. I am glad she understands that I am very new at this and am still learning, and I had the accidents from being a little nervous.  I wonder when I get to start doing actual office work and what it will be. Maybe I could shred papers for the church.

Next came the Big Surprise! We went out for lunch to celebrate the pastor’s birthday that was 2 months ago. These crazy humans. Hey, maybe they were waiting for me to be able to go with them!!

Come on Piper, Amy is inside paying for our lunch.
Come on Piper, Amy is inside paying for our lunch.
Who's happy to be at Aretha Frankenstein's for lunch?
Who’s happy to be at Aretha Frankenstein’s for lunch?

When Aunt Amy went inside the building – you know restaurants in the U.S. still won’t let dogs inside…what a backward country – I started to scream. Yep, I’m a screamer. So pastor took me up close to the door and I settled down waiting on Aunt Amy to come back out. When Aunt Amy came out, she took a look at where we were and said, “So, did Piper start screaming?”

Lexi’s Memorial Service Announcement

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This is a memorial service announcement. As most of you know, Lexi,our talented and precocious 13-year-old miniature schnauzer, returned to her Creator on September 4 after a three month bout with cancer. She was a much-loved Church Dog at St Luke United Methodist Church in Stuart Heights, after also “working” at St. Timothy’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal Churches and the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies. As such, Pastor Evelyn offered to hold a service to celebrate her life. All are invited to St. Luke this Saturday (September 24) at 10:30 a.m. The service will be streamed live and also – hopefully – recorded. It will either be streamed here or on http://www.stlukechatt.org.

Many locals know Lexi from her role as Toto in three productions of Wizard of Oz. She starred in her first performance in 2006 with Kim Jackson at the Theatre Centre, with a record attendance of 7,000 over 6 weeks and 26 performances. Her last turn on the boards was the fall of 2014 in the Jonathan Humble production at the Colonnade. For 10 years she brought joy to children as a therapy dog at TC Thompson. She epitomized what Mother Teresa said – ‘Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.’

I also want to say a special thank you to Samantha and Beth for coordinating the Treats for Lexi Tribute as well as all who joined in to make it a special day. Seeing all the wonderful posts made me cry and smile, and remember once again how much she was loved by everyone.

Several people have suggested I still post on Lexi’s blog. To that end, I will still post Memory Monday’s once or twice a month, as well as special posts when one of her friends or relatives – such as Piper, Ella, Riley, and Gracie – come to visit. Piper is with us now all the way from Louisville, KY, so there will definitely be some blogging going on soon.

Wishing you continued blessings from the furry (and feathered) ones in your lives.

Amy

Riley’s Treats for Lexi

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This is Riley, Lexi’s brother. I am borrowing her blog today. I had to wait for the pizza to be delivered. It took all day. And Lexi, I managed to get more than pizza bones today. Thanks, Angel sis. I said a prayer for you, too.

 

This is the piece I want, Dad.
This is the piece I want, Dad.

 

Is this it, Riley? The one for Lexi?
Is this it, Riley? The one for Lexi?

 

This bite's for you, little sis.
This bite’s for you, little sis.

We love you and miss you, Angel Lexi.

Piper and Ella on Treats for Lexi

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Hi, I’m Piper the schnauzer and I’m Ella the boxer Mix. We are Lexi’s cousins and we stole her blog. No we didn’t, Ella, Aunt Amy is letting us use Lexi’s blog to honor her on Treats for Lexi day. 

Oh, OK. Can I have my treat first? Well, just this once, and I am going to be watching you only get one. 

I would share this treat with you, Lexi.
I would share this treat with you, Lexi.

Now it is my turn.

I love you, Lexi, and I gobble this treat for you.
I love you, Lexi, and I gobble this treat for you.

Memory Monday – Two Years Ago Today

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Yep, as Lexi would have said, I’m at it again with those time-line thingies.

During September of 2014 Lexi was in rehearsal for her third run as Toto. We (Lexi and I) were working at the “church on the mountain,” as Lexi called it. From there, it was a mad 40 to 60 minute drive down the mountain, through downtown during rush hour traffic, and onto the interstate to get to the theater in North Georgia. Once we got parked, Lexi ran to the grass to relieve herself so that she didn’t have to take a break during rehearsal. Then up the ramp she ran and into the propped door, now focused and all business. This picture is of Lexi Toto hanging out with “The Piano Man” while listening to the director’s instructions to everyone.

Lexi with Piano Man

Lexi Is at Peace with her Creator

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After experiencing severe seizures every hour since 4:00 a.m., Lexi made the journey back to her Creator at 10:50 this morning. A prayer from our wonderful work supervisor and friend , Pastor Evelyn Harris of St. Luke United Methodist Church:

We commend, oh Lord, into your loving care your dear servant Lexi Sandy. Receive, oh Lord, your humble servant who has touched so many lives and reflected your great love for all of your creation. We thank you for her witness in this life and for her life to come, free of pain and diseases, in communion with you and all the saints. Amen

Lexi’s Dad prepared this video in her Memory and Honor (full screen is best viewing for this):

The date and time of Lexi’s memorial service at St.Luke, Chattanooga, TN,  will be posted when available.

I cannot begin to express my affection and appreciation to everyone in this blogging community who has laughed with us and prayed with us and cried with us.

I remain, Amy, Lexi’s faithful servant.

Visitors Just for Me

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Everyone has been coming by to see me, at home and at work.

My cousin Piper and my Auntie Jen were here over the weekend. I was very glad to see them. They even slept in the bed with me and Mom. We had puppy piles.  During the evening, Piper was careful to not invade my personal space, while still keeping an eye on me.  Sort of.

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Piper! Wake up! You’re supposed to be visiting with me.

My peeps brother Andrew, and Jentry and The Boy came to the house and brought my brother Riley.  Everyone was so sweet and even Riley gave me a special nose touch goodbye when he left. Mom forgot to get pictures.

Now my friend Gracy has come to cheer me up, too. She is good at sharing.

It's OK, Mrs. Lexi's Mom. I told her she could.
It’s OK, Mrs. Lexi’s Mom. I told her she could.

Yesterday and today my friends at work visited. Ms. Beth brought me a Mickey D’s ice cream. I took two bites, and it was good, but that is all I wanted. My BFF Dave gave me his special Dave treats, and I took two from him this morning when he came in, and two more before he left. I just can’t say no to Dave. My Pastor Evelyn has been trying to feed me pancakes and sardines and other stuff I used to like, but none of it seems good anymore.

Tomorrow Mom plans to take me to see my other peeps brother, Adam. He will be happy to see me.

I’m not eating more than a couple of bites of food each day, and it is even getting hard to drink. I sleep most of the time, and no longer mind that Mom holds me and cuddles at night. In fact, it is strangely comforting. Mom finally stopped shoving pills down my throat. *whew*  And she stopped taking me to the vet’s, too. Mom said she is doing something called palliative care for me.

Mom’s brother-in-law sent her this article, “Will there be dogs in heaven?” Spoiler alert: The answer is No, but read the article to find a really happy ending.

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Final Children’s Therapy Visit

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This summer I finished up a ten year run as a therapy dog. I have done therapy in nursing homes and in a physical rehab center; however, my favorite has been at the children’s hospital – as long as the little munchkins stayed in their beds! The last Thursday of each month, Mom would say, “Lexi, do you want to go therapize the kids today?” I felt so good doing that work that I would grin the whole time I was there. So did the kids! See for yourself…