Many of you know our black lab, Bill.  For those that don’t, here is a picture of him in action:

Last week, the vet diagnosed Bill with terminal cancer.   Yesterday evening at the lake, reality set in.  Our Sunday evenings are almost always spent at the lake with a group of dear friends.  Many people think all of us are weird, but being at the lake has a calming effect – even in the most difficult of times.

And Bill loves being there too!  He knows his way around at the marina.  After a “business trip” to land, accompanied by our dear friend and animal lover Teresa, Bill trotted back to the boat and made his usual hop on the deck…but this time he missed – and fell between the boat and the dock into the icy water of Old Hickory Lake.  Thank goodness Teresa heard the splash, because the rest of us were inside doing what “boat people” do…eating.

We all run outside in panic and there is Bill, calmly swimming around behind the boat, almost like he really wanted to be there.  When we fished him out, he was calm, did the usual dog shake and proceeded to be wrapped up in towels inside.  It was almost like that swim was on his “bucket list.”  Since this incident, his appetite is better, and he doesn’t seem to be in pain.  He is watching TV right now as I am typing.  We do know that his condition has moved from “if” to “when” and I pray God gives us the ability to know when “when” is, for Bill’s sake.  I also hope God has a leather couch.

Also this weekend, our boating family mourns the passing of Grady DeVan.  When you think of boating on the Cumberland River, Grady and his wife Ann are among the first people that come to mind.   Deepest condolences to Ann and we wish Grady the best up there on the great river.

There is a special family that could certainly use our thoughts and prayers right now – Kathey and Chuck Payne, and their family.   For as many years as I can remember, they have cared for BOTH sets of parents in their home, which they joking refer to as the “Evergreen Nursing Home.”

Tonight, Chuck continues his bedside vigil with his father, under hospice care.  While I was talking with Chuck this evening, I was re-living the experience of my final time with my father 5 years ago.   After humming every song in the hymnal while holding his hand, he peacefully passed – and although sad, was comforting at the same time.  I pray for Chuck to feel the same comfort.

Meanwhile, Kathey’s father was admitted to St. Thomas Saturday with heart-attack symptoms and will be there a few more days.   Kathey is right there by his side too.   There are angels here on earth and their names are Kathey and Chuck.

Earlier today, today’s blog topic was going to be a satirical look at needs and wants.  It is going to have to wait. 

For right now, all I want is for everything to be all right and that I really need to say a prayer.  I hope you will too.

Goodnight.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee