a message to my social media friends

 

 The following message was posted (by me) on social media a few days ago.  The response was immediate and humbling; so many people telling me about their precious children, and midwives sharing memories of the deep privileges we experienced.  Some replied openly, while others sent personal messages and photos.

It has been a long time since I posted anything to go to all my facebk friends. I often wonder how you are progressing on life's road. I was privileged to be a witness to the early days of many families, and I wonder how they fare now. From time to time a mother contacts me via fb to tell me that they are celebrating a birthday or other special day for one who was born in my care. I know of one of 'my' babies who is now a midwife. (and my eyes have misted up, as I remember that birth, with my friend and mentor - 'my' first waterbirth! I have been privileged beyond my deepest hopes to be trusted in the care of my own grandbabies, both those who were born in hospital, and those born into my hands at home.

 

Christmas is the greatest celebration of a birth that this world has ever seen.

 

So today I am looking back in time and sending this message to anyone who remembers me. Some are midwives, some mothers and fathers, some engaged me for one birth; some came back time and again. Some Christians, some follow other faiths, and some none.

 

Noel and I send loving greetings, with the hope that you will know the blessings of the holy days we celebrate. We also wish you and your families a safe and fulfilling new year. Joy

Our little mate BINGO

 

Final farewell to this old boy today. First time ever he has not run out to greet us as we drove up the driveway.

Bingo has been a faithful and loved companion to mum & dad these past 7 or so years. And the best buddy any visiting grandchildren could have. He’s the kind of dog who never really believed he was a dog and always carried himself with human-like confidence. He took his chook guarding and dropped crumb eating roles seriously.

Bingo you were a good boy and we will miss you.  [Mizz, 4 July 2022]

 

 

Granny and Grandpa (abbreviated to G&G) went to the Ballarat animal shelter to look for a dog.  There were big dogs and little dogs; dogs with long hair and some with short hair; and dogs of all sorts of doggie shapes and colours.

The lady who cared for the dogs put a lead on a tall black dog, a Labrador, and G&G took her for a walk.  The tall black dog did not want to go for a walk with G&G, and she soon went back to her kennel.  They met several other dogs.  It seemed that they would have to go home without a dog.

The lady then pointed to a brown dog with very short legs.  “This may not be what you have in mind,” she said.  “His name is Bingo.”

Bingo had a sad, pleading look in his big grey eyes.  “Please, please,” he seemed to say.  “Please pick me”.

G&G took him for a walk.  Bingo was so excited!  He had no idea of walking on a lead like the Guide Dog puppies that G&G had looked after when their children were young.  He pulled this way and that, and the walk did not last long.

“What do you think?” Grandpa said.

“Let’s ask for his details,” Granny suggested.

There was not much information. 

He was a stray, who had been caught by the dog catcher.  He had no micro chip or tag, and no one came looking for him.  So he was castrated, then sent to the animal shelter, where G&G found him.

 

 

There was a farmer had a dog

and BINGO was his name, oh!

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO

and BINGO was his name, oh!