Tender Warrior

Its totally cool to see rough and tumble men show their sensitive side, isn't it? That's what makes Aaron cuddling with his beloved puppy sporting a shiner all the more endearing.

The shiner came from his unfortunate run-in with the plywood that was covering the make-shift chicken pen. A critter ripped its way through the chicken wire on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning and necessitated some immediate action. That action was to set up baby gates and throw the plywood on top to house the birds until I could mend the pen. Aaron was SOOO excited to help in the fixing process. He was right there handing me zip ties, would climb inside the pen to fiddle with the wire from the opposite side of me and even wanted to help me glue pvc together. During one rather rompous run to retrieve something, he took the side of the plywood square in the face. He cried for a bit... until I handed him the bag of zip ties.

The puppy was a gift to Gloria a few years ago from a dear sweet lady whom our family affectionately called Loony. She was among our children's greatest fans. She worked for my grandfather first, then for my father where she continued to work, but was always way more to us than an employee. She was family. And literally so when my sister learned she was marrying her great nephew. Well, several months ago, Aaron latched onto that puppy she gave to Gloria. He loves that puppy and just laughs when he or anyone else gives it kisses. It helped to get him to sleep (and stay asleep) in his big boy bed. "Puppy" was his first word but it sounded more like "bubby". Puppy has now become Aaron's puppy without question.

Loony didn't arrive to work Wednesday morning. She died in her sleep the night before. Her zaniness lives on and she'll be remembered fondly with every sweet little kiss (followed by a goofy giggle) that "Puppy" inspires. Rest in Peace, Lorraine. You're already greatly missed. We'll see you again someday.