Holy, Holy, Holy Anticipation

You know, the anticipation of trips are almost as much fun as the trips themselves.

For about 6 months, Elizabeth, Lewis (our son) and I have been anxiously awaiting this day.  When Elizabeth and I were in the Holy Lands in 2012, we told each other, "we WILL bring our children here."  Now it's Lewis' turn.

Now, getting ready to board a Lufthansa airplane headed first to Munich, and then on to Tel Aviv where we will arrive early Wednesday Morning.

Packed and ready to go

We will ride down the Mifrats Shlomo Promenade to the old city of Jaffa. More commonly referred to in the English bible as Joppa,  it is the oldest part of Tel Aviv -Yafo. It was an ancient Mediterranean port. The most famous biblical story there is about Jonah, who was reluctantly called to preach and was swallowed by a big fish. The area is also known for stories about Solomon and Peter.  Consider reading in the New Testament Acts 9:36-43 to read about the charitable lady name "Dorcas" It was there that Peter performed the miracle of bringing her back to life.

If you're following, you'll probably see my gray & orange hat with a star and gavel. It was a gift from my friends at Bidwrangler. They are my auction software bidding platform company. They have been a great partnership on my digital journey to make auctions as easy as a click. So, you'll probably see my  hashtag #Bidwranglerjourney . I wanted them in some small way to enjoy my journey as they have been a part of mine.

Shalom for now

Saying goodbye to a loyal friend

It was a cold winter afternoon when we picked up our new found friend Zoe. With puppy breath and a sleek chocolate coat, Liz and I took her home with the expectations of an exciting December  morning. Our kids Ashton & Lewis received the puppy as a Christmas gift at their grandparents house. I am certain 14 years later, its the only present they remember getting that year.

One of our Appalachian Trail Journeys

Elizabeth, put Zoe into full training mode which the results showed up the rest of her life. Zoe walked with me on a few Appalachian Trail journeys. She followed Elizabeth and I up and down Oak Meadow lane as we attempted our health walks. Many times, we would walk on to the busier Ratledge Road, we would tell her to “Stay”, we would walk a mile or two, and when we returned, she would be sitting there just waiting for us.  She shadowed me and my horse on our rides around the farm. On good days and bad, she was there to greet us as we came home.

After the trail rest.

She was there at the prom pictures, birthdays and cold Christmas mornings. On my daughters wedding day, she greeted all the guest at our house. Lewis, our son, treated Zoe like his on. She wasn’t a guard dog, although now my heart needs guarding.

It is our time to say goodbye. Her health is poor and she is no longer eating. Her body is frail. On this cool Friday morning, Elizabeth and I made the decision she doesn’t need to suffer any longer.

Zoe was loyal. She watched our family grow. In some small way, she raised us. Today, I am functioning with a broken heart, but tomorrow, I will walk with memories that only a man and a dog can create.