We're Family. I'm yours. You're mine.
My mom and you and me and Grandma and Uncle Jerry and his wife and dogs and kids and the creatures in our backyards.
I look up to you, Grandpa. We all do.
You taught us how to live - you gave us our last name - Ayers.
You showed us all how to rock and roll and ride through life.
Even now, that you don't feel so well.
It's Grandpa Grrrrrrrr time!!!!
Whether you're having a good day or bad - nothing perks us all up, like a good grrrrrr.
Grandpa, you understand, without words, just what I need.
You get my priorities! First project upon visiting: creating total mayhem.
When it comes to play time - you can really last all day! No one is as patient as you, grandpa.
And you get my 2nd priority after play time: toy box inventory.
You're a rad dad.
You taught your girl to be a rad mom. My mom.
Thank you.
Here you and my mom are, camping and riding bikes in the desert. I love camping!
You taught us all, the whole family, the love of play time, love of nature, love of life.
And you've had the same grrrr friend for 64 years. Grandma Ayers. That's awesome. She's a lucky gal.
Here you are, horsing around on an anniversary, acting like kids. Yeah! That's the stuff!
I try to give back, Grandpa.
Here, I'm helping you with a brake job. On thanksgiving day. When I'd REALLY rather eat turkey.
What I wouldn't give for a good brake job right now. With turkey and mashers. I miss you. We live too far away...
For you, I jump into a carry-on bag, Grandpa.
Put up with all that airplane travel... just for you.
And do my carry-on bag dog thing.
You're totally worth it, Grandpa.
Because at the end of the bag - is your lap.
I can't imagine a day without you in it, Grandpa.
I love you, big guy. We all do.
Cutest couple ever. Of all time. Love you, Grandpa/dad, Grandma/mom. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Here was our family 14 years ago, on your 50th wedding anniversary.
I wasn't even born yet, but my fellow grandkids made the picture. And mom's on the left, the one that writes Surf Dog Diaries with me.
Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
And then this spring, life changed.
We came back. I did the carry on bag thing. But it wasn't a happy visit - we came to see you in the hospital.
I did my best Therapy Dog thing. So did the rest of the family.
We tried to help you get your memory back after the stroke. By looking at old photos.
Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Good times.
Bad times.
The ride.
The ups and downs of life.
Whatever life brings, we're in it together.
When you were sick, we were trying to act normal. So, we went out on the deck and had a little fun.
We were cheating at cards. You know, like the famous painting?
Last month, here we are on the deck at the care place - playing cards. Or should I say, cheating? My mom is shooting pictures - she's not that great at cards anyway. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
My advice to grandma: don't over think it.
Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Just deal with the cards you're dealt.
We're all working on that.
Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Yeah!! That's it, grandma!! GO girl!
Now it's my turn....
Here's my best card shark look:
My best Card Shark look. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Doodle, top dog, of the Ayers family card game. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Super Jack - the hand. How fitting! Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Woo hoooo! I'm top dog in the Ayers family card game!
Here's my winning hand, grandpa. Can you believe it?
I call it "Super Jack."
Cuz that's your name.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Grandpa Jack Ayers!
Who knows what lies ahead?
All that matters is today.
And love.
Any good dog could tell you that....
SuperJack!!!
With love from your grand dog - your dinky doxie BFF - your Pen Pal.....
Doodle Ayers
Surf Dog Diaries
