Here in the Midwest we say, “You won’t meet a nicer person” and that perfectly describes Sam Richards. Sam is married to my cousin Becky (another one of those truly kind people). The geographical distance separating us means we only see each other every decade or so, but nearly two years ago Becky and Sam came from Missouri to stay with us for a few days. Sam had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and because his symptoms were worsening they wanted to cross off as many bucket list items as possible before travel became too difficult. They went to parks, museums, visited extended family in the area, and walked around the tree-lined streets of Oberlin College where Becky’s father had graduated. It was an absolute delight to spend time with them, even though shadowed by our concern for Sam’s health. It was gutting to think this supremely capable and generous man was facing decline.
Sam served in the U.S. Marine Corp for 23 years. He continued a life of public service as a police officer and code enforcement officer. His commitment didn’t end there. He served a total of eight years on two different city councils, nearly 20 years on a regional EMS board of directors, as well ongoing work on the executive council of their Methodist church. He was asked to run for mayor of their city, Festus, but couldn’t consider it due to his health.
Later that year, Becky called with the most amazing news. It was discovered that Sam didn’t have Parkinson’s after all. A medication he was taking for another condition caused side effects that mimicked the disease. With a change of medication, his future was once again wide open. I could have laughed and cried at the same time. With everything going on in the country and the world, this was the best news we’d heard in a very long time.
It got better.
Last year, on April 2nd, Sam Richards was sworn in as mayor of Festus, Missouri.
~~~
Which brings me to today. Our new puppy arrived this afternoon. Many of the dogs we’ve had over the years came to us already named – among them Jedi, Winston, and Cocoa. But this little guy was ours to name. In these difficult times, I want a daily reminder that extraordinarily wonderful things are possible. That a good thing happened to a good man. That a town got a fine mayor. That there’s always hope. So of course, our new dog’s name is Festus.
SOMETIMES
Sometimes things don’t go, after all,
fom bad to worse. Some years, muscadel
faces down frost; green thrives; the crops don’t fail,
sometimes a man aims high, and all goes well.
A people sometimes will step back from war;
elect an honest man; decide they care
enough, that they can’t leave some stranger poor.
Some men become what they were born for.
Sometimes our best efforts do not go
amiss; sometimes we do as we meant to.
The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow
That seemed hard frozen: it may happen for you.
Laura Grace Weldon 
Congratulations on Festus – he is adorable! Where did he come from? And how does one get a new puppy while staying home avoiding COVID? Good story about your cousin’s husband, and illustrative of how to get over a really bad misdiagnosis! I wish I could….One of my most bothersome ailments is due to a missed diagnosis (a slightly different situation from Sam’s), and there are times when I am weighed down with resentment at the repercussions.
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I understand the resentment, especially since you must live with the repercussions every day. I hope you get your own heaping helping of unexpected joy in whatever form it might take.
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Can’t wait to be able to cuddle that fluff ball, although by the time that happens he’ll be full grown, whatever size that winds up being. Thank you for your constant reminders of the blessings that surround us and make our world wonderful, for all its heartbreak.
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The fluff ball will likely only get to eight pounds, so he’ll be pretty cuddle-able no matter his age. And thank you for your gentle embrace of the world’s blessings while fully aware of its heartbreak.
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What a heart-lifting story. Thank you for sharing it. We need all the hope and good news we can get in 2020. And welcome Festus to your family. He’s adorable.
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Thank you for your kind words. I was delighted to discover your blog via your comment.
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Laura,
Lovely blog post Laura- and a poem rooted in a peaceful kindness. Sweet relief and Festus a cheerful reminder.
Felicia
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Thanks Felicia. I need more space in my head for good news. (And more good news, the puppy slept all night!)
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Thanks for this Laura. We need to hear more stories like this, especially in these times. More stories and more homes for puppies like Festus!
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Sam’s story gives me hope every time it comes to mind. I’m sure it’s one of many Sam stories!
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Festus is a great name by itself, but when backed by that story – perfect. He’s a beautiful pup bringing smiles and laughter in these times when they are really needed. Welcome Festus!
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He’s settling in quickly. Already he’s made friends with the senior dog here and has claimed the resident man as his entertainment.
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I’m so happy for Sam’s wonderful news: a miracle in an age of cynicism. And Mouse says to say hello and give a wet nose boop to Festus.
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Festus gives a puppy toothy gnaw back to Mouse, who would likely discipline him like any older gentleman dog would.
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Likely a prod with the needle nose, to send him back to a more respectful distance!
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When the puppy biting gets to be too much and we’re tired of redirecting him to chew toys, my husband growls quietly. That seems to do the trick.
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I’ve never heard Mouse growl, he’s a very silent dog, but on the rare occasions he barks, it’s a big, impressive sound. It would probably work too!
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I wish we’d recorded our last, lovely German shepherd’s bark. I’d like to replace our doorbell with a recording of his hopeful woof.
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Dear Laura, Thank you for this inspiring message. Bob and I ask ourselves if we should get a dog at our 81 years of age. Over the years we had four different giant breeds as the children grew up. Now, with your new darling, we might reconsider. Best, Phyllis Benjamin
On Fri, Nov 13, 2020 at 5:54 PM Laura Grace Weldon wrote:
> Laura Grace Weldon posted: ” SOMETIMES Sometimes things don’t go, after > all,fom bad to worse. Some years, muscadelfaces down frost; green thrives; > the crops don’t fail,sometimes a man aims high, and all goes well. A people > sometimes will step back from war;elect an ” >
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We always had big dogs too, but are sticking with small breeds now for a variety of reasons. The best reason, of course, is they so easily fit on the couch with us.
I hope you consider getting another dog. You’re dog people and know what you’re doing. You also have more time. We’re finding training much easier since Festus wears a little belt with a pad in it to keep from weeing in the house (much better than confining a puppy) and so far has kept the pad dry! (Well, we’re taking him out every 90 minutes, so basically are training ourselves…)
A puppy is an excellent diversion from the news. And as you know, dogs are constant reminders to stay in the present moment. Furry gurus of mindfulness, really.
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This is the best news I have read in a long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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We are all hungry for good news aren’t we?
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Starved for it, Laura. ❤
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