Roy’s Sunday Letter fot August 3, 2025
One of Fifty Two
It has been a long time since I have written something with a due date. I usually dreaded writing assignment as a student and would often wait till the last minute to complete the assignment. This opportunity has taken me on an adventure, and it all began with our dog, Jazz.
Jazz, along with her owners, is aging (she is 15 1/2). Roy and I both agree that aging is not for “The Faint of Heart.” Jazz has lost her ability to see and is almost completely deaf and yet she greets each day with the same wag of her tail as always. How does blind deaf dog give you a sense of hope, inspiration and daily love? She does it easily; continues to play with her ball every day at 4:00 and NOT A MINUTE LATER, eats well and we have determined it is all because of her sense of smell. Most dogs sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 better than ours.
Those of you who know me, know that one creative idea leads to another! This insight about Jazz led me to reflect about disabilities which, in turn led me to think about Helen Keller. Helen Keller, Noble Prize Award in 1953, first deaf blind woman to graduate from college (Ratcliffe), founding member of Civil Liberties organization and an activist for disabled people and for all people. Thank you, Ms. Keller, for your brilliant mind and Ann Sullivan for helping express her find it.
Roy’s Sunday Letter does not have a scent, and I am thankful he can see. His writing sustains me and encourages me to think about and look for inspiration in life. I can’t imagine doing this every week. Each Saturday, Roy hands me his work to edit. A true confession, there have been times I am merciless. Somehow, his grace rebalances both of us and he is able to go back to the writing board. As a reader and observer his writing is strong, poignant and insightful making my job easy.
I would hope that each of you would take a moment to reflect upon how all of our senses make life remarkable. One of my favorite memories was going to my grandmother’s house and the beautiful scents that always emerged from her farmhouse kitchen.
I would like to leave you with my favorite Helen Keller quote: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart.”
Beth, Roy and Jazz enjoying the senses of life.
I can relate to sweet Jazz. My hearing is going but with hearing aids I am able to keep up with most conversations. I have had poor sight for most of my life, but now it is very challenging. I am blessed with excellent Doctors that keep me going but, like Jazz I am hampered by a lack of sight. I do still have a great sense of smell, in some cases that isn’t so wonderful but I enjoy all the smells of life. Jazz is so blessed to have the two of you to walk through this stage of her life. She isn’t lonely or frightened she just enjoys the things she has. All of us can learn a lesson from Jazz, enjoy what you have and share that joy with others. Great job, Beth, your gifts are endless.
Dear Maurine, as I age it is the simple insights that take my breath away. In life I have been too busy to breathe, slow down, be quiet and just be! I am grateful for the small things and friends like you !🙏🏼
and i am grateful to be an active 3rd among you both…
Beth, your story and the relationship between our senses to daily activities a thoughtful one. As we age, certainly me, I note those senses become dulled except for one “sense” which isn’t even classified, and that’s a sense of emotion. Would be curious to know if other readers here also find their emotions around any number of things tend to be more sensitive than in the past. Enjoyed your thoughts, Beth, thanks for this week’s SL.
Dave, oh how I wish you, Hania and Molly were in closer proximity! I agree that emotions today seem to bring out the tender moments as if connecting the past to my present. I am better because of that connection! Blessings to your sweet ones! I am sure Hania is filling your home and heart with the scents of love! She’s up there with Helen Keller who understood matters of the heart!
Beautifully expressed Beth! And like Jazz maybe, at 4pm, right on point. And I am with Helen saying the heart rules.
Thank you Frank! Let’s get together before your next road adventure!❤️
Beth, thank you for your reflections on life. My peaceful furry angel is definitely God sent—beautiful, loving, soulful, making life better because of her angelic spirit filled presence that gently surrounds me with her gentle peace.
Thank you Peter! Yes our four legged family members make life a beautiful experience!🙏🏼
Thank you, Beth. And blessings and love to you and Roy and the beautiful Jazz. The comments back and forth among everone fill my heart with happiness.
Dear Marcia, they fill my heart as well. We all need each other these days!❤️
Beth, thank you for this moving Sunday letter. Our dear family member,”Bossy” is aging and as she does she becomes even more meaningful in our lives. It seems that she gives us more comfort and peace as she grows older and that is an immeasurable gift. The sense of touch and feel are increasingly comforting and peaceful; the wind, the warmth of sunlight, the cool crisp air of fall, the warmth petting “Bossy” make our days delightful.
Dear Mike, I apologize for my delay in replying as it did not post on my SL. Your words are sweetness to my ears as we all share the love of our 4-legged family members. Best wishes to Bossy to you and your family.
Enjoyed reading your insightful letter, Beth. It seems that one loss is compensated by another strength as we age. Especially our appreciation what is still there to enjoy. Jazz is an excellent role model.
Thank you Martha, I agree Jazz is a role model! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Beth, It’s good that you are helping Roy, both as an editor and as a substitute writer. Your partnership in the Sunday Letter and other areas of your lives are wonderful to behold. I’m still in possession of all my senses and all are my favorites. Well, maybe I would miss seeing, hearing and touching more than tasting and smelling. We’re looking forward to reading your thoughts again sometime.
Monday AM with coffee……
Yes, we miss your passion, tone, and wisdom.
Hard days for we texans, in a state we no longer know
So important we stay or increase our togetherness.
We figure out our path over and over….and like you both, do so together.
Appreciate your woeds, appreciate you both in all ways…..
And you dear Beth are the Master of helping people open their hearts when life has tossed a blow that shuts it down. With you, and your generous spirit, we all are holders and givers of Love. Thank you Beth, Roy and that spunky Jazzie, who teaches us to carry on and be happy each and every day. Aho.
Friend forever Linda…..
We are all wounded. We are all healed.
We show each other both parts, ever changing in balance with the day.
We together help each other, known or but strangers find the path.
Be brave. Be you, all the parts of you.