Roy’s Sunday Letter for May 3, 2026
All About Goodness
First Goodness: I had been dreading the clinic appointment with the Cardiologist. I had completed 3 recent heart tests and would hear test results and recommended next treatment…perhaps a Pacemaker or new medication. Instead, our MD explained my heart had a minor flow issue but were not health threatening. “See you in six months,” he said.
- There is so much suffering, heart surgery, physical limitations, even death in our daily lives, mine also. In the midst of my adjustment from expecting the bad and receiving the good, Beth got it right. “You have been given a Gift of a good heart. What will you do with your gift?”
I will dedicate the Sunday Letter and social relationships to Encourage, provide Personal Support, and Broaden and Deepen our Circle Of Friends, Inviting New Persons to the Circle. I will calendar watch for causes, events, and opportunities to apply my ministry and social work experience to make even my small world a better place. I will lean into my gift of Now.
Second Goodness: Jazz came to Beth and I as a puppy. Sixteen + years together in Amarillo, Santa Fe and Ft. Worth. Jazz was a devoted part of us, giving her love, humor, and always gentle goodness. Even in her last days, Jazz showed us she had given all she had of her full, long life. Beth and I honored her life making her comfortable and being witness to her journey across The Rainbow Bridge. Now, keeping with Buddhist tradition, we have a small Jazz alter and will ring the morning bell for 40 days. Jazz’s ashes will return to us, a forever present moment of joy, laughter, and goodness.
Last Sunday Words: In what ways has expected or unexpected news or report of goodness come to you and your family? How are you better or strengthened? If your gift of goodness can be given or shown through relationship with others, have you done so?
The act of receiving and giving of good words and deeds adds to my Believing in the goodness in our tomorrows together. So, join in using your Gifts to contribute Goodness to our world.
Roy, blessed in so many ways, by so many people, and Jazz too!
What a great report about your heart ♥️ so glad to hear that. I can relate to the appointment concerns in advance. I have no idea how my heart is. I’ve been with my friend through her heart surgeries over a year and she came out great. She is planning a 2 week camping trip alone, at almost 80. I feel like a couch potato next to her zippy nature. I love your morning 🛎️ practice honoring your beloved Jazz. Thanks for sharing your heart with me. 💕🌈
No one else knows the early morning companionship of Jazz.
16.5 yrs from puppy to elder for us. She blessed we 3 in real ways.
A good report at our age is a true blessing, some days is seems like all I do is visit Doctors and wait for reports. So grateful you received good news. I grieve with you about sweet Jazz, We pour so much love into our buddies that when they are gone we miss them terribly. Traditions we had with them, like 4 o’clock ball time make our days longer. She provided so many years of joy and laughter, she is at peace and we must move on. I have a shrine for Lexi and have told Leslee to bury her ashes with me, Leslee just shakes her head but she will follow my directions. Bless you and Beth, some good and some bad, isn’t that what life is all about.
I travel again this morning with Olivia Kay driving and grandson riding shotgun. I read this good news gladly. Your continuing creativity, broader vision, inclusion balanced with a sharp eye for nudging world in a kinder perspective always shapes me.
Forever friend….
Yes, so many look overs, reaching in the bed for the one always there, but not.
I do tap the bowl to sound our my grief.
In time I know, in time.
I remember your four footed friend coming up to join me early in the morning in bed. I remember the deep love that went both ways for you two and your four footed friend. I remember dog and snake stories and walks in old sea bed land. I hear the bell and the bell in your words.
Roy, You have encouraged me to reach out to new neighbors, so yesterday I knocked on a door and made a friend! Thanks for your gentle nudge.
Jazz had a rich life with you all! So sorry to hear of her crossing.
Blessings on your journey–
Sandra
Sandra, somehow I got the never give up gene.
So, waving, a walk over, even cards to a move-in all parts of hello.
Good to know of your reach out….and good, encouraging outcome.
Good morning Roy and excellent letter.. great news on your heart. Saddened by the new of Jazz’s journey to the other side, but so very happy y’all had a wonderful long time together. your message today of goodness, positive thoughts, moving forward and being a positive influence to all we encounter each and every day.. Fixed a gate for a friend two weeks ago. A senior citizen lady walked across the alley and asked if i could look at her gate. fixed it yesterday and then haggled over me not wanting any $… finally agreed to accepting a few dollars for a cheeseburger! She is a quilter and going to call Loo for some help.. we now have a new friend in our circle of friends.. supporting and helping and loving all those we can.. God is smiling!! Thanks again much for sharing your thoughts on this regular basis.. sustaining wisdom !! Happy Sunday. Time to plunge!!!
Friend Mike of many miles, not hearts, away……..
Your gate repair is a concrete helpfulness next step.
We use what we have to make a connection.
Congrats on a good heart – know that we tend to ruminate about all of the problems we imagine when we are told that the Doc has questions. Sometimes even immobilizing us for days until we get further information. Probably related to our fear of death. As I tell my daughters, it is okay to be concerned but going to worry is creating an unhealthy life.
The phrase ‘letting go’ comes to mind.
Monday Thought: There are issues, events, even people to clutch close, and the same to allow to float away.
Life is at times messy.
Some to clean up, some to walk around.
Roy
Roy, that was a beautiful tribute to Jazz, but more than that what a tribute to you and Beth for your love of him. May your days be filled with great memories. As I have had to do many times, remind myself not to cry over the loss, but smile because “it” happened. How lucky Jazz was to have had you and Beth as his caretakers for all these years, and to have received the loving care you did from him.