Remembering You, Today and Always...
I Felt You Watching Me Today...
I felt you watching
Me today
As I worked to regain my strength
I felt you watching
Me today
As I grimaced, writhed and ached
As I worked to regain
My strength today
I knew my effort 'twas not in vain
I felt you watching
Me today
As I silently whispered your name
I felt you watching
Me today
As I opened that restaurant door
To help someone
Confined to a walker
Wishing somehow I could do more
I felt you watching
Me today
I sensed that you were proud
As I recalled the way
You had shown you cared
I heard your name as I spoke it out loud
I felt you watching
Me today
I longed to see your face
I felt you watching
Me today
Wrapped up in all God’s grace
I felt you watching
Me today
I was blessed to feel you near
As I felt you watching
Me today
I knew there was no need for fear
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Bonnie Mollica
© 1/27/2024
R.I.P.
Image:
Personal collection
A Letter From Charlie...
I just stopped by
To say “Hello”
To let you know I’m feeling GREAT!
The trip went off
Without a hitch
And Kitty met me at the gate!
I thought at first
There’d been a mistake
As the gates swung open wide
But Kitty nestled
Real close to me
As we made our way inside
The sound of Angels
Singing in chorus
Reminded me of all of you
Of how we became
Such a happy family
Though you had your doubts when I was new!
While it’s true I loved
To chase the cats
Off, and into the woods
I felt such joy
Playing that game
Truth is, I’d do it again if I could!
I loved to camp and play in the snow
But what I really loved most
Was meeting friends I didn’t know
Fluffy and I got along rather well
We loved hanging out together
At the top of the stairwell
And a ride in the car with my head sticking out
Mom singing her songs
It was a great life, there’s no doubt!
Well, Kitty and I have just reached Rainbow Bridge
And the excitement for me
It's just like when you’d restock the fridge!
So, for now I must be going
I'm going to go run, and go play
But there’s nothing to worry about
When the time has come
For your journeys to end
And you find yourselves at the Bridge
You won’t have to look
Or to try and find me
Because I will already have sniffed you out!
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Deb Manning and Charlie
© 10/13/2023
(R.I.P. Charlie – 10/12/2023)
Image:
"My Bonnie"...
You've always been "My Bonnie"
You've been others' Bonnie too
You'll always be "My Bonnie"
The mold was broken when God made you
You've a heart full of compassion
Packed in tiny little frame
With eyes of brown that sparkle bright
As you playfully call out names
Your smile is ever enchanting
Dimples 'most deep enough to see through
With laughter always inviting
God went all out when creating you!
Your witty way of teasing others
So central to your charm
You keep all 'round you on tips of toes
Though never meaning any harm
Some who know you call you "family"
The truth is I do too
Looking back I can't begin to imagine
A lifetime without having known you
Yes, you've always been "My Bonnie"
I know you've been others' Bonnie too
But you'll always be "My Bonnie"
And Bonnie, I'll always love you!
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Bonnie Mollica
© 10/08/2023
R.I.P.
Image:
Personal Collection
Darcy Was Your Name...
You were just a little thing
With short wispy, golden mane
Floppy ears of velvet
Darcy was your name
Your eyes were bright yet solemn
As if you’d known great years of pain
But you were just a puppy yet
And Darcy was your name
With brother you were rescued
A chance at brand new start
But Darcy you were still so scared
You thought you had to part
Filled with fear but wanting love
Darcy, you did what you thought best
You found an out and ran for it
Never knowing how you’d be missed
Many searched and called your name
So many prayers were said for you
Perhaps God felt you deserved your rest
Darcy, perhaps you felt it too
You had yourself a brother
Your comfort at the start
But now that you are gone, Darcy
We’ll hold you safely in our hearts
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Darcy
© 8/18/2023
R.I.P.
Imagr:
T.A.R.A.
Doing Zoomies…
How do I begin to say
All I’m feeling in my heart
There’s love and joy and pian and sadness
But that is just the start
You showered me with so much love
As you would kiss and nibble my chin
There were so many times you made me laugh
As your zoomies through the house you’d begin
You were such a sweet little soul
Giant heart housed in tiny frame
With eyes as clear and blue as crystal
Sasha Azule became your name
Your journey here on earth was short
But you lived each day so grand
With ever a smile on your soft little muzzle
So oft’ you’d nestle your chin in my hand
Today I had to let you go
Our time together has come to an end
And although my heart is broken now
Memories of you will help it mend
So go now my sweet Sasha girl
Like the dove upon your face
Fly across that Rainbow Bridge
Doing zoomies as you race!
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Sasha Azule
© 9/7/2020
R.I.P.
Image:
Personal Collection
I Loved You the Most...
It's odd this feeling
That I feel
When I think of you
Wishing you were here
You reside in a place
Both near yet far
I trust you are well
Wherever you are
I awoke today
To thoughts of you
There was so much about you
That I never knew
When I started to awaken
I could feel you close
Upon opening my eyes
You became like a ghost
The image I'd held
Of you in my mind
Upon opening my eyes
I could scarcely more find
I miss you mom
Yet I hold you close
You may have loved me
But I loved you the most
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Mom
© 12/03/2019
R.I.P.
Image:
Personal Collection
Dad's Whistle...
Dad's whistle could be heard
From several blocks away
As a child I heard it countless times
Indicating the end of play
His whistle sent a message
As it echoed loud and clear
"Time to get your fanny home"
As setting sun drew near
Many times I'd tried and failed
To whistle like my dad
Never realizing there would come a day
When not hearing his whistle would make me sad
My dad had just turned eighty
The passing years had taken their toll
As I watched him try to whistle again
No sound off his lips would roll
I felt a sadness in my heart
As I accepted what this meant
Time is but on loan to us all
There's never more to rent
I thank God for the memories
Of a father strong and stern
And his whistle that could turn me fast on my heels
And a home where I could always return
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Dad
© 06/23/2019
R.I.P.
Image:
Personal Collection
You Brought Out the Best In Me...
There aren't enough words
In the vocabulary of words I speak
To express out loud completely
All the love that you showed me
My devoted little companions
That's what you always were
Ever ready to lend an ear
Yet you never spoke a word
I saw your thoughts in your eyes
You gave your love for free
Devoted faithful companions
You brought out the best in me
I miss the shape of your ears
The way you used to snore
As you chased bunny's in your sleep
You were easy to adore
You've been gone for quite a while now
But we're never far apart
In moments of sadness I whisper your names
And I can feel you in my heart
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Yoda and Glamour
© 4/21/2019
R.I.P.
Image:
Personal Collection
For the Love of Hershey...
I'd have to watch my step
As she'd lay stretched across the ground
Not wanting to disturb her
I walked softly without a sound
Come thunderstorms I'd hold her
As she'd always tremble in fear
A consequence I'm sure
From what occurred during her first year
She loved her Christmas presents
And spending time with me
But she wasn't happy on Halloween
Dressed up as a bumblebee
She had a special little hop
When she would run and play
And chasing balls was especially fun
Her spirit ran so free
She loved her big red brother
And her yellow sister too
But when I brought the baby home
She knew she had work to do
She became the referee
She broke up every fight
She didn't have much time left
To teach them wrong from right
Her little body was giving up
But she refused to quit
She was holding on as best she could
She needed my help to do it
With all the strength I had
As much as my heart broke
I knew I had to let her go
On my tears I began to choke
I fed her a special meal
Followed by yummy Frosty Paw
Upon finishing her treat, and with sweet smile
She trotted down the hall
I followed quickly behind her
As in her own way she let me know
That now was the time to do it
It was time to let her go
With assistance from her special friends
Gathered all around
We said a prayer while I held her close
As she drifted off so sound
By: T.J. Christoff
For: Hershey Bear
© May 2004
1990 - 21 May 2004
R.I.P.
In loving memory of my sweet Hershey Bear. You were a loving friend and companion. You will never be forgotten. You will live in my heart forever! See you at Rainbow Bridge. I will ALWAYS love you! - Mom
Image:
Personal Collection