Wildwood’s Esther

The week between Christmas and the New Year has always felt odd to me.  We get through the dopamine-infused build up before the 25th, then the thrill of Christmas Eve and morning.  Later, we frolic on sparkly New Year’s Eve, anticipating the strike of the clock.  (Some of us have witnessed the turn more than others and fall asleep early.)  The week in between, though, feels clunky, like a slow dip on the roller coaster.

Our Wildwood family’s holiday season was even more roller-coastery than usual.  I have been blessed in life with a distinguished number of them, and every one has been spent with my Mama.  As we approached holidays this year, it was on our hearts that these holidays could be our last together.  

She turned 90 in August, and she’d been tack-sharp and on-point for every Christmas.  As we got deep into December of ‘24, however, she began to prepare for the turn.  No matter how many calendars you’ve turned over, it is hard to lose your Mama.  On January 2nd, with all of us by her side, she peacefully crossed on over.  Now my love lies still; resting in peace, Esther Ann – August 16, 1934 – January 2, 2025.  

So, while others posted their 2024 highlights and yearly wrap-ups, we clung to family. Our dogs are in this with us, of course.  We walked together through some days that were harder than most.  Esther has always been a part of Wildwood, so as we try to catch up to 2025 before it speeds away from us, she remains embedded.

Wildwood was partly her idea anyway.   When Amanda and I found our home place in the trees, and planned a house on the hill, and wove our dogs into our story, it was she who suggested the name Wildwood.  The song Wildwood Flower was a favorite of my father’s, one he played for her on the guitar many years ago.

It was also she who taught me to love and care for animals.  Born and raised on a working farm, Mama learned that people and animals exist together for a purpose.  She taught her family that a Biblical devotion to animals is part of both personal integrity and righteousness.  Know well the condition of thy flocks!  She taught us that animals bring security to the home, warmth to the lap, and joy to the heart.

Whatever else happens in life, animals must be cared for, each according to its needs and perfectly in routine, so they are never left hungry, neglected, or suffering.  They are named, loved, and live to ripe old ages as part of the farm family.  Long live legendary friends such as Curly the bull, Ms. Feathers and the Ladies, Wally the goat, Pat and Tony the horses, and a myriad of others.  And, long live the first German Shepherds I ever knew, King and Duke (future blog).

Of course, Mama knew each Wildwood German Shepherd and regularly asked how they were.  She kept up with training, travel, trophies, trials and tribulations.  She prayed for us and for them.  She even let Max inside her house – only dog ever.  Usually, this was the domain of the Siamese cat.  Mom knew her mind, and she knew what she loved.  Children and animals were at the top of the list, and since a fella never grows tired of making Mama proud, it was reassuring to know she was watching Wildwood.  

When Max won the US Sieger Show in October of 2024, she watched that livestream like it was the preacher on Sunday morning.  Afterward, she was quick to call to hear from our family and to check on Max.  We strove to make her proud in every way, and Max surely did his part in 2024!

Her lessons and her memory will forever be present in our family and in Wildwood.  We are blessed to be part of both, and as long as love remains at the center, we know we can always make Mama proud.