That Dylan Thomas poem has been swirling around in my head for weeks now. The first stanza, anyway:
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Lucas has been having a ball. He is absolutely raging. Heck, last weekend he went for a mile hike with his bestie, Cady. That’s the longest distance he’s gone in one shot since March!
We followed it up with a trip to Sonic… in fact, he’s becoming a bit of a fast food connoisseur. So far he’s had cheeseburgers and fries from McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and now Sonic. We’ve added Steak ‘n Shake, White Castle, and Dairy Queen to his To Do List.
He will not go gentle.
The thing about Lucas, though, is that all the adventures Emmett went on, Lucas would HATE. He hates the beach. He’s afraid of water. He can’t swim. He doesn’t want to go to festivals or coffee shops or Mexican restaurants. That’s just not him.
So, he’s eating and hiking his way through the dying of the light.
And chewing sticks with his brothers, one of his all-time favorite evening activities.
He is raging, raging, even while his x-rays show that the cancer is, too. He had another round this morning, and they showed at least three additional tumors but maybe more–he was wiggling too much for one of the angles to really be able to tell. So, 6 or 8 tumors now. It hit home for me when our beloved vet gave her cell number for middle of the night/just in case.
But today he’s good. Better than good. The vet’s office was a circus. Dogs everywhere! And he did marvelously. John and I kept shaking our heads and saying, “Can you imagine trying to sit here with him a few years ago? Incredible.”
He came home and clobbered the crud out of Cooper, then he ran into Newt’s room and snatched up her teddy bear. He will not go gentle.
Nothing but good, nothing but fun. His favorite toys, his favorite treats, his favorite hikes, all of it.
My sweet Lucas.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Kathy says
09•17•15 at 3:13 pmAwwww……love it!! So good that you are not coddling him, but letting him be himself and enjoy his remaining days. I can feel your helplessness, however. You are the bestest Mom there is!!
Maggie says
09•17•15 at 9:47 pmHelpless. So true. All I can do now is follow his lead… which, really, is all I’ve been doing since 2007!
Slimdoggy says
09•17•15 at 3:17 pmYou go Lucas – savor every day and every Sonic. I hope you know anything you want mom is gonna do 😉
Maggie says
09•17•15 at 9:47 pmOooooh, he’s figured that out! Rotten, this one! Truly rotten! 🙂
sofia says
09•17•15 at 4:01 pm*Bawling*
Maggie says
09•17•15 at 9:48 pmSorry. 🙁 I should’ve texted you. I know… me too…
Vicki Cook says
09•17•15 at 4:50 pmGo Lucas – keep doing what you do best!
Maggie says
09•17•15 at 9:49 pmThanks, Vicki! That’s all he knows how to do, thank goodness. He’s helping US move forward!
Bonnie says
09•17•15 at 7:42 pmLucas like Emmett, is grabbing all the gusto he can! He’s a true warrior and will make every minute count! You and John are the best parents that Emmett, Lucas or Cooper ( & Newt) could ask for! Xo
Maggie says
09•17•15 at 9:48 pmThank you so, so much for the kind words! Gusto is right… we’re just here to hold his leash! 🙂
Jodi says
09•17•15 at 9:48 pmYou go Lucas, rage on precious boy, rage on.
lak says
09•17•15 at 10:21 pmWhat a beautiful and touching post.
Amanda says
09•18•15 at 7:57 amLove that they each have their own stick. The Three Amigos!
Ashley says
09•18•15 at 8:41 amSo happy that Lucas is living life to the fullest during this time! He’s being strong for both himself and you! Precious every moment and every cheeseburger/ice cream cone and French fry! Lots of love to you all!
Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom says
09•18•15 at 10:10 amYou Go Lucas! Have fun every day! You’re a sweet, precious boy and you’re loved very much. Maggie, you and John are great pet parents!
Sharon Gilbert says
09•18•15 at 10:17 amAww! Lucas you are doing so good. I am so glad you were out walking to get some fresh air and a walk. You go Lucas!
Debra says
09•18•15 at 10:58 amBrought tears to my eyes but I’m so happy that Lucas is not going gentle. I kind of love that you recognize and respect how the boys have such different tastes and that their lists are so customized to their likes.
Hugs to you all.
John Bradburn says
09•18•15 at 11:04 amSo happy to hear Lucas is raging!! Love him and you guys.
Kimberly Gauthier says
09•18•15 at 12:42 pmThis is one of those blog posts that I love and hate. I’m so sorry about your dog’s diagnosis, but I love love love that you allow him to be a dog and he’s enjoying his life. It makes me just want to hug you tightly, because it’s clear through your blog what an amazing dog lover you are and how lucky Lucas is to have you and vice versa.
konadog says
09•18•15 at 3:25 pmHappy to see he is enjoying every second. This image helps me focus on enjoying every second as well.
https://trudymorgancole.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/mindfuldog.jpg
Jackie Bouchard says
09•18•15 at 6:22 pmOk, trying hard not to cry and remembering our last trip for x-rays with our Abby-girl. I know you are making the most of every bit of time with him, and there will be time for crying later now. But now is time for enjoying and spoiling. Give him an extra cuddle from me please!
Joanne says
09•18•15 at 9:44 pmYour words are perfection. Sending you a hug. Rage on.
Phyllis says
09•18•15 at 10:18 pmBeautiful post Maggie. Sometimes your writing talent rages!! Lump in my throat. Rage on Lucas and WRITE on Maggie. You guys are so special.
Jan K says
09•19•15 at 6:15 pmOf course this brought tears – both happy and sad. I just saw the Facebook post with him eating the burger, and I couldn’t help but think with as good as he’s got it, no wonder he’s decided to stick around for as long as possible. 🙂
littlepawsboutique.com says
09•20•15 at 12:15 amAtta boy Lucas! You go for it! Giving your Mom & Dad all these good memories to treasure.
Rebekah says
09•20•15 at 10:23 pmI’m sitting here sobbing. I love that he got a California burger. Saw it on FB. He would love Between the Buns in Greenwood. Thinking of you all. (((Hugs)))