In Chinatown: Overcoming Grief, Walking into the Year of the Snake

It snowed. Late Friday night and early Saturday morning, it snowed in New York. The official measurements came in at around 11.4 inches at Central Park, far short of the historic storm accumulations on Long Island, in Connecticut, and up into New England. The city was spared the worst.



My dog died. I spent most of the day and evening of the storm at home with my elderly dog. She was sick and on antibiotics. I was looking forward to walking with her in the deep snow the next day. But sometime in the middle of the night, she died. The following morning, I found her slumped on a pile of clothes. It was a great shock, and I didn't know what to do. Fortunately, New York came slowly back to life on Saturday morning, even if my dog did not. The vet's office opened at 9 am for their usual hours, and the staff members were a great comfort. For the rest of the day, I didn't feel like getting out at all.

"A day of sorrow is longer than a month of joy." - Chinese proverb


I walked. When Sunday morning dawned, and it was too painfully quiet, I wanted another shot at a new year. So, I was glad to remember the Chinese New Year. And I knew where to walk. So, I pulled on my boots and set off on a stroll downtown. On Mott Street, Chinatown's main thoroughfare, the sun was shining, the snow was melting, and the sights and sounds of the 14th New Year Firecracker Ceremony began to lift my sorrows.

"One step at a time is good walking." - Chinese proverb



View Chinese New Year, Chinatown NYC in a larger map


Good dogs teach us that you have to get up and go out for a walk, even when you don't want to. - Walking Off the Big Apple proverb


“There is a good dog and a bad dog fighting within each of us. The one that is going to win is the one we feed the most.” - Chinese proverb




"From walking -- something; from sitting -- nothing." - Chinese proverb

Happy New Year.

Upcoming Chinese New Year event: 14th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival. Sunday, February 17, 2013 1 p.m. See Better Chinatown for more information.
 
Images by Walking Off the Big Apple from Sunday, February 10, 2013.

Comments

Belle Isle Home said…
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your walking partner. I love your new "Walking Off the Big Apple Proverb".
ezweig said…
So sad to hear about your lovely dog...wishing you walking solace throughout the year of the snake...best, Ellen
Anton Deque said…
The price of love is grief; life without love is nothing at all.
Tinky said…
I LOVE your proverb. And I'm thinking of you. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. Sending you virtual hugs and treats in the year of the snake.......
Teri Tynes said…
Thanks so much. I miss my sweet dog, and your words mean a lot to me. - Teri
Unknown said…
Sorry for your loss. I know what it is like to lose a pet.
Jen said…
sorry about your baby :(
Traci said…
Teri, saddened to hear of your loss and may you find joy walking the streets in your dog's memory. Love the proverb as well!
Sorry for your great loss. Know that she is walking with you still.
So very sorry to hear this, Teri. I'm sure your dog led a wonderful life with you, receiving as much love as she gave. Take comfort in that.
Anonymous said…
I am so sorry for your loss, Teri. Losing a beloved furry member of your family is heartbreaking. They light up our lives in so many ways. I know the grief, and I am thinking of you.

Birds of Inwood - Visit Teri's new blog about birds!

Birds of Inwood - Visit Teri's new blog about birds!
A visual journey exploring the birds of Inwood and Northern Manhattan

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