Saturday, January 17, 2009

Marley Teaches Us to Celebrate Life


Here I am writing my first blog of 2009 and yes, I have been a bad blogger. Life, holidays, a lot of parties, life, holiday and parties and here I am. Just getting around to writing a little note about a big-hearted story that took me by complete surprise. I like dogs, don't get me wrong, but I was not excited about reading about one. I gave in out of curiosity and read the book before seeing the movie. Let me tell you, the movie is good but the book is superb. I did not know who John Grogan was but now we all do. I can tell you he is a man with heart and a writer with soul. I was hooked from page one and raced to the finish. As Marley's life was coming to a close, I felt emotion brewing that I haven't felt in a long time while reading a book. I am not embarrassed to say that tears streamed down my face as I read about his last breath.

The story of a crazed, out-of-control dog with overwhelming devotion to his owner puts life in perspective and gives new meaning to unconditional love. Love is healing and Marley has no doubt healed a lot of people with his story. A highlight for me was John Grogan's response to my email thanking him for such a first-rate book. He really is a genuine guy and he has given us all a reason to keep believing in love in 2009.