FIFTY DOLLARS
(IN LOVING MEMORY OF SATIN CHEYENNE)
One day in my pocket at work fifty dollars I did have, and a man came along with a dog and said for fifty dollars I could have. He took my fifty dollars and I took my dog and walking home I thought to myself I got the best deal I got the dog!
As that dog became a part of our family and stole our hearts, I’d just smile and say for fifty dollars I got one great dog.
That dog became my best friend and protector the person I told my problems too and cried my tears upon and for fifty dollars that’s a lot.
She played in the yard with the kids all the while taking charge and standing guard and for fifty dollars that’s a lot.
She walked with me while I did my chores, and sleep by our bed without missing a night, and for fifty dollars that’s a lot.
When it came to her family she knew no fear for a black bear she would chase so it couldn’t get near.
We knew when Grandma or Connie and the kids we’re on their way, she’d stop what she was doing and run and try to open the gate, we always wondered how she could hear them coming a mile away, and laugh at the dance she would do knowing the kids we’re there to play.
Always faithful to be at the gate and watch her Dad and I come and go from day to day. She never liked to hear a fight not even in play, and when it came to pushing and shoving she would be the one to take control and put it to an end and for fifty dollars that’s a lot to get from a friend.
I remember her pushing Amy in the closet with her to have her pups and my daughter looked a little queasy and green but quite proud to hold them pups.
And at times when I was alone I never feared Satin was near and when anyone came in late she always stayed up to wait.
And I remember the laughter we all shared watching her chase Tim on his roller blades, or chewing tires on the go cart so the kids would come to no harm, or standing watch at the pool while they swam and forgetting her own fear of water she ‘d dive in to save Zac and we got all that for fifty dollars and that’s a lot.
And I knew when JD was attacked by dogs that he’d be afraid of her but she was smart and sensed his fear, and with a gentle understanding she chased away that fear and won his heart, on that day we realized for fifty dollar,
we got one smart dog.
She loved to wrestle and play with her Dad and he’d yell load up and away they’d go, and I’d just smile and shake my head, and think to myself that was the best fifty dollars, that I have ever spent. So many times I’ve sat and wondered if that man ever realized what he gave up for fifty dollars.
And I remember laughing at Tammy and Desi when they would complain that she refused to eat again while we we’re away. And even in her old age when the grandkids wanted to hug and play she tolerated it throughout the day.
Sitting in the vet’s office waiting for them to run their tests, I’m remembering all these things, and then they came and told me all the money in the world wouldn’t make her better again, and that it was time to let her go.
So with a heavy heart, I stood strong and I held her tightly in my arms as I watched her life slip away, and all the while I kept telling myself she’s with the Lord so she’ll be okay.
I know that I must stay behind and let my life run it’s course, and all the while I’ll make sure that I keep fifty dollars close. And one day when my life is done and through you’ll hear me say, LORD, I have fifty dollars and you have one fine dog, can I make a deal with you today?
I miss you girl,
| Satin Cheyenne |
| 14, July 2003 |
| Kevin and Phyllis Mattingly |