Sunday, May 29, 2011

Origin of Deacon's Name

Dawn has asked us several times about the origin of Deacon's name. We have touched on it before, but we will honor the request as it is very fitting to be told Memorial Day Weekend. The choice of the name starts back in the 1940s, a time of great up turmoil and struggle. It goes back to what some call the greatest generation.

During this time Grand-Paw served in the Army during WW II. By the time the invasion of Normandy Grand-Paw was assigned as the chaplain's assistant. He was with the 5th Armored Division and was in Combat Command "R" or CCR. CCR fought in the Hurtgen Forest, which the smaller book called "... a violent screaming hell." From what Dog Dad has read about Hurtgen it was a nightmare. Bodies of soldier are still found in the forest. Grand Paw survived the war, met Grand Maw and had five children.


The Chaplain and Grand Paw


Grand Paw


Grand Paw decided about fifteen years ago to give Dog Dad his books and some other WW II things. He told Dog Dad - "You are the one that who was the most interested in these things. I want you to have them." Dog Dad couldn't refuse. He had read the books in grade school and spent time with Grand Paw looking at old pawtographs growing up as a child. There is no way he could ever refuse such an offer. While they didn't always agree, Dog Dad had tremendous respect and love for Grand Paw. When he was young Dog Dad wished he could have been the star athlete and made Grand Paw proud. Grand Paw didn't tell him until much later that he was proud of the man he had become, and being a star athlete didn't matter. Dog Dad's was surprised.


Grand Paws Books


Dog Dad came up with a lot of name the week before he traveled to Holmhaven Collies to pick up my nephew. Names from Norse and Greek mythology, names of famous battles, but there was none that he really liked. A couple nights before we headed north, he was sitting down and looking through the books Grand Paw had given him. It was then he saw again the words inside of the front cover of the book Grand Paw book The words penned in place back in 1945 screamed at him, the words that said this belonged to Grand Paw, "Deacon" Joe --------.

Deacon was a great name for a Collie, a choice from long ago. He told Grand Maw and Grand Paw about the name. When the three of us came up to visit, Grand Maw told Dog Dad that he had made Grand Paw very happy and proud. Deacon was like Grand Paw, both was a happy go-lucky souls, a bit mischievous at times and both had that special twinkle in their eyes.

Now Dog Dad and I both miss my nephew. We miss his playfulness and happy go lucky ways. We are sure he is with a much younger Grand Paw and Grand Maw. Telling them about their son. He is licking their faces and running with the other creatures that have crossed the bridge. I am alone watching what is going on outside the front window. Deacon no longer stands stretched out with his front paws on top of his dog crate and his bottom paws on the ground. In spirit he is looking out the window with me. Dog Speed Dear Nephew.




Deacon - Dad's Silly Boy


Essex 29 May 2011 - Standing Guard Alone

19 comments:

Mack said...

Those pictures of Grand Paw are awesome. And what a wonderful story about Deacon's name! We have been thinking about you and hoping you are doing ok. We send you love, prayers and Macky sugars!

-Mom and Mack

Cowspotdog said...

That was a wonderful post and what a perfect name for Deacon. I can not imagine how odd you and Essex be feeling this weekend. Big Hugs to both of you.

Bailey Be Good! said...

Thank you for sharing your story -- it was so nice to read about Deacon's name and family.

Nala and I are thinking about you and keeping you and your family in our puppy and doggie thoughts and prayers. You are not alone. :)

Woofs & hugs always,

~Bailey

Jans Funny Farm said...

What a neat story regarding Deacon's name. We can imagine how much you are missing him!

Katybeth said...

So sorry about your loss. Deacon was a beautiful boy and it was way to early for him to cross over that rainbow bridge. It sounds like you have some wonderful memories of your time spent together...I hope they bring you comfort as you share them with others...

Dawn said...

That's a lovely story, the story of how Deacon got his name. I just know he's with Grandpaw and Grandmaw now. Thanks for sharing the story. I hope tomorrow is a bit easier than today. Hugs to you both.

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

We came from Reilly's blog to say how very sorry we are for your loss. Deacon sounds like he was a wonderful dog. Our hearts are heavy for you.

Did you have a necropsy done? Deacon was so young, we can't help but wonder what the hell happened.

Big hugs and slurps, Jed & Abby

Natasha said...

Beautiful story :) Hang in there; and know that you'll always have your blogger friends here to support you.

Jake of Florida said...

Hi Essex,

We want you to know that you and your dad have been on our minds ever since we heard about Deacon. We remember what a dashing figure he cut when we all went to Scotland together. And we know you're doing your best to help your Dad during this sad time.

Thank you for sharing the story of Deacon's name. Deacon Joe, what a tribute to your Grand Paw too!

Wirey woofs,dear friend1

Jake and Just Harry

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

I've just caught up with the previous posts. How sad and tragic. I hope you're doing ok. I'm so sorry for your loss and I bet Deacon is licking everybody he meets at the bridge.
What a great name and tribute for him. I'm just sorry he got called back too soon. :(

the magic sleigh said...

Sad Woos to woo all, We know that Deacon is running free over the bridge.
We have not been commenting or around much, but had to pass on our love and support.
-Kira The BeaWootiful and her Mom

Asta said...

Sweet Essex,
What a wondewful stowy of how Deacon got his name. I know that he was the wight one fow it and made all of you pwoud, just like youw Gwanddad did.
I think of you and youw Dad and feel sad because even though Deacon is happily wunning ovew the Bwidge wif all ouw angels, it must be sad and stwange not to have him wif you. I hope in time youw heawts heal and you can think of only the good times you spent togethew wifout teaws
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

We terriers loved the story of Deacon's name! We are continuing to think of you and know how much you must miss your boy. We send you strong faith and love. It's so hard a time in life.
Kisses and love,

Miss lacie

Lacy said...

w00fs, thinking of you and dogdad...

b safe,
rocky

rottrover said...

What a wonderful way to honor Deacon and GrandPaw. A lovely post. Continuing to kep you in our thoughts.

-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

Boondocks Love Shack Pack said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. Deacon was a handsome boy for sure!! Thoughts and prayers!

AROOOF!
Boondocks

LORI said...

Sasha and I are so sorry to hear about Deacon he will be missed by many both human and four legged friends. He always greated us with his licks or his little nudges. He always tolerated Sasha no matter how rough she was on him. Deacon was a Pawsome(awesome) dog. We loved him alot. We will keep Joe and Essex in our prayers and hope to visit them when we come to Key West. We will miss you Deacon. Love Sasha and Lori

Dawn said...

Thinking about you today as I headed back to work, thinking what a weekend you ended up having. Hugs to you and Essex...

Islay said...

We love your thoughtful posts. Hang in there Essex.

Islay