Mother, Daddy, Brunie and MeI am an only child and Brunie was the sibling I never had. I begged my parents for a brother or sister for years, to no avail.
Since Daddy was a Marine, we moved frequently. I had three different first grade teachers and was always the "new girl" at school. The average "military brat" attends 10 schools in 12 years - some move as many as 36 times. They have no "hometowns" to go back to and rarely know their extended families.
One of the positive effects of this lifestyle is "brats" learn to get along with anybody, from anywhere. They can move and take risks. They're not afraid of change. At the same time, some brats become "change junkies" and can't settle down. Others have difficulties with intimacy, and lack a consistent sense of self.
Although all the other kids I knew were also Marine brats, dealing with the same issues I was, they all had brothers and sisters, which to me seemed like "friends who lived and moved with you". I experienced a great deal of loneliness as a child.
Mother and Daddy bought Brunie for me when I was in the fourth grade. She instantly became my best friend. Whenever we moved, Brunie was always there for me, filling in the lonely periods of adjusting to new towns, houses, teachers, and friends. She was my first dog, my playmate as a child, and my loyal friend for the 15 years of her life. 
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8 comments:
I am so glad you had a friend like him, for 15 years!! What a life the two of you must have had. =)
What a beautiful family photo.
What a blessing you and Brunie were to each other.
My sisters were already married and out of the house when I was growing up and I had my sweet doggie there for me everyday to come home to.
Pets are gifts from God, aren't they?
Melissa
Awe Ms.~K...another connection between us...I too grew up and only child (the only of my parents together...both my half-brothers married befor I was born) and my 'pets' were my brothers and sisters...although unlike you I had many cats & dogs and lived in the same place for 25 years...it was still often a very lonely life.
BTW...loved the story you sent me about Kurtis...you should post that over at the Pie House.
Luv'ya...T
Wow...I can relate to the military-brat stuff you wrote! So glad you had Brunie...my brothers and I had Pixie...and having a furry friend as a child makes me so much more appreciative of all my Mom went through, moving not just household and children, but re-training the dog at each new home, too! Happy family Sunday!
Good ole Brunie...Brunhilda, I believe! Looking back I had no idea you got her in grade 4. I knew she was older when we had the yard sale, but still not that old. You were blessed by her, and she was by you! Did you know Tippy and Cricket? I feel like you knew Cricket because she died the day in November that Ronald Reagan was elected. What great pets they were. Guess that is why I am partial to little dogs!
SH
He's a beauty. Thanks for digging in to the archives for this one :)
I always love your family photos. Thanks for putting them on your blog to share with all of us. I have a sister but I still had dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish, whatever I could find to bring home. I have always loved animals, but wouldn't you know that I'd marry a guy who doesn't care for pets. One day when I'M home for good, I'm going to get a little dog. In the meantime, I'll enjoy yours!
Great family picture!
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