Cow Herding

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"Hello, yeah, it's been a while. Not much, how 'bout you? (Remember that song? It's one of my all-time favorites.) I hadn't meant to be silent this long, but things happen sometimes. And, speaking of things that have happened, how has everyone been holding up since Kharla's passing? I know many of us grew to (digitally) love her over the years of writing back and forth. What else have I missed these past few months? For those who have wondered (or are now interested), pictured is my guide dog, Nicholas. I call him Nic and Nicky for short. No, he is not a Doodle. He actually naturally has a beard, but they clipped it, along with everything else before bringing him to me. He is a Bouvier des Flandres, which translates to "Cattle dog of Flanders." Speaking of Bouvier, let’s talk about another notable figure associated with that name: Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Her name encompasses a variety of meaningful elements: Jacqueline means "supplanter," symbolizing a sense of resilience Lee can mean "meadow," evoking images of serene landscapes Bouvier signifies "cowherd," reflecting a connection to pastoral life Kennedy translates to "descendant of the helmeted head," hinting at a legacy of leadership Onassis whimsically connects to "donkey" or "burden," which brings a playful irony given the Democratic Party’s emblem. Together, these meanings create a fascinating portrait of a woman who not only made history but also embodies a blend of strength, grace, and complexity. And now you know why family histories matter. They connect us to our roots, enrich our identities, and remind us that every name carries a story worth telling.