Communication

This morning I read In Praise of the Humble Comma by Pico Iyer. I enjoy his descriptive writing, which is on the importance of punctuation. The essay gives a poetic side to punctuation, unlike I have ever read before. He uses many metaphors and examples throughout the essay. I particularly like the metaphor relating punctuation to the rhythm of our hearts. With this metaphor, the writer relates our voices to that of a music sheet. Pico states, "Punctuation is the notation in the sheet music of our words, telling us when to rest, or when to raise our voices;" I believe this is true, because the tone of voice we use, shows our emotion. Pico also describes punctuation as "a matter of care" and "a labor of love". These two comparisons tell me, that the author has a passion for writing. He wants to share with the readers, the love and care he has for words. I know for me after reading this essay, I look at punctuation differently. I view it with more importance, and deeper in thought. We are social beings and our communication with one another tells a story. If it be what we had for dinner or how we feel, it is a story none the less. I feel impressed to rethink how I write, what I write, and why I write. For me, the use of commas is my greatest weakness. I know now though, the use of them goes deeper than the paper they are written or not written on!!! However, it is my goal, to strive on the improvement of this writing flaw. I cannot imagine reading words without punctuation. How would I be able to detect the emotion being given by the speaker? This is just one example, of how I take punctuation for granted. I encourage everyone, to rethink on how our words are written with punctuation. Our words tell a story, and punctuation shows the emotion behind our words.

Commuunication

This morning I read In Praise of the Humble Comma by Pico Lyer. I enjoy his descriptive writing, which is on the importance of punctuation. The essay gives a poetic side to punctuation, unlike I have ever read before. He uses many metaphores and examples throughout the essay. I particularly like the metaphor relating punctuation to the rhythm of our hearts. With this metaphor, the writer relates our voices to that of a music sheet. Pico states, "Punctuation is the notation in the sheet music of our words, telling us when to rest, or when to raise our vioces;" I believe this is true, because the tone of voice we use, shows our emotion. Pico also describes punctuation as "a matter of care" and "a labor of love". These two comparisons tell me, that the author has a passion for writing. He wants to share with the readers, the love and care he has for words. I know for me, after reading this essay, I look at punctuation differently. I view it with more importance, and deeper in thought. We are social beings and our communication with one another tells a story. If it be what we had for dinner or how we feel, it is a story none the less. I feel impressed to rethink how I write, what I write, and why I write. For me, the use of commas is my greatest weakness. I know now though, the use of commas goes deeper than the paper they are written or not written on!!! However, it is my goal, to strive on the improvement of this writting flaw. I cannot imagine reading words without punctuation. How would I be able to detect the emotion being given by the speaker? This is just one example, of how I take punctuation for granted. I encourage everyone, to rethink on how our words are written with puntuation. Our words tell a story, and punctuation shows the emotion behind our words.

Wonderful Neighbors!

My phone vibrates along the Georgia Highlands library desk. I answer my husband's call. He informs me that our neighbor Michelle has called. "She is concerned about our dog," he said. I call Michelle right away, uneasy about what I will be told.

A sincere voice answers. "Tammy, your dog Pugsley is breathing heavily," she said. "Where is he at," I ask hastly. She replied, "Pugsley is lying by the road of your front yard." I immediatly tell her, "thank you for letting me know" and hang up. I rush out of the library. Forgetting all about the algebra test I was studying for.

On my drive home, I could not stop thinking about our seven year old Terrier mix. (He
 is forty-nine in dog years.) I asked myself, "Is he going to be ok?" and "Why is he breathing hard?" The ten minute drive home felt like an eternity. As I turn into my drive way, I see Pugsley. He is lying helplessly along the front of our garage doors. (He must have managed to walk away from the road.)

I kneel over his body. He struggles to look up at me. "Hey boy, what's wrong?" I ask, in a soft voice. He only whimpers. Suddenly, his body shakes, turns, and twist. My beloved pet has no control over his muscles. I cry, as I watch an unbearable five minute seizure consume his body.

I stroke his long black and white hair as the seizure ceases. "It's going to be ok, your'e going to the vet," I said. I carry Pugsley to my car while my neighbors Robert and Barbara drive by. They stop. "Is everything alright?" they ask. After hearing the situation, they offer their assistance.

I tell them my son is getting off the school bus soon.  "I do not want him to see Pugsley like this," I said. Robert and Barbara insist on taking my dog to the vet. "We will call as soon as we have news from the doctor," they said. All I could say is thank you and I appreciate it.

The phone rings. I answer. A somber voice reply, "Tammy, I'm sorry but Pugsley's seizures cannot be stopped.", "He is suffering and the vet needs to put him to sleep," said Barbara. While tears flow down my face, I tell her I understand.

That evening my family and I bury our loyal friend  in his favorite resting spot. We cry together, remembering our special times with Pugsley and thanking God for our wonderful neighbors.

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