I’ve been ill this week and as usual my great dog Duke stand at my side the whole time (other than the occasional potty break.) That reminded me of a song lyric I wrote to honor Duke, our friendship, and the bond pets have with their humans, “My Old Friend.”
I found it by going to YouTube and typing “Russ Towne” in the search field.
I'm awed by the beauty of nature and the power of love and gratitude. Some of my favorite sensory experiences include waves crashing on rocky shores, waterways in ancient redwood and fern-filled forests, and rain. My wife and I have been married since 1979. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I manage a wealth management firm that I founded in 2003. My Beloved is a Special Education teacher for Kindergartners and First Graders. I'm a published author of approximately 60 books in a variety of genres for grownups and children.
Was that you singing, Russ? Or were those your lyrics? My gosh, the feelings flowed at full throttle! I hope your illness is short-lived and that you are on your road to recovery.
Thank you for your kind comment and wishes for my improved health, Koji. The singer/ musician was Kevin Harris. Sadly, singing and playing musical instruments are among the long list of things I do poorly, at best. I attempt to focus on things it doesn’t pain me to do. ;-D!
Hope you are getting better. Unfortunately the video does not work here in UK for some reason. I shall have a look if I find it on you tube directly! Get better! 🙂
I hope you’re feeling better Russ! I couldn’t access the video. But I know having faithful Duke and your loved ones around will make it all better. Take care and wholesome health your way. Blessings. Sharon
Thank you for your warm wishes and kind message, Sharon. It appears that at least some recipients who live outside the U.S. are unable to access the video via the link. I apologize for that.
Russ
I hope you are feeling better Russ! What a beautiful, beautiful song! To have a friend like that puts one in an enviable position. Not everyone understands or knows that kind of love.
Thank you for your kind message, Colleen. I’m am immensely grateful to have the family and friends that I do. To me, Duke falls into both categories. ;-D!
Russ
Good morning, Russ! Beautiful song and sentiments. I was sorry to hear you’ve been ill and hope you’re feeling better now. Roxie wants me to ask if you’ll g’ve Duke a hug from her. Love, Clare
That made me remember the great four legged loves I have know. Crying first thing in the morning is not usually a good thing! Thanks for reminding me of them.
Hi, Quiall. I hope your tears were from happy memories. If your tears made it easier to see more of the blessings of the world then not a single one was wasted, my friend.
Russ
Thank you, Misifusa. The singer/musician is Kevin Harris. Sadly, singing and playing musical instruments are among the long list of things I do poorly, at best. I attempt to focus on things it doesn’t pain me to do. ;-D!
Thank you, Misifusa. I do appear to be feeling a bit better at the moment, but it’s an ebb and flow kind of thing, with more of the wrong one than I’d prefer. ;-D!
Russ
Thank you, Tess. I’m glad you like it. Kevin Harris is the singer/musician. I like his style or this kind of song. One reason I don’t write more songs is I need to pay a voice to sing them and musicians to play them. I’d love to be able to sing and play them, but as the old saying goes, “A wise man knows his limitations.” I don’t know how wise I am, but I do know that singing and playing musical instruments are far, far, from being among my strengths.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Was that you singing, Russ? Or were those your lyrics? My gosh, the feelings flowed at full throttle! I hope your illness is short-lived and that you are on your road to recovery.
Thank you for your kind comment and wishes for my improved health, Koji. The singer/ musician was Kevin Harris. Sadly, singing and playing musical instruments are among the long list of things I do poorly, at best. I attempt to focus on things it doesn’t pain me to do. ;-D!
Russ
Hope you are getting better. Unfortunately the video does not work here in UK for some reason. I shall have a look if I find it on you tube directly! Get better! 🙂
Thank you, Ute! I’m sorry the video link didn’t work in the UK.
Russ
I hope you’re feeling better Russ! I couldn’t access the video. But I know having faithful Duke and your loved ones around will make it all better. Take care and wholesome health your way. Blessings. Sharon
Thank you for your warm wishes and kind message, Sharon. It appears that at least some recipients who live outside the U.S. are unable to access the video via the link. I apologize for that.
Russ
No worries Russ. I tried to look you up directly from YouTube but no luck there either. Keep singing x
I hope you are feeling better Russ! What a beautiful, beautiful song! To have a friend like that puts one in an enviable position. Not everyone understands or knows that kind of love.
Thank you for your kind message, Colleen. I’m am immensely grateful to have the family and friends that I do. To me, Duke falls into both categories. ;-D!
Russ
Good morning, Russ! Beautiful song and sentiments. I was sorry to hear you’ve been ill and hope you’re feeling better now. Roxie wants me to ask if you’ll g’ve Duke a hug from her. Love, Clare
I’m delighted the song resonated for you, Clare. I’ll be sure to give a big hug to Duke for Roxi. Thank you for your comment.
Love,
Russ
You’re welcome, Russ and Duke, too.🐕
That made me remember the great four legged loves I have know. Crying first thing in the morning is not usually a good thing! Thanks for reminding me of them.
Hi, Quiall. I hope your tears were from happy memories. If your tears made it easier to see more of the blessings of the world then not a single one was wasted, my friend.
Russ
Beautiful Russ…is that you singing too?
Thank you, Misifusa. The singer/musician is Kevin Harris. Sadly, singing and playing musical instruments are among the long list of things I do poorly, at best. I attempt to focus on things it doesn’t pain me to do. ;-D!
Russ
Ah, but they are your words, are they not? Beautiful as always Russ.
Thank you, Misifusa. They are indeed my words.
Russ
I knew it!
P.S. Hope you heal quickly and feel better soon!
Thank you, Misifusa. I do appear to be feeling a bit better at the moment, but it’s an ebb and flow kind of thing, with more of the wrong one than I’d prefer. ;-D!
Russ
Yuck Russ…so sorry to hear. Will keep you in my prayers ♥
Hope you’re on the mend. 😀
Love the song and the ‘dawg.’ Handsome fellow. Wonderful singer too. Is that you? 😉
Thank you, Tess. I’m glad you like it. Kevin Harris is the singer/musician. I like his style or this kind of song. One reason I don’t write more songs is I need to pay a voice to sing them and musicians to play them. I’d love to be able to sing and play them, but as the old saying goes, “A wise man knows his limitations.” I don’t know how wise I am, but I do know that singing and playing musical instruments are far, far, from being among my strengths.
Russ
Nice song, Russ. Hope you feel better soon.
Dennis Madden
Thank you, Dennis.
Russ
❤
Thank you, Annette.
Russ
i loved the song, russ. you are truly multi-talented and i hope you feel better soon )
Thank you, Beth. You’re making a positive difference in my life and I am grateful.
Russ
Loved it! Really excellent.
Thank you, Kevin. Your kind comment brought a smile to my face.
Russ