Anamnesis : Naming a New Season on the Road

Anamnesis, what does it mean? Recently, a co-worker asked me a question I’d never considered, If you could name this season of your life, this year, this summer, this exact moment, what would it be? As a writer, I jumped at the chance to find the perfect word.

We’ve visited Bar Harbor on two separate occasions now, and we often find ourselves reflecting on our past. That past doesn't anchor us, it sprinkles our minds with doses of inspiration, nostalgia, and the story of our life together. After pondering it overnight, the word finally came to me, anamnesis. What a perfect word to sum up not just this season, but our entire journey. My co-worker was thrilled with the title, and learned a new word in the process. Truthfully, I think I surprised myself, too.

Now, onto the updates!

A lot has happened. Beyond the usual touristy RV life that Maria and I live, mixed in with my day job, I have some wonderful news. As many of you know, we lost our travel buddy, Cocoa, about eight months ago on November 11th. A heavy, melancholy sadness settled over us, lingering. We missed having a purpose outside of ourselves, and we loved traveling with him. He was attached to Maria’s hip, soaked up all our love, and had been with us since 2016. At the time, we decided not to put our hearts through that torment of deep affection followed by goodbye ever again.

But as July rolled around, our hearts had healed just enough; and a new puppy entered our lives.

In the third week of June, I submitted an application to the local Hancock County SPCA. On July 4th, our new canine showed up. She was about five months old and when we walked in and asked to see her, an attendant carried her out. She immediately greeted us with a wagging tail and an abundance of kisses. Our hearts melted instantly. I felt a rush of that familiar love we’ve known over our thirty-three years as dog owners, a distinct, unconditional affection for something outside of our marriage and children that never falters.

We named her Ellie, inspired by the daughter in Stephen King's Pet Sematary. The idea came after a phone call with our middle adult child in New York, who suggested we name her after something that reminded us of Maine. We had recently visited the film adaptation's shooting locations, and Ellie, the sole surviving member of the Creed family, popped into my head. It felt fitting, Ellie was the last of her litter and the smallest of the group.

Ellie is a quick study. She eats three meals a day (with her second meal split into three portions to slow down her eager eating). Because she’s so food-motivated, potty training has been a breeze. She already knows how to sit, lie down, stay, and almost roll over, and we're currently working on leash training.

She’s a smart one, and the ideal lovable partner for our journeys ahead. We feel so blessed to be chosen again by such a cute, kissable, high-energy puppy.

Welcome to the Mothership, Ellie!

Thanks for reading.

Tim Eagle

Tim Eagle is an author of the novellas Karma Cop, Life Ship, and the Vasectomus Collection. He lives full time, on the road, with his wife, Maria and cat Walter White. He grew up in Michigan and is inspired by the dysfunction of America. His books are available on Amazon, godless and this site timeaglefiction.com 

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  Welcome Home Ellie! Our Shelter Puppies First day...

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  A cute Pose in my arms

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  Her most precious and the most appreciated moments of a puppies life

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  Ellie Posing for a pic

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  Panting for the camera

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  Another pose

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  Exploring the neighborhood from the widow