Day 137

9/28/22

Lilly is exhausted in the best possible way! She had two walks on this beautiful day which bookended her visit at Walker Residence. This girl LOVES people! Her empathetic skills are put to good use whenever we are on a Therapy Dog adventure, so I know she is tired inside as well as out!

We were fortunate enough today to spend a lengthy time with one of my favorite residents at Walker. My 99-year-old, harmonica-playing friend is a joy to be with and I treasure every encounter!

Today, as we walked down memory lane with Don, he reminisced about meeting his beautiful wife. It truly did seem to be love at first sight and they married at 19. He joined the Navy in WWll shortly after their wedding, so they were separated for a good portion of their newlywed years. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and that was certainly true for this couple. Their adoration for each other through the years is still palpable even though his wife has been gone for a couple years.

Off on another great story, he remembered getting his first bike at age 10. His uncle took him to Montgomery Wards and told him to pick one out. Even then, Don had a heart of gold. He saw a nice red one for $18, but the one that really caught his eye was over $40! When his uncle asked him which one he would like, he told him the red one would be wonderful. His uncle must have been watching closely and told the sales person that they would take the expensive one! That young boy thought he had just won the lottery! Don loved that bike!!!

He rode that bicycle for miles. Don told me that he clocked his speed by choosing a three-mile stretch and doing the math. That young man got the bike up close to 50 miles-per hour! When I asked him if it was downhill, he said, "No indeed! It was on level ground and I just challenged my legs to go faster and faster!"

The stories continued, one after another with lovely segues between. We would still be there if we hadn't had other commitments.

As Lilly and I walked home today, I embraced our visit within my heart. Don's lessons, as always, were front and center as I pondered what resonated most within. Here is what I decided:

*Be happy with what you have. It is probably more than enough.

*When you love someone, never take their nearness for granted.

*Always choose kindness. In the words of Don,
"My mother taught me to be kind to everyone. Even if they chose to be unkind, always treat them with kindness and love. Help people whenever you get the chance. Don't ever make excuses for passing an opportunity to make a life better."

*Music is the soul of the world. What would we be without it?

*Be brave and don't hesitate to serve your country.

*Never give up!

*A gentle spirit can make such an impact on this world.

When I hold the leash on these Golden Visits, I marvel at what I learn. I am the true recipient of the gifts gathered on these visits. My heart is always warmed and my spirit lifted.

As for Lilly...I believe she feels the love and her exhausted sleep is full of loving pats and a few dog treats as well.