Day 161

10/22/22

It is so hard to leave these pups! Even when it is for a short time, their eyes tell you their heart is breaking. When we return, they all react as though we have been gone for days! That's devotion!

Tonight, we had to leave the Goldens for a very good reason. One of my beloved students was married at the Bell Museum this evening. It was a wonderful, loving ceremony "under the stars"!

Lindsay has always been a special lady...even in second grade! She oozed personality, intelligence and the heart of a Golden! I had her for a couple of years when I taught multi-age primary students. Her kind heart, even then, would always seek out situations were she could share some love and understanding. She never failed to brighten up a room when she walked through the door!

Tonight, Mac and I were invited to sit in the front row as my little second-grader turned into a beautiful bride, marrying her best friend. The bride and groom wrote and shared their own vows to a packed house with only a few dry eyes in the audience.

He spoke of her never-ending kindness to others and her joy of life. She spoke about how their love has grown and changed over their nine years together, but she could hardly wait to see what happiness was ahead. Both spoke to the other as if the rest of us were invisible. Beautiful!

At the dinner, we sat at the bride's family table. Bonus for me was the fact that her older brother (also my student back in the day) sat right next to me with his family. It seemed like only yesterday when I attended Ryan's ordination as a pastor! We reminisced, caught up with each other and enjoyed a few memories. He and his young family stole my heart!

After dinner, I urged the bride's brother to go out and dance with his wife while I watched their children ages three and 18 months. The little girl went swirling off with her parents while I was left holding just about the sweetest baby in the world. Ulterior motive? Absolutely! I loved the entire snuggle time.

Coming home to our waiting Goldens reminded me of the wedding vows witnessed tonight.

*Always be there.

*Enjoy playing with each other.

*Always be kind.

*Support each other.

*Love with all of your heart.

If that doesn't define Golden love, I am not sure what does! When you offer unconditional love, like my Goldens do, it is so easy to return that love. I might just try that on some of the humans!