Day 199

11/30/22

Devotion is a gift from my pups...not always deserved by me, but received with heartfelt gratitude. Wherever I am, my Goldens are as well. There is no privacy, no door or gate that can keep them from me and no lack of love from their mama!

Gus and Sam, now inseparable, come as a duo. Whether I am cleaning, reading, writing...you name it, they are right there at my feet. Preferably touching me, it is as though they are fearful I might escape!

Lilly and Ranger are very similar, but often choose to watch me from a distance if they are ensconced on the couch. There have been times when I can't even get out of a chair without disturbing four sleeping Goldens. What a gift.

Today, Lilly and I had such a meaningful time visiting our buddies over at Walker Residence. One friend, in particular, brought the word "devotion" to a new level. This particular gentleman is adored by my Therapy Dogs and has been known to even get down on the floor to love them. When sitting in his chair, both dogs use his shoe for their pillow in a very endearing way.

This gentleman (and he is just that) is devoted to his wife. His lovely lady resides in Memory Care while he rents an apartment on the other side of the establishment. The cost must be exorbitant, but he doesn't worry about that. For him, his goal is to simply keep his bride with him in body, spirit and mind.

It is not that he can afford to have two places right now. Having sold his home to keep his beloved wife safe, he now simply spends what is left of his remaining wealth on anything that will keep her with him and happy. He shares finances with me in passing and doesn't blink when his beloved partner needs out-of-pocket services. His devotion humbles me.

I asked him this morning, "What do you do for your own happiness?" His response was that he was happy when his wife was getting everything she needs. I pursued the questioning by asking him what he did for fun.

"Fun?" he responded in a bemused voice. "I don't worry about that right now. The day may come when I can think about that for myself, but right now, I am doing what I want to do. Spending time with my wife brings me happiness. She might not always know I am there, but I know she is there."

Humbling love and devotion...what a gift from one to another.