Day 200

12/1/22

Windows let in the light and allow us to see the world from the safety of "within." In my life, there have been many literal windows...most having heart-warming memories attached.

I was standing in the sun room watching for Asher to cross the driveway for some "Nanny Time" tonight. As I stood there, I looked across at the front window of Asher's house where, years ago, my own Nanny would stand in the window and wave good-bye to us as Dad drove us to school each morning. That was such a gift.

Another window comes to mind from my teaching days. I was preparing my classroom one August and had the window open to let in the light and fresh air. One of my beloved students from a year or two past stopped by to chat. At the end of our visit, he silently placed his hand on the screen and I shadowed his sweet gesture on my side. We just stood there smiling. That memory still brings tears to my eyes today.

Now, Gus (and sometimes Sammy) stands guard at the sun room window. There is a plethora of "nose art" on the glass which I can't seem to clean. Like a proud Mama, I am proud of his artistic skills! He will reside on the daybed until his services are needed. He then jumps into action and trains his one good eye on the activity outside. He loves that window!

In a metaphorical sense, windows can also allow us to see within others' hearts and minds. There have been so many times when I have looked into someone's eyes and sensed their joy, sadness or fear. My Therapy Dogs sense those emotions in others as well. I am quite sure they do not see it in the eyes of their "charges," but they seem to find their own window to see within. It is a gift they offer.

Try looking through the window of another's heart. When you seek deeply, you might just change the world a little bit for that one person. I know mine did when, palm-to-palm, my sweet Jonathan touched my soul through that window. It was a gift he offered...