Day 23

6/3/22

Part of our daily walks always include "meet and greets" as friends, acquaintances and strangers appear along the way. Being goldens AND Therapy Dogs, Lilly and Ranger simply must acknowledge anyone on their path with panting faces and wagging tails. Gus wants to say hello to every human, dog, squirrel, duck...well you get the picture.

Recently, I have had the absolute joy of connecting with a few people who shine brightly in my world. The other evening, as we walked down by a neighborhood church, a car slowed, pulled over and rolled down the window. Inside were two friends from my past who I have known for about 45 years. The husband was my principal, mentor and friend while his wife joined me on the volleyball court (a few years ago) and also became a friend along the way. This principal made life wonderful for students, staff and families and I will be forever grateful for his part in my life.

Another person we meet often on our walks stopped to tell us he was moving to Wisconsin. I was excited for him and his goldendoodle, Fred, but I will miss those encounters where we both knew someone out there cared about us!

There are so many other people I could write about when walking down memory lane with my pups. Tiny, a giant of a man, who suffered from dementia would be one. Sharon, who ALWAYS has a smile for everyone and acts years younger than her 8th decade of life. In my heart would also be Nancy, who always lifted the window so we could visit through the screen. These are just a few.

Today, I saw a man who regularly sits outside his apartment building smoking and looking down at his feet. I worked hard at getting him to first acknowledge our existence, followed by a nod and eventually a few simple words about the weather or something going on in the neighborhood. This morning, I started with a simple greeting followed by a comment about the wind. I said, "Please don't let the wind blow you away!" He answered without a smile, "Maybe it would be better if it did." I stopped, looked directly into his eyes and said, "We would miss you horribly. You brighten each and every day for us!" That got a smile and a nod.