Day 237

1/7/23

As our Gus continues to mend and recuperate, he is having a difficult time understanding why he can't play with his little brother. Sam, for his part, takes every opportunity to entice his big brother to interact!

By next week, Gus should be almost back to normal after his surgery, but for now, we humans try to give him extra attention and even attempt to play with him.

I have to travel way back in time to find a memory of desperately craving "play." As a child, I could hardly wait to run outside to meet the neighborhood kids and "play!" It seems we couldn't get enough and would create amazing games that kept us busy until it was time to head home for the day. To where did that need and desire to play disappear? Is there any chance I could recover those feelings and find the joy in simply "playing" once again?

It seems that I must redefine "play" at my age. When I was young, this definition would include physical movement, loud laughter and little to no fear. Now, I can only relate to the loud laughter part!!!

However, I still like to "play." Board games, discovery walks with Asher, throwing balls for the Goldens and other refined activities are my new form of "Play."

As I look at Gus and Sam and their frantic desire to interact at a physical level with barking and no fear, I realize I don't miss that type of "play." For now, I think I might just throw a ball or two their way and then head in to put a puzzle together...and that is just fine with me!