Day 243

1/13/23

Some days, when I have walked with my Goldens, I take a moment and recall some of the most poignant moments. I always ask the first name of anyone who is in distress of any kind and jot a few notes down in a journal I keep at home. Throughout the week, and sometimes beyond, I think of those people and send them strength and good thoughts.

This week, one young man was in need of some real Golden Love. I was headed over to the Heart Wing when a woman approached us and knelt down in front of Ranger. With tears in her eyes, she asked if we could go up to see her son. After a few more questions, and a lot more Golden Love, we headed up to see if a Therapy Dog visit was allowed. The head nurse gave us her permission and we headed down to the room. Knocking on the door, we were beckoned within and saw a very sick young man in the bed. His appendix had burst and he was lucky to be alive! Ranger moved right in to claim the one hand that wasn't chained to numerous tubes and wires. When we left, he told us how much meeting Ranger had meant to him. I asked him his first name and told him I would keep him in my heart.

Next was a little girl. This special request led us up to see a nine-year-old just out of surgery. She was subdued, but very happy to have such a great visit with our furry friend. I asked the mother for her first name and told her I would keep her little one in my heart.

There were many more stops, but our last one was most precious. Stopping in the lobby of the Heart Center, a man was rolled out in a wheel chair and called us over. He was scared and Ranger knew it. He said they couldn't keep his blood pressure up and he kept fainting. Ranger moved right in and even offered some "Paw Action." We talked for quite a bit and, eventually, I could tell he was calming down. Our Golden Boy really worked his magic. When it was time to go, he smiled and told me I had no idea how much better he felt after visiting with Ranger. I asked him his first name and told him I would keep him in my heart.

Looking through my journal, I see the names I have kept in my heart...including Robbie, Vanessa and Lyle. Even though the appreciation was flowing from all of them, I am the one who really receives the gift. Each encounter makes me more human (or "Golden") and helps me embrace the vast aura of connectiveness, empathy and love that surrounds us.