Day 258
1/29/23
These two have such an interesting relationship. Sam loves everything and everyone...including Lilly! Lilly, on the other paw, is very particular about her affections. As Alpha, she constantly lets Sam know who is boss.
Lilly treated Gus the same way...with a soft warning growl when he crossed her path. Since Sam has joined the family, she has accepted Gus and saves her "reminders" for the newest member. Just when I think there is no love there, just the other day, she frantically licked his leg when he jumped off the couch, gave a whimper and started limping. By the time I arrived (about eight seconds), Sam had recovered and Lilly was licking his face.
In my life, I have had a few of those types of relationships. However, unlike Lilly, there was no real underlying love and commitment from the other party. Especially in my younger years, I was more easily intrigued by individuals who seemed to be eager for my friendship when, in reality, they were just looking for another fan. One-sided relationships empty the heart with nothing to refill it.
As I experienced life and realized that the word friendship had a very deep meaning for me, I began to put more effort into people who mattered. When I use the word "mattered", I mean individuals who cared more about others than they did about themselves.
I have worn many different hats in my life (mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, elementary teacher, college professor, volunteer, dog-lover, etc.), and each one has brought a different group of people for me to interact with and discover if there could be a strong bond.
Not every relationship feeds our soul and nurtures our growth. As we journey through life, it is almost as if we gather a bouquet of flowers from the garden that brings beauty and love to our hearts. Not every bloom needs to go into that arrangement, but the stunning display of colors fills our life with joy and contentment.
I am so lucky to have such an "arrangement" of friends and loved ones in my world. I have maintained and nurtured those individuals who fill my heart with happiness.
Now, if Lilly can just add Sammy to her bouquet...or collection of most beloved toys... we will all be relieved!
