Day 298

3/10/23

Sam and Gus...Gus and Sam! They are inseparable, but Sam ALWAYS comes out on top! For example, in today's photo offering, Sam took Gus's bone and then used his brother as a pillow! Gus just takes it and always gives in to his younger sibling. Always!

Watching them today, I decided that I was a lot like Gus. Throughout my life, I have often been the one to give in and allow others to "take that bone." Honestly, it doesn't bother me, because I tend to be pretty easy-going. Taking a stand, just for the sake of control, has never been a part of who I am.

However, there have been a few times in my life when I have drawn a line in the sand. When that happens, people do one of two things. They listen and watch in shock or they make the decision to separate themselves from the person who they considered to be malleable. I'd like to take a moment to examine both responses.

First, much like my sweet father, I rarely lose my temper. I can remember seeing him angry about three times in my life AND he had good reason to react that way. I have lost my composure a few more times than that, but not many more. When I have shown my displeasure, the shock of it stops people in their tracks.

When I was teaching, I only lost my calm demeanor a few times. For example, once a third grader shoved a table into a pregnant teacher sitting across from him. I stood up and bellowed for him to leave the room immediately. After running over to check on the expectant mom, and before dealing with the boy quaking in the hallway, I turned to see my entire class gaping in my direction. Later, one of them confided that they had never been more frightened of anyone in their lives! Oh! The power!

The other reaction brings sadness to my heart. It has only happened once or twice, but someone important in my life decided to sever our relationship when I stood my ground. Although the loss is immense, it was time to take a stand against a person who got their way 100% of the time. I am proud of finally standing up for myself. Bullies come in many forms.

As for Gus, I don't think he will EVER stand his ground. With his personality, he will allow even the most loving of bullies to continue to chew HIS bone on HIS back. I love him for that, but I would be so excited to see him stand up for that bone (just once) and see the reaction of the other Goldens around him. They might just echo that sweet child in my classroom..."never been more frightened of anyone in their lives!"
Gus has untapped power he doesn't yet realize.