Day 355
Arriving at a venue can fill the heart with excitement, anticipation, dread or any number of emotions. Whenever Ranger or Lilly approach a Therapy Dog visit, they actually take a bit of time to figure out just what feeling is about to descend!
The vet: Dread!
Any other place: Tail-wagging happiness!
Once the Subaru hatchback is opened to reveal the venue, they pause, look around and then jump down to head towards their adventure.
For me, the same seems to be true. Although the destination is never a real mystery (except for the time Mac surprised me with Disney AND Germany for my retirement), I need a moment to get myself into the right frame of mind.
Upon entering an "opportunity," I do what my Goldens do. Take a look around and decide what comes next. Perhaps, there is a senior waiting for a ride or a family member concerned about a loved one at the hospital. It is an easy transition from the entrance to immediate involvement. The pups usually lead the way.
When I am without my Therapy Dogs, I am much more hesitant and apprehensive when I go through a doorway. Today was certainly one of those times when I entered a building, scanned the crowd for a familiar face and sallied forth into the unknown.
The doorway lead to a Celebration of Life for one of the most unique individuals I have had the privilege to know. We arrived at the Legion/Open House and discovered that people were sharing the microphone to reminisce about the "Guest of Honor." I led the way to a seat in the back and Mac and I scurried to the rear. From there, I had a moment to take in the crowd. There must have been over 100 guests who took the time to share in this celebration! I honestly found myself surprised by the multitude of people gathered for our friend!
The gentleman at the mic was sharing a story or two about our departed friend and had the crowd in stitches. Rex, who became a regular on our walks by the river, was intelligent, blunt and matter-of-fact. As I got to know him better with each encounter, I began to see through that façade and recognized the kindness and caring just below the surface. Evidently, I wasn't the only one!
Story after story, even from his dear wife, defined a man who knew a lot about everything, loved to visit and offered you two options regarding his opinions: agree and be right or disagree and be wrong. That was Rex. I smile even now when I remember some of our discussions.
Truth be known, his kind heart was ever-present, if you took the time to notice. Before he passed, he asked his wife if people understood him or did they think of him as rigid and opinionated. I could have answered that question. Those who understood, or "got" Rex, knew what a wonderful, caring person lived beneath the veneer of a curmudgeon. To prove this point, the vast crowd at the gathering certainly seemed to appreciate the man!
As we left the room on our way home, I remembered the feelings of unease as we entered. I needn't have been concerned at all. It was a room full of friends who were there to say good-bye to a special man. Rex wouldn't have argued with that!
