Day 440

And just like that, these two were given the green light to play together after a two week hiatus! At first, they circled each other while glancing in our direction. Finally, Mama told them it was OK and the games began!

There have been more than a few times in my life when I was physically separated from a loved one. Back in the day, it was a real trial due to the fact that technology had not advanced to the standards of today.

When I first went to college, attending Bemidji State, there was only one call a week to home. Direct dial, long distance was a bit pricey, so we used a code word. Calling "collect" I would ask to speak to Becky (She was our Maltese terrier.). My folks would deny the call and then return the phone call on their dime! We would talk as fast as we could and then wistfully hang up. Those were challenging times!

When my own children went to camp or traveled with the Anoka Band, my heart would go with them. Of course, they were having a great adventure, but I sat home and vacillated between worrying and loneliness. The reunions, much like that of Sam and Gus, were filled with excitement and relief.

There have been other reunions with my sweet husband (He was in Texas before we got married), after vacations (The Goldens would go BONKERS) and when son Jimmy returns home from his life in California for a visit. All hold memories and joy in my heart. There is also the benefit of new technology that allows us to speak whenever we want to and even see each other as we visit on our phones!

Sometimes, you take others for granted until they are removed from your life for a bit. Just like running water, heat/air-conditioning, and electricity, people fail to cherish their loved ones because they are part of the fabric of every day. It is only when you have to say good-bye that you realize how precious they are in your life.

One of my dear friends at Walker needed a new remote control for his wife's room in Memory Care. This couple is the definition of love and devotion. Every morning, he leaves his apartment, on the other side of Walker, and spends his days with her. He makes sure EVERY little detail of her life is beautiful. She is mostly non-verbal, so he talks for both of them. Their love simply shines.

When Lilly and I visited him last week, he explained that her remote control had gone missing and she could only watch one channel That made him sad. I pulled out my phone and ordered him a replacement on Amazon. Today, I received a text thanking me profusely for the gift. Now his wife has a choice of channels for her viewing pleasure. It was when I was reading the bottom of the text that tears came to my eyes.

He wrote, "Love you! Enjoy what you've got."

With those words, I knew he meant, love your time together and appreciate every little thing about your loved ones while they are there. Sweet words indeed!

It's time to go down and "Walk With the Goldens", but before I go out the door, I am going to take a look around and appreciate "what I've got"! After I go find Mac and give him the world's best hug, I will go out the door and enjoy my Golden babies...and not take any one of them for granted!