Day 482

As my Golden Oldies age, they are showing signs of a stubborn streak. For example, in their younger days, I would use the command "Tree" and they would back up and circle the big vertical object on my side. Now-a-days, I give the command and they look at me as if to say, " You better figure out how to hold on to the leashes, because we have chosen to go on either side of the tree and meet on the other side!"

Ranger has become more vocal with his 'commands.' Lilly has started balking at requests to "Come" and both have perfected the "Only if I feel like it" look! During Therapy Dog visits, they behave like angels, so that fills the heart with gratitude!

When asked, my husband claims I am stubborn when it comes to taking care of myself. I would tend to agree. Slowing down and giving up my focus on accomplishing multitudes of tasks each day is not my forte! However, I try to meet people in the middle with a give-and-take attitude when it comes to relationships. Typically, I end up meeting people more than half way to keep the peace.

It would seem that stubbornness might be at the root of almost every disagreement, from families to nations. There might be a dash of pride thrown in, but two stubborn, opposing sides find compromise next to impossible. If people could open their ears, hearts and minds to "the other side," oh, what a happy place this world might be!

However, for Lilly and Ranger, I will probably meet them WAY over on their side and give them what they want. They don't ask for much...only love and their own way around the tree!