Day 484

Today would have been my Nanny's 135th birthday. She saw wagon trains coming through Anoka heading west. She went through the 8th grade in a one-room school house. When her sister died after delivering a baby, she took on the role of mother and eventually married the father...my grandfather. She had the most gentle hands that could dry the tears of a little girl. Her apron, which had so many different uses, hangs in my laundry room. I miss her every day.

Growing up on a farm in Hassan, MN, dogs were basically farm animals with a job. My father had his special dog, Vonn, and she liked the big German shepherd. By the time I came along, she first accepted our little Maltese and then grew to love her. As the years passed and more dogs placed their paw prints on our hearts, she opened her heart to each one.

She would have loved to hear Golden stories about our Therapy Dog adventures and there would have been treats...lots of treats. Each dog would have loved her right back.

Although she has been gone for decades, she still loves on in who I am. I still strive to be like her and embrace the wisdom and love she freely offered.

Today, a beloved friend, faced the third anniversary of her mother's passing. Although, at eighteen, she might be too young to realize that her mother remains such a part of who she is. Her strength and compassion are so very evident in "E" and her resilience to move forward with life is part inherited and a gift to her mom. I want to be "E" when I grow up. My admiration and adoration grow with each encounter.

We never really lose loved ones. Although we wish we could have one more hug, they continue to hug our heart and be part of our evolution. As for "E", you know where you can find some Therapy Dogs to love AND some "adopted" grandparents who will always be here for you.