Day 65

7/17/22

Doors...they say so much about each family within. Today, I found myself fascinated by the many doors we passed and the decorations surrounding them.

Now, I know the stories of many residents behind those doors, but certainly not all we pass on our walks. Today, I noticed some were open, inviting the cooler air of the morning to seep inside. Others were closed and almost gave off a foreboding vibe. Lilly and Ranger even ran up to one such door and stood looking up towards the knob as if they wanted to enter. I still wonder what they sensed within.

Most of the doors on our walk have flowers, welcoming signs and chairs where one could sit for a friendly visit. Even those friendly settings can be a bit misleading.

Today, we stopped to greet one of our favorites on our path. John's family and my family go way back a few generations. We did not discover this until a certain visit when he mentioned his last name. The reminiscing started in full force at that point. I had visited his wonderful grandparents when I was young and knew his folks, great-aunts and uncles and cousins. He, in turn, knew my family and the stories flowed.

I had noticed this summer that, even though his door was welcoming and the chairs invited a visit, he would only wave briefly or call out a very calm 'hello.' I knew that was not his style and worried about him each time we saw him. Today, he invited me into his world of sorrow.

His beloved older sister had a mysterious illness and, even though she went to the Mayo Clinic, it seemed nobody could figure out what was causing her symptoms. He shared that she had slowly declined and passed away two weeks ago.

This just goes to show we can't tell a home by the door or a person by their outer facade. John had been hurting all summer and I hadn't realized it. I knew something was "off'" but I granted him his privacy.

My goldens are not that respectful. Going up to that red door this morning, they felt the need to connect with whatever was on the other side. I always learn from my dogs. Their hearts and motives are pure. They are not afraid to approach an unknown situation to see if they can make it better.

I will continue to support John, keep an eye on the Red Door House and be more mindful of the many stories going on behind each door...open or shut. Doors and people are not what they always seem. Opening our hearts and our own doors to others might just be what they need, whether walking with goldens or all on our own.