Day 654

Today, on our way home from reading at Oxbow, we stopped in at a nearby Dairy Queen for a 'Pup Cup.' Now there are treats and then there are 'Pup Cups!' Ranger's eyes always glaze over as he digs in and enjoys every last slurp!

There have been a few awards and rewards bestowed upon me in my life, but as I look back through time, most are simply pleasant memories. However, forcing myself to travel back to certain hurdles in my life, it seems I do recall that some were challenging to achieve. For some, there is NO WAY I could accomplish those feats today...even if I wanted to! Degrees, jobs, speaking engagements and other "rewards" came with a piece of paper, a paycheck and even plaques and gifts at some junctures. At the time, achieving these goals was one of the things that drove my life, but it was the people along the way who were the true rewards.

There are educators (I still want to be my second grade teacher when I grow up!), professors (My dear Margaret illuminated the pathway to making me believe I am a writer), colleagues (beloved members of my teaching staff) and so many other humans along the journey who remain in my heart. They are the true rewards.

I must add that, through our doggy world, we met a charming man who has become a friend. Our paths crossed when this gentleman needed help with his wayward Labrador. After realizing he had been a neighbor and friend to my own mother's family back in the day, our connection deepened. This amazing man (we won't share his age) discovered that, when I graduated from the U. of M., I did not get to keep my "Academic Tam." He quickly had one made out of beautiful velvet and presented it to me as a gift! Now THAT'S a reward! The tam resides on a favorite teddy bear by my desk, but the true gift is this beautiful man's beloved friendship.

In the end, plaques, diploma's, awards and other items bestowed up me along life's journey are nice, but it is the people walking with me on that road who are the true and memorable gifts. As for Ranger and his idea of a reward...he will still take a Pup Cup any day!