Day 715

Every once in a while, something or other will surprise us on our walks! Since we tend to travel the same route each day, the unexpected is welcome!!!

This morning, as Lilly and Ranger sauntered along, we came upon a sweet sight. There, in a parking lot puddle, a mallard was swimming contentedly along. Ranger saw him first and Lilly wasn't far behind. They stood and watched him to see if he might pose a risk. After a few moments, they seemed to decide the duck was not a threat and moved on.

Most surprises are delightful by nature. A bouquet of flowers, a rainbow, a card in the mail or a multitude of other delights make this world even more special. The other variety of surprises...the ones that make you cringe, cry or emit a negative response, I can usually do without. Rarely, the two types of responses come in tandem.

After visiting with some wonderful staff and patients at Mercy, Ranger and I headed up to visit a special couple. The husband has become a dear friend while the wife (a resident in Memory Care) has been somewhat unresponsive. When we entered the room, I realized her eyes were open and she was gazing at her husband. Ranger and I even received a ghost of a smile as we sat next to her. This lady is nearing the end of her life, but still tried to connect with us.

Two staff arrived to do a quick procedure and, as it wasn't too involved, told us we could stay. As they began, the wife became frightened and refused to cooperate. Her dear husband walked over and began to sing to her. His song explained what they were trying to accomplish. Her eyes found his eyes and, as the song continued, she began to help the nurses accomplish their task.

As we first entered the hospital room, I was prepared to be strong for my friend. The first surprise was that his wife was conscious. That was a gift to him.

When the procedure began, I was surprised to feel tears fill my eyes. My senior friend's song was a beautiful love song and it touched my heart deeply.

As we left, he hugged me and thanked us for being there. If he only knew what a gift he had given me. To see that kind of love...deep, sincere and weathered with time, allowed my heart to grow a little bit bigger. That is the best surprise of all...to witness that kind of love and be allowed to take some of it with you.