Day 730

Humbled...most Therapy Dog visits find my heart and soul richer than when we first walked in the door. Many are a humbling experience in the most beautiful sense of the word.

On this day, Lilly and I began our loop of visits at the nearby senior complex. The first regular stop is with a gentleman who is near and dear to my heart. His wife is in the final stages of Hospice, but he texted this morning to make sure Lilly would be by. Knocking on the door, we were asked to enter and there was our friend with his arms open wide for both of us. After a hug, we sat down to chat about his wife. He told me he really hasn't cried, but this morning he allowed the tears to flow as he held my hand. What a humbling honor to be the person and dog who are considered safe enough to lower the brave facade. As we parted, he told me to wait a moment. Fumbling in a stack of envelopes, he brought out some Forever "Heart" Postage Stamps. Asking me to take two, he requested I share the love. Humbling indeed...

On to a few other apartments and finally ending with our sweet 100-year-old. This wonderful gentleman has been keeping a very dear friend of mine in his thoughts and prayers. He jokes that, at his age, God is sitting right in the room like an old friend. This morning, I told him there was good news for my friend! He grabbed my hand and we shed some tears together. Humbled, grateful and believing this man may indeed have the gift of a direct line to Heaven, I told him what a gift he was to many.

After many more interactions, a lovely lady called us over in the lobby. She asked if she could take a picture of Lilly on her phone. Of course, I told her that would be fine! She said she would send the best one to me. We decided on the one in this post. Our new friend said, "She looks just like an angel!" I couldn't agree more.

Today, I held people's hands, shed a few tears with some and Lilly worked her magic. Humbled... definitely! The other end of the leash never looked so beautiful!