Day 80

8/1/22

I love memories and exciting future plans, but I tend to live in the moment. I always try to be present, so I am able to appreciate what is happening right before my eyes.

Having said that, two things happened that sent me back through the years. First, a Facebook picture of our sweet Ranger surfaced. We were lucky enough to get Lilly and Ranger from a wonderful family who loved those pups from the very start. The "Ranger on the Ranger" picture shows our boy before he came to live with us. The sweetness of that picture touched my heart and memories of the pups flooded back.

They really were amazing puppies, but they did get into a bit of trouble. For example, they literally ate our kitchen floor! We kept them penned into that room to keep them "safe." (That was before I realized kennels are not the enemy.) We would return to find another chunk of flooring ripped up until the entire room was bare. I DID want a new floor, but that was a rather extreme way to get one!

The same friend who replaced the floor in the kitchen is now here repainting the downstairs woodwork and doors (plus anything else that starts to look dingy next to the new paint). He has such a good heart and called me over to the closet door in the dining room to take a look. Before a lick of paint went up, he told me he assumed we were not going to paint over the many height markings of my children. I smiled and told him he was right about that. Those marks certainly tugged on my heartstrings as I walked down memory lane with my four kids. Now Asher has his marks on the door as well. It's a lovely reminder of times gone by and marks to come as our grandson grows.

I do look back. I do anticipate the future. Mostly, however, I try to live in the present as much as possible. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this day are such a gift. The hugs and the quick "I love you" offerings make today a wonderful treasure.

I think I will go downstairs now and hug the ones I love. That includes my goldens...even Gus!