Day 802
Today was ‘Spa Day’ for our pack! First Gus (needing a PUSH), then Sam (loving every second), followed by Ranger (if looks could kill) and finally Lilly (resigned), they all took a shower with Mama! Out on the front porch to ‘air dry,' they want absolutely nothing to do with their tormentor!
We have all needed to do something essential for someone who was not appreciative and ‘on board.' As a parent, a daughter, a teacher and beyond, there have been many unpopular decisions that needed to be made for the good of the recipient. The ‘Decision-Maker’ is often made out to be the Bad Guy. When you are in a role of authority, it is simply necessary.
As an educator, I am sure there were countless times when my elementary students thought I had betrayed them. Most would probably have centered around canceling recess due to the weather. They would appear sullen for a bit, but all was forgiven as the day progressed. Little kids are like that!
When my mother was suffering from dementia, there were so many times I took on the role of “Enforcer." Bath time was the ultimate betrayal. When she finally needed to be in a secure residence, with 24 hour care, I mentioned that bath time would be a challenge. Smiling, the director told me that my mom had already had her first shower and loved it! Finding that so hard to believe, I asked her how that happened. She told me they pretended that there was a dance party and then they danced her right in to the shower. They all danced until she was clean and dry!
There are always different ways to encourage someone to embrace a plan they may not like. After raising four children, teaching for 34 years and taking care of my mom for years, I know a few tricks. Sometimes, I would forget those tricks (aka the shower), but most of the time I learned that “a spoon full of sugar DOES help the medicine go down!"
My Goldens might have needed a little more of that sugar this morning, but they have begun to move closer to me and actually look me in the eye! Next time, perhaps I will have to dance them in!
