Day 826

When one of the pack is under the weather, the rest stay close! After a quick trip to Texas for a wedding, we returned to Sam sporting some nasty hotspots. After an early morning call to our vet's office, a rapid trip to the veterinarian, we were home again with antibiotics (shots, oral and ointment) and a very shaved, unhappy puppy! While keeping him quiet near us, his siblings worry outside the doorway.

There are many times in our lives when all we can do is “stand guard” at the doorway. This not only applies to sickness, but to any time when we are not the ones who can help the loved one. Being helpless is not one of my favorite roles.

Years ago, after my dad had open heart surgery, I escorted the transport team from ICU to his own room. Being asked to stand outside the doorway while they transferred him to a bed, I was alarmed to hear “Code Blue” through the speakers on his floor. Before I could gather my wits, about a dozen hospital personnel descended on Dad’s room! I stood frozen at my post and waited. After a bit, the nurses, doctors and other staff left the room one-by-one. Still frozen to my spot, a nurse finally noticed me and asked, “Are you related to the patient in this room”? All I could do was nod. She quickly assured me that my father was stable and then led me through a door where I was given some juice, tissues and few different hands to hold. Helplessness is not my favorite companion.

Today, as I watched them take Sam through a door way for treatment, that memory floated back.

Even when we are at our most vulnerable, holding someone’s gentle hand can soothe our hearts. Right now, I better go hold a paw and let Sammy know it will be better soon!