Inspired

How true!  Just yesterday, someone in my life told me how important I was to them - and how they weren't sure how they could have made it thorough the year without me.  WOW!  Super powerful stuff.  The thing is, I feel the same way about that person.  Isn't it great to hear those words?  We all need to hear that. That today you look beautiful. Or I really like how you handled that situation.  Or thanks for the big laugh!  And that hug meant the world to me.

That the little things really matter.  Here's another really great quote that resonates with me:

An arrow can only be shot by

pulling it backward.  So when life is

dragging you back with difficulties, 

it means that it's going to launch

you into something great. So just

focus, and keep aiming.

Kind of like Dory from Nemo..."just keep swimming"...

And...keep smiling!

A Change in Season

I'm just heading off to one of my volunteer gigs - the retirement home.  It's been a little quiet around there lately - I suspect it's just a bit of a change over. Sometimes it's bustling and others not.

I received an email yesterday from the Rec. Director advising that two of the residents had passed away.  I knew them both well.  Ms. B had recently been moved to a Long Term Care facility - actually while we were away in Cuba so I didn't have a chance to say good bye to her.  She was one of my favs.  I brought jokes for her almost every visit and she loved loved loved Roxy.  We always had a good visit - even if she was a little down.  I felt when I left her room that she was a little brighter.  Today I will have a chance (I hope) to see her husband who is grief stricken.

The other resident, Ms. G was a bit more challenging.  On my very first visit to the floor with Roxy over a year ago, Ms. G followed us around in her wheelchair all mad at us.  She didn't think we belonged there - certainly not a dog.  Well, I avoided her room on my weekly visits as I didn't want to antagonize her further. She was feisty!

But something changed with Ms. G the past month or so.  She would wheel out into the hallway when I was there with Roxy - I'd be talking to another resident and Ms. G would keep passing us.  So I took a chance and asked her if she wanted to pet Roxy.  No.  Okay.

Next visit, same thing.  She was becoming more and more interested in us.  Guess what?  This time when I asked her if she wanted to pet Roxy she said yes.  Wow! That even got a smile from Ms. G.  The last time I saw her was two weeks ago. She joined in for manicures - just watching of course.  But I spoke with her - "Good to see you,  Ms. G - how are you today?"  She smiled at me and said "Fine".  That was our last conversation.

Things can change overnight at the retirement home.  Heck - that can happen with anyone.

Tell someone you love them today - and really mean it.  Even give them a hug. And be thankful - look up at the beautiful spring sky, check out the buds on the trees and hear those Cardinals singing their pretty song.  Spring has sprung.

Keep smiling!