This image of August sums it up, I had strong reservations about my daily walk today, I worked most of the day, it was windy, and California cold ( I did grow up in New Jersey, so I do have some perspective, most of the time). When August began his late afternoon boxing antics, I laced up my boots, and off we went.
Working in health care right now is just scary, we are using what are deemed to be reasonable safety precautions at work, but always, in the back of my mind, I wonder, is this enough? Even though my kids are grown and doing well, my new status as the solo parent for them has made me a bit more cautious, I want to be around for them and see what lies ahead for all three of my sweethearts. I have given up cliff diving, easily done, since I have never started that sport, will not try bungee jumping, or did that end in the 90's? But going to work? How did that become so potentially dangerous?
So, with a heaviness in my heart and head, I committed to the shortest, easiest walk possible, left turns all the way and home in less than an hour. And, as tends to happen, I made a right turn, then a left, and I started feeling like I could go a bit further and breathe a little easier.
I may have mentioned that August is the dearest dog, with people, children, toddlers, babies and seniors. What I most likely have NOT mentioned is that he is not great with other dogs, well, poorly behaved is one general description. During our walks I have worked with him consistently to stop this obnoxious behavior. He is making small improvements, but, he is far from charming around his canine brothers and sisters. While we were wandering, a tall gentleman with two well behaved beautiful shaggy beast dogs crossed paths with us. He stopped, crouched down, and spoke so kindly and gently to August telling him what a fine dog he was, while his dogs sat at a safe distance from August. He offered to let August meet one of his dogs, Yogi, and this man, Jeff, negotiated a semi-peaceful meet and greet for the two.
August did not comport himself well, but Jeff took it all in stride, gently talking to the dogs, to me, and created sense of peace for all. Did I tell him I loved him? Perhaps, and I have no regrets. A random act of kindness was directed to me today, my stay at home Camino miracle. Thank you Jeff, Yogi, and Boo!
Working in health care right now is just scary, we are using what are deemed to be reasonable safety precautions at work, but always, in the back of my mind, I wonder, is this enough? Even though my kids are grown and doing well, my new status as the solo parent for them has made me a bit more cautious, I want to be around for them and see what lies ahead for all three of my sweethearts. I have given up cliff diving, easily done, since I have never started that sport, will not try bungee jumping, or did that end in the 90's? But going to work? How did that become so potentially dangerous?
So, with a heaviness in my heart and head, I committed to the shortest, easiest walk possible, left turns all the way and home in less than an hour. And, as tends to happen, I made a right turn, then a left, and I started feeling like I could go a bit further and breathe a little easier.
I may have mentioned that August is the dearest dog, with people, children, toddlers, babies and seniors. What I most likely have NOT mentioned is that he is not great with other dogs, well, poorly behaved is one general description. During our walks I have worked with him consistently to stop this obnoxious behavior. He is making small improvements, but, he is far from charming around his canine brothers and sisters. While we were wandering, a tall gentleman with two well behaved beautiful shaggy beast dogs crossed paths with us. He stopped, crouched down, and spoke so kindly and gently to August telling him what a fine dog he was, while his dogs sat at a safe distance from August. He offered to let August meet one of his dogs, Yogi, and this man, Jeff, negotiated a semi-peaceful meet and greet for the two.
August did not comport himself well, but Jeff took it all in stride, gently talking to the dogs, to me, and created sense of peace for all. Did I tell him I loved him? Perhaps, and I have no regrets. A random act of kindness was directed to me today, my stay at home Camino miracle. Thank you Jeff, Yogi, and Boo!