Someone You Should Know

Last weekend Ron and I along with three other couples were invited to our friends, Terry and Sandy’s home for dinner.

Food was great and conversation even better.One of the couples, Terry’s brother Ted and his wife Linda are a blast. They are such a neat couple, married for many years they have tons of stories and really find the joy in life.

One particular story tugged at my heart, it was a story about Sam; Ted and Linda’s four year old Golden Retriever.  He is a beautiful dog and his beauty even goes deeper than that gorgeous face and golden hair.

When Sam became a member of Linda’s family, Linda decided to sign him up for animal assisted therapy training. She wanted Sam to bring some joy to those who were lonely or shut-in because of illness or age and where possible assist in the healing process. 

There is a lot involved with the training of these pets for assistant therapy especially the grooming, which Linda does personally. The animals have to be bathed and groomed before every visit, which can be a weekly or twice a week occurrence.

Since 2009 Sam is a registered Delta Pet Partner and visits in the hospitals, nursing homes and wherever his assignment may take him. This past year alone Sam has made over 70 visits. Because he is so good at what he does, Sam became in demand and the invitation to visit children presented itself.

Linda always felt that bringing Sam to children with life-threatening illnesses was something her tender heart could probably not do and in the beginning avoided such visits. Then a dear friend of Linda’s gave her a piece of advice that gave her the courage to allow Sam this opportunity. She told her, “Linda, this is not about you, it’s about them.” Linda and Sam have never looked back.

Linda shared a story about a girl, Audrey undergoing cancer treatment at the Ronald McDonald House. Sam would visit Audrey and before long Linda, Ted and Sam forged friends with Audrey and her family. When Audrey finished treatment she went back to her home in Iowa.

Months later Linda received a call from Audrey’s family, telling Linda that Audrey did not have much time left. They told Linda, Audrey’s last request was to see Sam. As usually is the case, it was the same week-end that a friend of Linda and Ted's had passed away and funeral arrangements were being made.

Linda and Ted feeling torn felt the strong need to drive Sam to see Audrey. Linda made a call and explained the situation to the family whose funeral she needed to attend and within hours, Ted, Linda and Sam were on their way to Iowa to see Audrey.

They all had a joyous reunion, Audrey excited to see Sam and Sam excited to see Audrey and after a great visit they said their good-byes. The next morning Audrey passed.

The story doesn’t end there, even though Sam is the hero, Linda and Ted saw a need in this family. With all the medical bills and other circumstances, they knew the family was in financial difficulty. Linda went home called her friends and raised enough money to send to the family to help with Audrey’s funeral.One of Linda’s friends without hesitation dropped off a $1000.00 check as soon as Linda explained the situation.

They say animals take on the persona of their masters~ is it any wonder, Sam is who he is. Just a side note, Sam accompanied Wanda’s Warriors on our first annual walk for breast cancer. He proudly wore a pink scarf and walked in Grant Park with the thousands of other people.

These furry friends are loyal, courageous, and smart, as is the case with my own sweet golden; Bailey, who licked my tears away during my cancer diagnosis and never left my side during the wee dark morning hours.

Just another one of God’s many blessings to those of us fortunate to have one of these furry friends in our lives.

Happy New Year

I love the start of a new day, a new idea, a new year. This year is no different, especially if the year has been particularly difficult or challenging.  

As I rang in 2011 I made my New Year goals as I have done for so many past years. Being very much a type-A gal, I break my goals into categories; spiritual, physical, intellectual, relationships, finances, work, projects and FUN.

Throughout the years there has always be one fun item on my list. Nothing to daring; oil painting , Tae kwon do, guitar lessons, flower arranging, container pot planting (say that ten times), Toastmasters.  I have even attempted baking birthday cakes and believe me it’s easier and less expensive to pick up the phone and order.

A new year is the anticipation of good things to come, I love the verse “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”  We all have sorrow or hard times befall us but we can all take a lesson from David knowing that God will return our joy, He will turn our mourning into dancing and we have the hope of a promising future.

I’m excited about 2011. A few things in my life are in the beginning planning stages and as 2010 came to a close I offered my list of goals to the Lord for His blessing, for His direction. For my family and friends to have a healthy and productive year. For those who suffered losses of family, homes, jobs, and relationships to have their joy returned.

I brought in the year knowing and thanking God for how truly blessed I am.