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Old Friends

Charlie and I had a visit today at Casa de Modesto. We go on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. Our routine has changed a bit since we first started at this facility back in September of 2011. When we first began, we were escorted by a member of the activities staff. Now we just check in at the reception desk, grab a list of the residents and go along our merry way.

Most of the residents remember Charlie. Our visit shows up on their calendar for the day, but they all seem surprised when they actually see us. For some, it takes their breath away to see this big, hairy dog walk in for a visit. The moment is priceless and it happens every single visit. Some of the residents forget… or they confuse Charlie with another dog (Avery) that usually comes on the day before we visit. There is one common factor. Seeing Charlie brings a flood of memories for these people of the dogs they have loved and lost during their lifetimes. I hear their stories over and over again and it never gets old.

It struck me today that some of these residents are becoming friends… and not just friends for Charlie. There are some that I have been able to build relationship with and for that I am truly blessed. One lady, Margaret, is a particular gem She waits in the hallway for our visit. The last time we were there, Margaret had just returned from the hospital getting over a case of pneumonia. I was so happy to see her doing so much better this week.

Each time I go I am blessed beyond measure. It is such pure grace to have the privilege of sharing this wonderful animal with so many who appreciate him and the effort. It’s definitely a win/win situation.

Complimentary

I have received a very kind compliment twice, from two different people in as many days. Yesterday, Leroy forwarded an email to me where a dear lady had mentioned my “positive attitude.” Today, my eye doctor said he appreciated my “positive attitude” during my contact lens trials.

Most of us feel awkward receiving a compliment. More often than not, we ruin it by dismissing it, or denying the qualifying trait. I try and make a conscience attempt to let the kindness sink in and to simply offer appreciation in return. It doesn’t always work.

My perceived “positive attitude” is also a conscious choice. As difficult as it can be, I try, every day, to stay on the bright side and to see the silver lining in all of the clouds around me. I have to remind myself that while I do not have control over most situations, I can control how I react and respond. There is always a bright side and that is where I try to focus. Some days are easier than others, but it always takes effort. To hear that my choice is making an impact on those around me is music to my ears.

The best way I know how to accomplish this goal is to count my blessings and to take notice of the abundance of grace around me. The attitude of gratitude is the secret. This blog is a tool in that effort. On day 108 of this endeavor, I can confidently say that it’s working.

Caine’s Arcade

Someone asked me how I felt about the forced career changes that Leroy and I have made over the past few years.  While I wouldn’t trade a moment of those days spent on the dairy, I have to say that I am now aware that everything happened for a reason and even though we may not see the big picture, we are building our way to a better life.  We are still very much in transition… and even now as new opportunities arise for us we are challenged to work in areas that we never imagined.

Sierra shared a blog post with me today that has really made an impact.  The blog comes from Sierra’s friend who has started a business selling apparel and accessories designed for active lifestyles.  (I borrowed several of Sierra’s scarves by Borelli Design for our recent trip to Maui and became a huge fan.)  Marissa Borelli’s personal blog is where I found the story about Caine’s Arcade.

I don’t want to tell you too much of the story.  Rather, I encourage you to watch this video to learn more about this remarkable young man and his drive.  It is (and he is) truly inspirational.  Caine’s story is proof that it just takes one opportunity to change the entire outlook of your business.  I don’t believe in luck.  I believe that what we call “luck” is really the moment when preparation meets opportunity.  So we ask ourselves, are we prepared for the opportunity that is just around the corner?  Caine made sure he was prepared… always working and improving his vision.  Thanks Caine for the lesson in perseverance and hard work.  You example is pure grace.

Delayed Second Wind

We’re still coming off of the high of Hilmar’s Relay for Life. BTW – The current amount raised is over $188,000 which makes this the most successful first year even in the state of California. The next closest event raised $78,000.

Anything that disrupts my normal sleep pattern always throws me for a loop. Ever since I was really young… I’ve always required a lot of sleep. I never outgrew that adolescent need. So attempting to stay up and active for 24 hours straight has left me tired and a little rummy.

Thankfully, we did not have a full schedule of events and activities planned. We did, however, manage to get quite a bit done including re-organizing the pantry (sounds more impressive that it really is) as well as all of the laundry and clean up of all the “stuff” we had at the Relay. We were smart enough to tackle these chores after a 4 hour nap.

A friend asked me this morning what the topic of tonight’s blog post would be. I assured here I was confident that it would be about sleep. While I am thankful for that gift, I am also thankful for the second wind to catch up on some of the simple housekeeping things I was able to accomplish which will make the rest of the week much more manageable.

Relay Rookie

There are rare days in our lives when we experience something for the first time and wonder why we haven’t participated before because we can’t imagine missing it again. Today was one of those days. Today was Hilmar’s very first Relay for Life. And mine too.

It started at 8:30 this morning so at the writing of this post we’re half way through our 24 hour commitment. 24 team members, 24 hours to walk. And we’re all in it together.

As an added bonus, I as also able to fulfill one my my life long wishes… a bucket list item for me. I’ve always wanted to wear a mascot uniform at an event like this. Today was my chance. When Hilmar High School’s football coach heard of my wish, he made one phone call and made it happen. An hour later, I had a costume and a partner. (Thanks Tracy.) What a hoot! It’s amazing just how foolish you can act when you’re covered up and no one knows you you are. Thank you Coach Marques for the wish come true.

As much fun as that was, the best part of the day has been the people we’ve been visiting all day. Our campsite has been full of family and dear friend all day… and we haven’t stopped laughing. What a perfect example of grace when you can take a horrible issue like cancer and turn it into a joyous occasion for hope.

It’s dark now, and the memorials are lit all around the track. It’s a beautiful image. But he memory that will be forever etched in my mind is the man who has walked all day long. I noticed him early and when he kept passing our campsite I began to take notice. He has not stopped. He walks alone with determination and purpose. We have recently learned that he has walked 100 laps today, 25 miles… in memory of his wife who passed away from cancer just a few short months ago. He will always be my Relay inspiration. Someday I will thank him for his example.

Tragic Prayer

Counting blessings and acknowledging grace is easy on a day like today. Tragedy has a way of hitting you upside the head with a 2 x 4 to remind you that your petty little problems mean nothing when someone has lost a loved one.

There was a tragic shooting about a mile away from my workplace today. A Sheriff deputy and a civilian were shot and killed. We witnessed the chaos in the aftermath and it continues even now as the gunman is still barricaded in his home.

With a heavy heart I will just offer thanks for the abundance of grace in my life. I also continue to pray for the victims and their families… and all those to protect our safety and risk their lives to save mine. God bless them all.

Quasi Karma

I guess it’s fair to say that I believe in a simple form of Karma.  Officially, Karma is defined as:  a law in Hinduism which maintains that every act done, no matter how insignificant, will eventually return to the doer with equal impact. Good will be returned with good; evil with evil.  The Christian version of this same concept is found in Galatians where it says: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  We create with our words, thoughts and actions.   Knowing this helps me keep my negative choices in check, for the most part.  I always strive to be positive, so that only positive will return to me.  Easier said than done.

The older I get, the easier it is to see the influence of simple choices and decisions.  What seemed insignificant at the time has proven to be pivotal moments in hindsight.  I do not take anything for granted anymore… and I also realize that I have to make the “positive” choice every second of every day.

Today was a day that we saw this phenomenon in action.  Good people with good intentions and good actions will reap the rewards of their choices.  Those who choose otherwise will also experience the consequences of their actions.  Of this I am confident. To be on the positive end of this energy is always grace.  And it certainly helps make the positive choice when the next opportunity arises.

Nap Time

I hit a wall today driving home from work.  Not literally, but it sure felt like it.  I don’t know what happened, but my body clocked out when I left the dealership.  I knew I needed a nap.  (It was almost like jet-lag… Maybe a carry over from the busy weekend?)

Fortunately, my afternoon schedule allowed for a little down time.  I closed the blinds in the bedroom, crawled into bed and slept for two hours.  It was JUST what I needed.  I woke up feeling so much better and ready to resume my day.  I love to take naps anyway so it wasn’t much of a sacrifice, but I sure appreciated the available time so I didn’t feel too guilty.

Charlie of course woke me promptly at his dinner time.  (I swear that dog has an alarm clock hidden somewhere.)  I knew when he nudged my hand that it must be close to 5:00… and sure enough.  It was 5:05… at least he gave me 5 minutes of snooze.

Without Him

Recently, someone asked me if Leroy was as kind as he seemed.  I was touched by the astute observation and assured her that he was and that I was blessed to have him.  I haven’t always appreciated the gift that he is, but as we continue to grow, and grow up together it becomes clearer and clearer to me, every day.

I love the song “Without You” that Keith Urban wrote for his wife.   It is a beautiful tribute to their relationship, but there is one line that always strikes me when I hear it.

“And people that I barely knew, love me ‘cause I’m part of you.”

That’s me.  There are so many people in our lives that love me out of respect for Leroy… It’s almost overwhelming.  At one time in my life, that would be a sad or frightening thought… but I am reassured by the concept now.  The life I lead, the love I share and enjoy is because of the relationship I have with him.  Leroy is my other half in every sense and my constant gift of grace.

Before this year, Leroy was not a follower of my blog… but since January 1st he has read it daily.  In years past I have written about him in this forum, but not directly to him.  Today, on his 45th birthday, I will make an exception and share my words with him directly… and share them with the world.

Leroy,

I hope that you will never need to rely on my words to know how much you mean to me and how much I love and adore you.  I will never be able to express the depth of emotion that I hold for you in my heart.  Each day I strive to live my life in a manner that will display my affection, but I fail, often.

We are not perfect, but our love is perfect because it is pure grace.

You are my world… and everything good in my life would mean nothing if you weren’t there to share it with me.  Going back to the song…

“Without you I’d survive, but I’d have to have the notion… that I would live this life just going through the motions.”

I love you more and wish you the happiest of birthdays.  I’m looking forward to our 75th wedding anniversary… and all the ones in between.