The closing months of 08 brought many life-changing events and challenges. Things, I was doubtful, could be survived: my father (after a brave and valiant fight) lost his battle with lung cancer. Like many, my career of nearly three decades came to a halt with my last downsizing (the second in eight months from two different companies), and I nearly lost one of the people closest to me. Also a dear family pet passed. There are more things, but they are irrelevent at the moment. What is (and at the risk of sounding trite and clichéd) is the personal discovery of things I had always thought were trite and clichéd: "things get better with time" and "problems present opportunities" (or paraphrasing country songstress Wynonna "...a dead end is just a place to turn around").
The beginning of 09 now brings fresh possibilities and viewpoints. Instead of focusing on missing my father, I celebrate his life, the honor of having known him and am thankful for each moment we had together. I've begun a new career path, one that places all the responsibility for success more squarely on my own shoulders. I've also recommitted myself to find ways to show the people who mean the most to me, just how much they do--every day. It's a work in progress, but isn't it something for which we all should strive?
Lastly, and perhaps the best news of all, is finding out recently that a dear friend was "coming home." That dear friend is our beloved LW! In a way, this is bittersweet news. Saddened by circumstances that lead to her early departure and that by the fact that without chronic Otitis (ear infections) she undoubtedly would have gone on to be an excellent Seeing Eye dog; we are also overjoyed now to welcome her back permanently as one of our own.
In this spirit, we will now continue the adventures of LW and soon hopefully follow the many foibles and follies of a future puppy when next our turn comes. Enjoy!
Again, thank you for you kind support and friendship. Here is LW enjoying the recent arctic snow blast in the Northeast. Welcome home LW!
8 comments:
It's good to hear from you again - all the best to LW and your family!
glad to hear that you're back and that LW is where she wants to be! Missed you
Just happened across your blog and was touched by your post. I look forward to reading about your fresh start with LW. Such a pretty dog!
So good to hear from you guys again. Give LW a hug from me and my girls.
Welcome home, LW!!! Truman and I understand the bittersweetness of the "career change" from guide work, and simultaneously say "we're sorry," and "congratulations." I suppose that could go with the rest of your post as well, as it could with much of life.
Anyway, despite our blog-silence for several months (eeeesh, wedding planning), we're still here and can't wait to read about your adventures. And LW, if you're ever in Southern California, there's a handsome yellow Lab who'd LOVE to show you around town.
Blessings to all of you!
Brian, Wow! Well it does sound like you had one heck of a year and a lot to deal with, but even though it is bittersweet, I have to say that I am so pleased LW came back to you. Perhaps this is her doing what she was meant to do, take care of her first humans.
xo
Sherry & SB
Welcome back to both of you! We missed you and look forward to reading about LW's adventures once again. We're sorry to hear of your recent challenges but are hoping the future holds nothing but good things for both of you.
ECHO
Welcome back!!
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