Grateful for the BIG Things

I didnt expect this week to be a difficult one. I didnt expect this day to bring me to tears. Actually. On the contrary, I expected this week to be very busy, but fun and fast... leading me straight into the weekend with my birthday. But it has been fairly difficult, extremely busy, stressful, and crawling by. But, of course, its been manageable. I actually expected today to be a really easy, fast, fun day. Yes, theres homework, but I had one class and it had a test. Within 15 minutes, I was out of there and still have my whole day to look forward to. But this day packed an unexpected punch. Not a bad one, by all means... although I guess a punch cant really be taken in a good way... Let me rephrase. This day provided an unexpected... unexpected. There. Thats the best I got.

I found out the other day that my sister would be having surgery today to take out a tooth that had 'resorbed.' Meaning it died. Given, my sisters teeth are cleaner than mine. But it stems from an accident we were both in 12 years ago. An accident that truly changed our lives. Shaped us into the people we are today. Gave us an understanding and gratefulness for life. We never thought wed be returned to the accident in such a way that Jordanna has faced. The way Im laying this out may be confusing. But if you read my blog, Im sure you know all about what Im talking about.

Jordanna was 12. She had several injuries that no doctor expected her to make a full recovery from. Let me make that simpler. Doctors were shocked she survived. My sister nearly died. One of the injuries was a broken jaw, which led to the more recent discovery of a resorbed tooth (apparently, this can take years to happen/discover, which is exactly what happened). Anyways. Today she had the tooth removed and will have an implant put in tomorrow. It will appear as if nothing happened. But she knows what happened. And so do we.

I called her this morning to tell her I was praying for her, but I missed her. I knew this was a big deal, but I dont think the full extent was really understood... until I read her blog.

I am able to recall aspects of our accident the best. I typically can do it matter-of-factly, rather than becoming emotional. Mind you, I was 8 at the time of it and therefore didnt understand the complete gravity of everything. But her interpretation of it in her blog brought me to tears. I know how blessed I am that the Lord decided it was not her time. I was reminded of that again today. In a new way.

Today, I was reminded of the days in the hospital, seeing her in her coma. Seeing her in therapy. Seeing her want to talk so bad that she broke the bands keeping her jaw shut after surgery. Seeing her face obstacle after obstacle, yet putting a smile on and gaining determination to prove everyone expecting the worst wrong. She was so inspiring. That hasnt changed.

Today, I was reminded how close I came to becoming an only child. Some people want that. I dont. Especially with the sister I have. I wouldnt give her up for anything. I had glimpses of what my life wouldve been like without her. It would be so dull. It would be so depressing. There would be no spurts of joy she brings. No extra brightness in a room when she walks in. No love and understanding she provides. It would be so hard.

But today, I dont have to think that way. I dont have to wonder what she would be doing today and what type of impact she would have on people. (My sister is the type of person who really touches people and can make a difference.) I dont have to wonder who she would become. I dont have to miss her.

I get to be grateful I have her. I get to thank the Lord He didnt take her. Her time wasnt finished. I get to smile remembering something she said the other day. I get to be excited to see her this weekend. I get to talk to her husband and know her surgery went well. I get to feel so incredibly blessed to have my sister.

Today is a day of remembering. It is a day that couldve been a terrible day. It could be filled with tears of asking why and what-if. But its not. It is filled with tears of joy, knowing she is alive and well. It is filled with an appreciation for her. It is filled with feeling blessed.

A Dogs Perspective

In case you dont know me, I am an animal lover. And I am especially in love with my animals. I always hang out with my pups more than anyone else when Im around home because I just adore them. (Not that I dont love everyone else... but I spend most of my time at home and, in turn, with my pups.) Anyways. Several months ago, we said goodbye to my Casey girl so this summer Sammy has become the ultimate family dog.

He has become so much like Casey in the sense that he doesnt want to be alone and he wants to know where everyone is. He follows us around the house. He comes in my room and lies on my floor in the mornings until Im ready to get up. He is constantly looking for attention and returns the love to us. Hes definitely my boy and my bud. Weve been hanging out a lot this summer. He is our main concern. We want Sammy to be happy and with company as much as possible. Obviously, our animals are our lives.

I have always wished I was Dr Doolittle and was able to talk with animals. I desperately want to know what theyre thinking. I wish Sam could talk to us. We try to talk for him... I wonder how that makes him feel. I firmly believe that animals can teach us so much.

They teach us how to treat Gods creations. They teach us unconditional love - where a dog could get in trouble for chewing a shoe, but still want to snuggle with you at night - always desiring love and affection and always willing to give it. They have genuine adoration for their owners. Just as a few things one could learn from an animal.

As I spent time with Sam this summer, I grew to appreciate things in a new way. All of my animals have had this affect on me with different things, but as Sam being an only dog (which is rare for this family) he really opened my eyes. He has a curious mind and an appreciative spirit. Even if hes not excited to get in the car for an adventure, Im sure he never regrets getting in. At least, he always seems interested in the passing scenery. There were several incidences this summer that made me so grateful for him and the way he has responded to situations.

My grandma lives up in the hills, not too far away. Shes surrounded by horse people - corrals, horses, trails, etc.. I love it. This summer, when going to visit her, weve been trying to take Sam along. The first time we took him and he was able to smell the horses, he was instantly curious. When he got out of the car, he was so overwhelmed with the smells and scenery. He smelled bush after bush, tried following along a trail, chased a stray orange down the hill, looked over the canyon. He was so excited!

Each time we pass the horses on the way to my grandmas, we try to get him to look at them. He is so amused and interested to figure out what they are. They are bigger than him and just mysterious creatures to him. You can tell he just wants to go investigate... clearly we cant really let him do that... But it is so funny to watch his ears perk up, eyes fixated on the large animals as they walk along the property line. Though I know what they are and, yes I am fascinated by them still, he is just so curious as to what they are. I wish I could see through his eyes at what they look like to him.

On several occasions, we took him to the beach... something we couldnt do with Casey due to her injuring herself at previous visits. Sammy would miss out on beach trips too, simply because they were a pair. They liked to be together. It wasnt as fun with only one. But Sammy has done so well with every trip to the beach weve taken! He was like the old grumpy grandpa who would grumble at his grandchildren to go play away from him. But not anymore! Especially at the beach. As soon as he smells that water as we get closer in our drive, he becomes a puppy. Nose in the air, stands to his feet, tail wagging, head out the window, impatience setting in. He runs all the way to the water and dives in. Theres

no testing the water temperature with his paws. Its all or nothin! He makes friends with just about every dog he sees. He fetches balls, but drops them and allows the rightful dog to reclaim ownership. He plays with puppies - puppies! Who are clearly way younger

and more agile than him! But he keeps up! He chases them and romps with them! He has slobber all over his face, making other owners smile and push him away, but he is happy and when Sammy is happy, we are happy. His happiness is contagious. But see. I hate the beach. I hate the sand getting everywhere and the cold salty water. I really dont choose to go to the beach often. But Sammy makes me realize how much I take it for granted. The fact that its not a far drive to enjoy. Its a beautiful creation to just look at. Sam is an only dog, but you wouldnt know he had a care in the world when hes at the beach.

Its so refreshing to watch him in all different types of situations. Its like watching a toddler experience things for the first time. It makes you realize how truly blessed we are with the things around us. Even in the morning time (which I hate mornings) he has been waking me up with standing by my bed, waiting for me to acknowledge him. I never get irritated with this type of wake up call. Hes so sweet about it, just wanting to say good morning.

I have always been grateful for the ability to have animals in my life. Yet again, I find myself feeling blessed and thankful for the lessons a dog can teach me.