Blog #696: The Old Dog and the 5th Grader

Notice what you’re living…
before what you’re living isn’t there to notice.

I have two sweet vignettes for you.

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Story #1:

This moment happens frequently… but today I really felt it.

My little girl Chihuahua is named “EMi.”

Often as she lies on the bed or couch, I take her a bowl of water to give her a drink. Old dogs often move extra slow…and if she is comfortable, I help her stay that way.

While lying down…

She drinks from the bowl. With every few laps of water, she turns her head and licks my hand. I believe she is telling me, “Thank you.”

She goes back to the water.
She comes back to my hand.

Repeat.

It feels extra kind.

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Story #2:

There are twins who have lived next door to me since they were born. They are in the 5th grade now. Their lives are getting pushed far outside of their comfort zones, however, as their family is moving to Puerto Rico.

I talked a few minutes with one of them last week about her feelings and thoughts about moving. After sharing with me her fears, she said with soft, sweet eyes, “I will miss you, Shawn.”

That exploded my feelings big time.

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I’ve been lucky in life.

I’ve had standing ovations from crowds of over 1,000 people.
I’ve received paychecks over six figures.
I’ve had great health and friends.
I’ve traveled the world.

I know what great feelings feel like.

But…

Little melts my heart more than when my sweet, little Chihuahua, who’s been with me seemingly forever, licks my hand when I bring her a drink of water.

Little lights up my deepest emotions more than when my young neighbor, whom I might not ever see again, said, “I will miss you.”

Both moments inspire me to feel extra lucky.

______

I have zero doubt…

Your life carries similar sweet, kind, and extra lucky moments.

I hope you see them.
I hope you feel them.

In hard times…

It’s the soft moments that remind us how lucky we are to be here.

Love yours.

S.

Note: The photo above? Meet one of the kindest souls on earth, EMi. (Her name stands for “Extra Mile.”)

(Audio version)