Those who know me, who really know me, understand that it is a rarity to hear about, let alone see, me crying. The two words "emotion" and "Laura" just don't go together. I proudly grew up as a tomboy, playing with dirt and stones, G.I. Joe's and Legos, burning insects with a magnifying glass. Christ, I remember getting several Barbie dolls and, without hesitation, cutting their hair straight down to the scalp. Someone got me a Barbie car for my birthday went I was about 9 years old and I proceeded to drive it straight off the top of my mom's car...busting the doors off in the process.
I guess you could say that I'm too proud to let emotions in the form of crying and grievance surface in my daily life. Ever since I can remember I've been of the "Let's have some fun!" mindset, laughing all along the way trying to see the (cliche) glass half-full. I like to smile, I like to laugh, I like to get by with the least invasive emotions during my waking hours.
Blame it on hormones, getting wiser, being married, whatever you want, but I think I'm starting to become a softy. I've cried more in the past couple of months than I have between the ages of 9 and 29 combined. Some of it has been over human-human relationships, but most of it has been over dog-human relationships. For the sake of this blog, I will focus on the latter.
Simple thoughts, reflections and contemplative thoughts have given Laura's "Water Works" a run for their money. The realization and acceptance that Fanny is in her last phase of physical life. Witnessing the special relationship Fanny and Aaron have...the nightly ritual where Aaron rubs her eyes in the perfect spot, at the perfect pressure for the perfect duration; something she has never enjoyed from me...just him. The beautiful relationship Fanny and Oscar share; the sincere muzzle kisses and mutual acceptance. The pure joy a simple Frisbee can bring to Oscar (for hours!). The amazing perseverance Oscar has had with all his digestive and behavioral challenges.
These dang dogs have respectfully demanded more emotional involvement in me than most of my human friends. They have given back more than their fair share of unconditional love in return. Reflecting on relationships, respecting another being (fur or skin), and understanding a true sense of togetherness. Involvement at this level is what makes life worth living...and it never hurts to have a box of Kleenex as a wing man.
:) aw i like this one.
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