Day 1201

Gus went with me today as we visited our seniors. One lovely lady carefully dipped a treat into a jar of peanut butter and offered it to our waiting Golden. Gus was appreciative! We

asked what her day held and what she was looking forward to and she responded, “This…this is the very best part of my day and what I have been looking forward to!” I was humbled.

Walking down the hallway, I thought about her response. We walk in for a few moments and Mr. Gus is deemed the best part of her day. For us, it was a quick, pleasant encounter, but for our senior, it was the highlight of her day. That is impactful on two fronts.

First, we see our visits as such small acts, but we are oblivious to the impact we might have on those we encounter. We love our residents, but move from room-to-room without much consideration for the wake of warmth the pups leave behind. Being cognizant of small encounters feeds the heart.

Secondly, it would seem that my mind is not totally present as we visit these special people. Trying to focus on the moments right in front of me might seem challenging when my brain jumps around like a gymnast, but it is worth the effort. Fleeting encounters can touch our lives if we embrace them in the moment.

From now on, I will stay more focused and appreciate the impact these pups leave in their wake. Remembering that small moments can brighten a day without our knowledge, is an important thing to remember. We always have the potential to be the best part of someone’s day!