Day 477

Twins seem to run in our family! Lilly and Ranger are from the same litter, so we often label them twins. Jimmy and Katie are celebrating their birthday today and they ARE twins! Why can't puppies and children slow down their leap into adulthood...just a little?

In my more rational moments, there is a wonderful fullness in my heart for the adults these four have become. Ranger and Lilly (Lilly on the left!) have been such a delight to our family and their Therapy Dog work is a gift to many! Jimmy and Katie, although choosing different paths in life, have both enriched our lives and make this world a better place. All four of these loved ones are treasured and appreciated more than they will ever know!

In my more irrational moments, there is a tug at my heartstrings when I think about how fast time goes by. If there was a brake on life's journey, I would be putting some slight pressure on that pedal. I relish all of their victories, growth and rewards, but the Mama Heart wants everything to slow down just a bit.

Looking at all four of my "twins," what touches me to the core is the way they actively reach out with kindness and love. Consciously, or unconsciously, the four- and two-legged twins warm my 'heart' with the way they touch others 'hearts'. Parents often want their offspring to become independent, successful and responsible. I always wanted those things for my own children, but there was one thing more...to make the world a better place through kind acts and giving of themselves to others.

Lilly and Ranger are not independent by any stretch of the imagination. Katie and Jimmy are independent, successful and responsible. However, all four hit my highest goal...making this world a better place through their kindness and giving spirits. I couldn't be more proud of them!

Now...if time would just slow down a bit, I would be one happy mama!