Day 491

Each Golden has brought new friends into my life. Crossing guards, neighbors, Mercy Hospital connections, senior living establishments, other Therapy Dog teams...the list is endless. The boys have their fan clubs, but Lilly has a true following.

After a visit to one of Lilly's admirers this morning, we made a plan to drive out to this friend's home and pick up some fleece material to donate. The sets were purchased to make tie blankets, but his late wife hadn't found the time to start more than a few.

Lilly didn't accompany us on our mission, but she was certainly part of our driving conversation. It was fortuitous that we left her home because she wouldn't have fit in the cars (Mac followed in the Dogmobile) on the return trip!!!

Arriving at the house, we entered and headed down to the basement. Piled in matching sets, we were met with a vast wall of blankets not yet made. The colorful array and magnitude of material actually stopped me in my tracks. Wondering how anyone could amass such a collection, I turned to look at Lilly's friend and my heart was suddenly humbled.

The expression on his face was priceless and his words full of love. Abandoning his walker, he moved to the first pile of fleece. Fingering the material, he softly shared who each blanket was purchased for. Friends, family, neighbors...seemingly every loved one facing a cold Minnesota winter. His wife had beautiful plans for each and every single one.

Carrying them out to the cars (we filled both cars to the brim!), my heart warmed with each trip. Purchased as a labor of love, these sets were meant to make the world a better place...and they will. In her honor, teachers have stepped forward to tie the blankets with their students. When completed, these gifts will be distributed to homeless shelters, the humane society, veterans' homes and beyond. From piles of material to blankets that will warm a weary soul... Lilly's friend can rest assured that his wife's creations will find a home.

As for me, I am going upstairs to reassess my yarn "issues"! I better start on a few of those afghans waiting in the wings!