It's always a joy to find another thing to love about living here. We're still "newbies" in my book, having lived here just under three years. Making discoveries still happens fairly regularly, and I welcome them.
Thing 32 that I love about living here is that the Seeing Eye is only a stone's throw from us. It's a nationally known organization that exists to bring dignity and independence to the blind through the assignment of a Seeing Eye dog.
Yesterday, I began my stint as a volunteer at their headquarters. Once we let Ester go, the puppy fix was needed. By volunteering I could still be around pups and also learn a bit more about the running of the organization. My "job" is far from glamourous, but it does allow me to be in the kennels. Secretly I'm hoping to see our girl while she's there, but I think it might do me in, to be honest.
While waiting in the reception area yesterday I was able to chat with the receptionist, (who happens to be blind) about all things Seeing Eye. She was kind enough to let me pet her black lab "O'Hara" which was a special treat, trust me. This particular Monday happened to be the beginning of the new session, so students were checking in for their month long training.
When the first student came in with his wife, several of the instructors came to greet him, along with the head of the Seeing Eye with his dog "Vegas" in harness. For a few moments I was the fly on the wall, overhearing the conversation. The gentleman was coming in for his first dog. Between hearing that and watching Vegas in action, I was brought to tears. What a privilege to finally see it all in action, lived out right in front of me.
As a puppy raiser, there's a tendency to have tunnel vision and only focus on the training of the dog. Once they leave us, we're onto the next puppy or attempting to get back to normal. We're not privy to the ENTIRE process of getting that puppy into the hands of the blind person. All this time, talking and thinking about Ester becoming a Seeing Eye, it's been difficult to visualize the end product, not having seen it.
Sitting in that chair changed all that. Everything came together for me. These dogs change lives. How totally selfish I've been in wanting her to come back to us, when she can go out and conquer the world for someone. THAT'S what I want. We don't need her, but they do.
We're blessed to be involved with such an amazing organization. Thing 32, you might just be my favorite reason for moving here.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Time passes
We're about six weeks into the absence of Ester.
I'd like to say we're used to it, and in a small way we are, but truthfully, we miss her.
We miss her dearly.
On these long cold nights with a fire going and us hanging out on the couch, there's no Ester to snuggle.
When the fire is raging and warming up the room, there's no Ester to rest in front of it and soak up it's heat.
When the cats are lounging around like they own the place (and they do), there's no Ester to torture them and take them down a notch.
When the snow just wouldn't stop coming, and coming, and coming- there was no bouncy, happy Ester to jump right into it with the kids.
When this mom, who spends the majority of her days alone talking to herself, there's no Ester to listen or offer up love.
How does one adjust to this missing piece? Is it possible we will never adjust completely? Part of me believes we won't ever be able to say we've recovered from her absence, and that's okay. I want to be affected in such a way that our response is to do it again, and again and again. Fostering a puppy for this cause has impacted me, and our family greatly.
Two letters have come in the mail from Ester, with the latest one giving us the details on who is training her, as well as preparing us for her future "town walk" where we will get to see her in harness. Can I be honest? The thought of her in harness makes my heart swell with such pride. But pride is the last thing I want to feel, instead I'm aiming to feel nothing but gratitude. Not just for the chance to love her and know her, but for the opportunity to affect a life in a way that is uncommon and unmeasurable. In a small way we are acting as ambassadors of Christ, in sacrificing our time, energy and hearts to love on a person we don't even know. What a mystery of love to do something so difficult, and yet desire to do it again and again. The capacity for love that Christ has given us is propelling us forward.
While we wait to hear how she does in her training, we have moved forward in our quest to have our own puppy to keep. When we began the entire process of fostering, we (actually only one of us) weren't sure a dog would be the right fit for us. Ester went and sold us.
In the meantime, we're teaching the cats to play fetch and walking them around the block. It's been an epic fail. You can't teach on old cat new tricks.
I'd like to say we're used to it, and in a small way we are, but truthfully, we miss her.
We miss her dearly.
On these long cold nights with a fire going and us hanging out on the couch, there's no Ester to snuggle.
When the fire is raging and warming up the room, there's no Ester to rest in front of it and soak up it's heat.
When the cats are lounging around like they own the place (and they do), there's no Ester to torture them and take them down a notch.
When the snow just wouldn't stop coming, and coming, and coming- there was no bouncy, happy Ester to jump right into it with the kids.
When this mom, who spends the majority of her days alone talking to herself, there's no Ester to listen or offer up love.
How does one adjust to this missing piece? Is it possible we will never adjust completely? Part of me believes we won't ever be able to say we've recovered from her absence, and that's okay. I want to be affected in such a way that our response is to do it again, and again and again. Fostering a puppy for this cause has impacted me, and our family greatly.
Two letters have come in the mail from Ester, with the latest one giving us the details on who is training her, as well as preparing us for her future "town walk" where we will get to see her in harness. Can I be honest? The thought of her in harness makes my heart swell with such pride. But pride is the last thing I want to feel, instead I'm aiming to feel nothing but gratitude. Not just for the chance to love her and know her, but for the opportunity to affect a life in a way that is uncommon and unmeasurable. In a small way we are acting as ambassadors of Christ, in sacrificing our time, energy and hearts to love on a person we don't even know. What a mystery of love to do something so difficult, and yet desire to do it again and again. The capacity for love that Christ has given us is propelling us forward.
While we wait to hear how she does in her training, we have moved forward in our quest to have our own puppy to keep. When we began the entire process of fostering, we (actually only one of us) weren't sure a dog would be the right fit for us. Ester went and sold us.
In the meantime, we're teaching the cats to play fetch and walking them around the block. It's been an epic fail. You can't teach on old cat new tricks.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Already?
Every time I'm out with Ester I am barraged with questions. It seems predictable that I answer the one about her age and then comment (lately, anyhow) that she'll be called up soon.
So while I've been SAYING it, and EXPECTING it, I've not really BELIEVED it. This is a problem.
Just today, in some back and forth emails with the coordinator about Ester's latest adventure (I'll spare you the details) she mentions that Ester's being called up this month. We as a family, need to decide on the specific date.
CRUSH. MY. HEART.
How do I go about looking at her sweet face and not break into tears? Who will greet me when I come home from running errands? Who will sleep in front of the fire and enjoy it's warmth?
How do I tell the kids? This will not be my finest moment as a Mom, I can guarantee it. No books, no manuals on how-to-break-the-news-to your-children. A box of kleenex and lots of hugs. I'm going to pray that does the trick. And a freezer full of ice cream never hurt either.
So while I've been SAYING it, and EXPECTING it, I've not really BELIEVED it. This is a problem.
Just today, in some back and forth emails with the coordinator about Ester's latest adventure (I'll spare you the details) she mentions that Ester's being called up this month. We as a family, need to decide on the specific date.
CRUSH. MY. HEART.
How do I go about looking at her sweet face and not break into tears? Who will greet me when I come home from running errands? Who will sleep in front of the fire and enjoy it's warmth?
How do I tell the kids? This will not be my finest moment as a Mom, I can guarantee it. No books, no manuals on how-to-break-the-news-to your-children. A box of kleenex and lots of hugs. I'm going to pray that does the trick. And a freezer full of ice cream never hurt either.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Thing 31
It's been quite some time since finding another thing to love about this move. Even if it's been over two years, it doesn't matter. As transplants, we'll likely always find something unique to love about this place.
Thing 31 isn't a place, or a thing, but people. This could be a first (but I'd have to do my due diligence and check). Last evening we had a dinner at school to celebrate the soccer team's season. Kid #1 played on the team, a stretch for this kid who doesn't care much for sports. As parents, it's always a joy to see your children extend themselves in new ways.
Lest you forget, (or don't know) our children attend a small classical Christian school in the area. The two coaches are parents of children on the team, and both men have a love of the game, a love for children and a love for Jesus, above all. When it came time for the head coach to speak, he said something "unconventional" in the sports realm- " I told your kids, on the first day of practice, that I didn't care if they won or lost a game; that our priority was to exemplify Jesus Christ while on that field." Wow. Not wow as in: "how could he not care about winning or losing?" but wow as in "if only there were more people in the world like THIS." The fact that my child was mentored by two men of such caliber, leaves me speechless. He proceeded to talk about each child and the character traits that stood out all season. Sure, he talked briefly about the team's stats, but truthfully, that wasn't what we wanted to hear. It was completely humbling to hear about kids aged 11-14 living out their faith on a soccer field. I love this. My heart loves this. More importantly, our God loves this.
There's too much that's wrong with the world these days. Last night, I was honored to witness something that's RIGHT with it.
Thing 31 that I love are the two great coaches that impacted my child's life for a season.
Thing 31 isn't a place, or a thing, but people. This could be a first (but I'd have to do my due diligence and check). Last evening we had a dinner at school to celebrate the soccer team's season. Kid #1 played on the team, a stretch for this kid who doesn't care much for sports. As parents, it's always a joy to see your children extend themselves in new ways.
Lest you forget, (or don't know) our children attend a small classical Christian school in the area. The two coaches are parents of children on the team, and both men have a love of the game, a love for children and a love for Jesus, above all. When it came time for the head coach to speak, he said something "unconventional" in the sports realm- " I told your kids, on the first day of practice, that I didn't care if they won or lost a game; that our priority was to exemplify Jesus Christ while on that field." Wow. Not wow as in: "how could he not care about winning or losing?" but wow as in "if only there were more people in the world like THIS." The fact that my child was mentored by two men of such caliber, leaves me speechless. He proceeded to talk about each child and the character traits that stood out all season. Sure, he talked briefly about the team's stats, but truthfully, that wasn't what we wanted to hear. It was completely humbling to hear about kids aged 11-14 living out their faith on a soccer field. I love this. My heart loves this. More importantly, our God loves this.
There's too much that's wrong with the world these days. Last night, I was honored to witness something that's RIGHT with it.
Thing 31 that I love are the two great coaches that impacted my child's life for a season.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Lessons from a puppy
1) Always be excited when people come to your door- it makes them feel welcomed.
2) Never miss a meal, it keeps your blood sugar stable.
3) Sleep a lot, then sleep some more. One can never sleep too much.
4) Play with kids. They know how to enjoy life, and they don't take themselves too seriously.
5) Find one good toy, it will keep you occupied and prevent you from finding trouble.
6) Run through the sprinklers on a hot day. Because who doesn't love the feel of cool water?
7) Take long walks to enjoy nature and your surroundings. The birds, the wind through the trees, seeing your neighbors, it's all good!
8) Have a good relationship with your doctor. In fact, be excited to see him/her EVERY time, as treats will follow.
9) Be on your best behavior when in a restaurant. It will impress people.
10) Show unconditional love and expect nothing in return.
11) Linger by a roaring fire, and if led, nap there too.
12) Follow the trustworthy, but lead the blind.
13) Show those puppy dog eyes whenever it will prove beneficial. A little can go a long way here, folks.
2) Never miss a meal, it keeps your blood sugar stable.
3) Sleep a lot, then sleep some more. One can never sleep too much.
4) Play with kids. They know how to enjoy life, and they don't take themselves too seriously.
5) Find one good toy, it will keep you occupied and prevent you from finding trouble.
6) Run through the sprinklers on a hot day. Because who doesn't love the feel of cool water?
7) Take long walks to enjoy nature and your surroundings. The birds, the wind through the trees, seeing your neighbors, it's all good!
8) Have a good relationship with your doctor. In fact, be excited to see him/her EVERY time, as treats will follow.
9) Be on your best behavior when in a restaurant. It will impress people.
10) Show unconditional love and expect nothing in return.
11) Linger by a roaring fire, and if led, nap there too.
12) Follow the trustworthy, but lead the blind.
13) Show those puppy dog eyes whenever it will prove beneficial. A little can go a long way here, folks.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Crunch time
Ester is nearly 11 months old now. Where has the time gone?
Just last night at class, there was a brand new 8 week old flat-coated retriever (named Finnegan) present and I gave thought to kidnapping him because I truly miss the cuteness of that stage. Then I looked down at Ester and realized not only is she long past that age, but she's SO MUCH EASIER than an 8 week old puppy.
I never thought I'd get to say that. In the middle of the rough stage, it can seem so PERMANENT. Have you ever had a phase of life like that? Then one day, you're out from under it, without even realizing it, and that's the sadness of it, really- the casualness with which we lose perspective.
A 10 month old lab is not without work, lest you think she is! According to our coordinator, we have "a few things" to be working on in the next few months. This self- imposed guilt I feel over not training her properly is weighing heavily on me. Now it's up to me and some serious discipline to correct it, or else she may fail the program. The details of it don't matter, but I will say that this dog is SMART. She's one step ahead of me, smart. Unfortunately, that won't help her succeed if she doesn't obey the rules here in our house first. She and I each have our goals, and we're battling it out- so far it's Ester 10, Lori 1.
If she fails, I'll come to grips with it. My preference would be that she fails PRIOR to being assigned to her blind person. Months in the kennel means they won't be able to see her around furniture, a kitchen, or shoes, where these issues would pop up. This is my fear- that her weak spots only show up in "real life" once assigned.
For now, I'm working hard to re-train her and hoping it's enough to do the trick. This is where 1Timothy 6:18 comes in handy as I persevere:
" Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share"
Just last night at class, there was a brand new 8 week old flat-coated retriever (named Finnegan) present and I gave thought to kidnapping him because I truly miss the cuteness of that stage. Then I looked down at Ester and realized not only is she long past that age, but she's SO MUCH EASIER than an 8 week old puppy.
I never thought I'd get to say that. In the middle of the rough stage, it can seem so PERMANENT. Have you ever had a phase of life like that? Then one day, you're out from under it, without even realizing it, and that's the sadness of it, really- the casualness with which we lose perspective.
A 10 month old lab is not without work, lest you think she is! According to our coordinator, we have "a few things" to be working on in the next few months. This self- imposed guilt I feel over not training her properly is weighing heavily on me. Now it's up to me and some serious discipline to correct it, or else she may fail the program. The details of it don't matter, but I will say that this dog is SMART. She's one step ahead of me, smart. Unfortunately, that won't help her succeed if she doesn't obey the rules here in our house first. She and I each have our goals, and we're battling it out- so far it's Ester 10, Lori 1.
If she fails, I'll come to grips with it. My preference would be that she fails PRIOR to being assigned to her blind person. Months in the kennel means they won't be able to see her around furniture, a kitchen, or shoes, where these issues would pop up. This is my fear- that her weak spots only show up in "real life" once assigned.
For now, I'm working hard to re-train her and hoping it's enough to do the trick. This is where 1Timothy 6:18 comes in handy as I persevere:
" Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share"
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Capitol trip
Hubby had a convention last week in the DC area. That meant we got to tag along and crash in his hotel suite. It was hard to rough it like that, but I managed.
3 full days in the capitol proved to be plenty of time to whet our appetite for the city. Years ago we'd done the basic DC thing; Smithsonian, all the monuments etc. This time, we were looking for new adventures and sights. What we found, is that like many large cities around the world, discovering it is a bit like peeling back the layers of an onion. Your first trip might involve the typical stops. On your next visit you likely visit places that were harder to get to the first time around. Then on your third and subsequent trips, you really start finding the hidden gems. This trip was exactly that- finding the little gems no one ever tells you about. I'm here to make them known, so that you won't have to miss them the next time you're there. The best part? Many of the places we uncovered are FREE. Who knew you could traipse from place to place around the city without paying a dime for your entertainment?
The Smithsonian Portrait Gallery's American Presidents exhibit was amazing. We only happened upon it because we needed a pit stop, but boy was it a find. Cost? FREE.
All four of us read "Killing Lincoln" so we planned ahead and got tickets to Ford's theatre. There's a small surcharge for doing this on-line (well worth it in the middle of summer) but no cost for the tickets themselves. The museum and theatre do a fabulous job of bringing his story to life. Cost? $1.50 ticket
The Hope Diamond located in the Smithsonian- breathtaking. Cost? FREE.
My happy family on the mall, enjoying the ambience. Cost? FREE.
Our week wasn't all serious, however. With people milling around constantly at this time of year, it made sense to teach my kids the fine art of photo bombing. Major brownie points on this one. Our photos will never be the same. They make me so proud.
3 full days in the capitol proved to be plenty of time to whet our appetite for the city. Years ago we'd done the basic DC thing; Smithsonian, all the monuments etc. This time, we were looking for new adventures and sights. What we found, is that like many large cities around the world, discovering it is a bit like peeling back the layers of an onion. Your first trip might involve the typical stops. On your next visit you likely visit places that were harder to get to the first time around. Then on your third and subsequent trips, you really start finding the hidden gems. This trip was exactly that- finding the little gems no one ever tells you about. I'm here to make them known, so that you won't have to miss them the next time you're there. The best part? Many of the places we uncovered are FREE. Who knew you could traipse from place to place around the city without paying a dime for your entertainment?
The Smithsonian Portrait Gallery's American Presidents exhibit was amazing. We only happened upon it because we needed a pit stop, but boy was it a find. Cost? FREE.
All four of us read "Killing Lincoln" so we planned ahead and got tickets to Ford's theatre. There's a small surcharge for doing this on-line (well worth it in the middle of summer) but no cost for the tickets themselves. The museum and theatre do a fabulous job of bringing his story to life. Cost? $1.50 ticket
The Hope Diamond located in the Smithsonian- breathtaking. Cost? FREE.
My happy family on the mall, enjoying the ambience. Cost? FREE.
We also got to visit my 97 year old great aunt in Baltimore. She met the kids for the first time, and I hadn't seen her in over 20 years. What was the first thing she says to me? "You haven't changed one bit!" I love this woman.
We had tickets to the National Archives- Cost? FREE. Small charge for reserving our time slot, but you MUST do this in the summer. All those poor spontaneous people waiting in the heat for hours must have been miserable. While we waited, we discovered the Navy Memorial and Museum across the street. This wonderful globe was etched into the walkway right outside it. The kids are standing on their birthplaces. The museum, although little, provided a pit stop and a chance to browse through some exhibits. Cost? FREE.
If you loved the movie "National Treasure" then you must visit the National Archives. It will do wonders for your American patriotism. There's nothing like it in all the world.
Unfortunately, I didn't capture any photos of another favorite museum we visited- the National Museum of Health and Medicine. It's located at the Walter Reed Annex (a short ride on the Metro towards the outskirts of DC) and our reason for going was simple- the kids wanted to see the amputated leg of a soldier. Don't jump down my throat- even the man who donated his leg to the museum used to take friends to see said leg- and it's only the bone- nothing gross. In addition, the bullet that killed Lincoln is housed there. Cost? FREE.
The National Postal Museum....a fabulous hidden gem that goes unnoticed by many. It also happens to be a Smithsonian. Located in the basement of the old DC post office, and in typical Smithsonian fashion, they've done a lovely job of bringing to life, the historical aspects of our postal system. Many parts were interactive, making it extremely kid friendly. They have an international stamp collection to beat the band as well. Cost? FREE.
Of course, the Capitol itself is a predictable stop, but the kids requested a visit as we headed to the Metro. It allowed us to discuss politics, and soak in the atmosphere of it all. There's no nation like ours on earth. Here, in this great city, we are reminded of that.
Our week wasn't all serious, however. With people milling around constantly at this time of year, it made sense to teach my kids the fine art of photo bombing. Major brownie points on this one. Our photos will never be the same. They make me so proud.
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