Sailing through the Winds of Change :An Attitude of Gratitude

For the past few days, I have not quiet been my unusual self. Plagued by the failing health of Astro, and the departure of my son to live in Hawaii next week for an indefinite period of time, it seems as if the relationships around me are beginning to change. Although many of us accept that life changes, and not necessarily according to our own plans, some of us are categorically opposed to change, and many do not like it at all. For me, intellectually, I know that change is a part of life, that it can be an opportunity to grow and blossom, but over these past few days, those messages are difficult to see or hear. So this morning, as I lingered in bed for almost 45 minutes before my feet hit the floor, which is completely unusual, I asked myself, what, if anything can I do to bring about a better understanding of what is going on around me? Is it an issue of attitude or perception?

Immediately, when I went downstairs, the golden blonde fur of Astro was shining through the window as he was sitting erect waiting for me to come down. Although blind now, he can feel my presence, and instead of speaking to him in that rather down, solemn voice I have been using over the past few days, interrupted by moments of tears, I began to use that high pitched voice, seeing him as my puppy again, speaking in the past tense, and went towards him. Immediately, he perked up, stood up, with difficultly, and followed me inside the house. I made him breakfast, took it to him and watched as he ate it all, followed my praised from me. When I went to get the newspaper outside, I left the front door opened, and lo and behold, Astro had followed me outside to the front lawn! Astonished, I let him go, roll around the grass until he was ready to come inside once again. Hobbling slowly, he finally made his way inside, but it became clear to me, that my attitude this morning had everything to do with how I perceived him and what I was willing to accept in him over these few days. My friend Scott W. Reminds us each and every day, on his blog, that we need to have an attitude of gratitude. Sometimes, when we get to consumed with all the 'stuff' of daily life, we or I forget that there is so much to be grateful for, that our attitude can change, inspire and pierce the hearts and souls of everyone and everything around us in one way or another.

Today, I am reminded of a quote from Elie Wisel: "Hope is like peace..It is not a gift from God, but a gift that we can give to one another."

Thank you for your minds.