As I am in the depths of writing my children’s book about Frankie, my paralyzed dachshund, I am reminded time and time again of the joy that is unfolding as I dream of my book coming into print soon.
You can find Frankie and me at our local Farmer’s Market just about every Saturday. Frankie loves the attention from young and old alike. I relish in sharing her story with others and sharing my compassion and love of animals.
As Frankie rolls along in her cart, looking for any crumbles of leftover muffin on the ground she can inhale, we hear comments all around us. Frankie is quite the site to behold because her back legs are tires. Kids are very curious about her and approach asking tons of questions. This past Saturday one young boy warmed my insides and made my heart sing. He asked what happened to Frankie. I explained she ruptured a disk in her back which lead to her paralysis. Pointing to her bony spine, he said, “Is that why her back looks like that?” I said, “Yes, because your muscles shrink when you can’t use them to their full capacity.” Then he said, “Well it does not matter what is on the outside that counts, it is what is on the inside.” My heart catapulted forward as I patted him on the back. I said, “You are exactly right. That is a wonderful attitude young man.”
As we continued on, I sent a silent blessing wishing he always carry that beautiful attitude with him through life. That one statement gave me further inspiration to share the story of Frankie knowing we can make a difference.
Stay tuned to my blog for further updates about my book,
“Frankie, The Story of a Dog Who Rolls through Life on Tires” expected out fall of 2007. And wherever you are young man, thank you for being the wondrous spirit that you are… you made a difference in my life with your statement of divine wisdom.