My sister, Paula and I – first day of school (just a few wee years ago!)

Something is bothering me.

I need to get it off my chest.

Yesterday my sister, Paula shared a post on her Facebook page about someone she had run into who asked her what she is doing these days.

She told them that she recently became a nanny.

Their response?  “What a waste of your talent.”

It hurt me to read this. Of course, because I felt bad for Paula, but also because it hurt me on a personal level, too.

Here’s the thing. Just because you are talented at something does not mean your heart is in it. Maybe what you are good at makes your life miserable. I think we all can relate to this at one time or another in our lives.

We are all good at a multiple of things. But how many of us pause and really give thought to what it is that would make us leap out of bed with joy each morning eager to start the day?

Since we were little girls my sister has always wanted to be a mom. She loves babies. She loves kids (she has two girls of her own who are now grown).

Me, not so much. Well, let me clarify. I do love kids–very much. I just never wanted any of my own. For years I carried shame around that I didn’t have that motherly instinct like my sister so strongly had, and still has.

After working as an administrative assistant at two different places over the years, Paula did some soul searching, took a leap of faith, and decided to become a nanny.

It didn’t surprise me when she landed a nanny position almost immediately and to boot? With a new born baby. Now that is right up her alley!

When you listen to your heart, the universe steps in and supports you is what I believe and have experienced a time or two myself.

A waste of talent to follow your heart?

I think it takes courage to leave behind what is dubbed as “security” and follow that inner voice that works so hard to get our attention.

Perhaps this person regrets what they said. Maybe not. But none-the-less, I also believe when these things happen, though not always easy when they do, these people are teachers on our path.

A teacher reminding us about what truly matters to us and to stand strong in that truth.

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Julie’s daughter, Lyla playing with paints and helping Ladybird feel not alone.

As promised, I said I would provide updates as I have them regarding my friend, Julie’s paralyzed 3-year old King Charles Spaniel, Miss Ladybird.

It will be two weeks this Thursday since Ladybird had the surgery to remove two herniated discs in her back. While Ladybird has been on crate rest, she has also been doing some water therapy and acupuncture at the vet clinic, too.

A very good sign is that she is able to potty and poop on her own. If you’ve never had a paralyzed dog, well, this is a big ordeal and accomplishment. It’s a good sign that things are working as they should.

Though Ladybird is not walking yet, there is much hope that she will regain full mobility.

I shared Ladybird and Julie’s story last week because like many families, they didn’t have the $6,600 in funds when Ladybird went down. They aren’t sure how they are going to pay back the credit they received.

Julie was so kind and supportive of me and my work with Frankie, having me to her 3rd and then 1st grade classroom each year when I was doing school visits with Frankie. I wanted to try and see if I couldn’t help her by setting up a Go Fund Me page to help with the medical costs.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to date. Julie is very grateful and amazed at the generosity of others.

The fund will continue through April 10th if you wish to make a donation and I thank you for your consideration.

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On a side note, I wanted to take this time to share how crucial crate rest is for dogs diagnosed with spinal injuries or Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

Dodgerslist, a wonderful resource with helpful articles and information can’t stress enough how important this step is.

Many seem to struggle with this, so I wanted to reiterate how vital it is.  The back needs time to heal.

Keeping your dog as immobile as possible is truly one the best things you can do in helping them recover as well as possible. I often times tell others when they feel bad about crating their dog to think of it as if it was their own back issue. Your back would need time to heal, too.

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Should you enjoy the writing you find here, you may wish to subscribe to my newsletter (on right hand side of post) or my RSS Feed. I’d love it if you would also share through your favorite social media network. Thanks for visiting!