human animal bond

A Mirrored Moment. I Am Who I Am.

Posted October 1, 2015 by Barbara Techel

I was looking through pictures I took over the weekend of Kylie.

As I looked at this one, a stream of thoughts ran through my mind.

Kylie has never been a Lab who likes to fetch a ball or go swimming. She’s okay with walks as long as we don’t go too far. So I suppose one could say she isn’t your “typical” Labrador Retriever.

As I thought about these things, looking into her beautiful brown eyes, I heard, “I am Who I Am.”

I thought, “Yes, you are right Kylie, and I love you just the way you are.”

It also reminded me of a struggle I had for a long time in my life, which I’m happy to say I no longer carry.

But it was one of shame that I never had the maternal instinct to want children.

In a world where motherhood is expected of women (and I’m not knocking it! After all I have a dear mom and without her I wouldn’t be here), I often felt so odd, wondering at times if something was wrong with me.

I know better these days that nothing was ever wrong with me. It’s who I am. And just looking at Kylie and thinking about the way in which she is her own self is a beautiful reminder to be who we all authentically are.

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Afternoon Bliss Pause

Posted September 24, 2015 by Barbara Techel

What is it that makes my heart melt to see Gidget relaxing in the sun?

It’s the pause in my day to realize such a simple thing can bring such happiness to not only her, but to me also in witnessing this joy in her.

That she is happy and content soaking up the warmth of a beautiful fall afternoon.

This moment that rides like a thread of pure love weaving throughout my body and lands softly in my heart and gently explodes into bliss.

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Savoring Last Moments.

Posted September 16, 2015 by Barbara Techel

The Indian summer type day whispered in my ear all morning, “Come outside and play. Don’t waste a moment of the warm sun, brisk breeze, and soft light. Come dance with me.”

And so I did, with Miss Gidget as my sidekick. I set my work aside for about 30 minutes, hopped on my bike and rode around our small town.

Stopping for a moment to converse silently with a flock of geese taking heed to the call of the day also.

The call to not miss a moment of it. To breathe it in, dance in the wind, feel the warmth of sunshine upon our faces, and hold it close, for they will become fewer as the days grow shorter.

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