Giving Comes Full Circle

There always comes a time that equalizes.  For all the times you gave, you'll need.  For all the times you need, you'll be able to give.  For the times when you've hurt and received comfort, you'll be able to provide comfort in return to those that need comforting.  This I know because it often happens to me.

Most of you know that at least two times a week I get a bath and go visit the little kids receiving chemotherapy.  These days are special to me because no matter how busy my momma might be at work, we've made a commitment to help ease the pain of others.  I like going to see the kids - they are fun and sweet, and sometimes their outlooks get better and they experience joy, if even for a little bit, while I am visiting.

Lately though, things have been a little hard for me.  My kidney values have gotten a little bit higher and I tire more easily. It's part of my journey.  I wasn't born with stellar kidneys.  Most of the time I'm okay, but just lately, well, I've been feeling a little less happy, a little less Mattie-like.  So, on Tuesday when it was my time to go visit the kids, it wasn't surprising to my momma when I just didn't wiggle like I normally do.  I rolled over on my doggy beg and stayed there.  Momma knew.  She said, "Oh my sweetheart, you just rest and I'll call and let them know you can't come today."  So with that, I snuggled up in my little bed and decided to try and go back to sleep for a while.

I was dozing in and out when I heard my momma on the telephone saying, "No, Mattie is feeling off today. He needs to rest.... you will? Oh great, he'll be so thrilled!"  I was sleeping in my little bed when I heard a 'knock knock knock' at our front door.  I stayed in my bed, a little tired... having bad kidneys can make you tired sometimes.  *Sniff sniff sniff* I could smell little kids! Well, their grubby little hands and their pockets stuffed full of goodies - but still, I smelled little ones and I opened one eye and peeked out from my bed and wagged my tail tall in the air.

My buddies from the cancer ward, those that were healthy enough to visit, came to see me! They were dressed in their clothes, but had little scrubs and face masks on.  My friends came to see me! Little Stella and Timmy and even Zack, who according to momma was, "the terror boy that likes to put butterscotch candy in my fur" came to visit!  I was so happy!  I jumped out of bed and trotted on over to them, wiggling to and fro and received their love and friendly little pats on my fur and kisses on my snout.  Stella, Timmy and Zack brought me a handmade card that used macaroni noodles to spell out "Get Betr Mattie!"

Momma cried and hugged Angie, the nurse that brought them over.  I didn't waste any time crying.  I played with my friends and ate the sliced apple pieces they brought me and enjoyed every minute of their friendship.  Love....like all things powerful, is a circle.  When you have it, give it willingly - and when you need it, it will return.

I was so happy to see my friends, they brought me such joy and peace.  Course, not sure if momma can say the same.... she was all cranky pants when she was cutting out the little pieces of butterscotch candy that Zack had gotten stuck in my fur.  But you know what, she was smiling while she was all *snip snip,* so I think it's all good.

I am blessed. 

With lub and blessings,
MattieDog