Just In The Nick Of Time

Oh people, you just don’t know.  The past couple of months have driven me to using my finger to flap my lips in an “Bubububu” sound of frustration.

Danny has been IN A MOOD!  Everything, and I do mean everything, has been cause for him to complain, and complain quite loudly!  The neighbor mows his lawn just to make Danny mad (according to him).  Someone having their roof pressure cleaned was cause for a straight eight hours of whining about the noise.  The weather could have been glorious and this man would have found fault with it (too breezy, too cold, too hot, just too perfect!)  Meals I have served for over twelve years now came under attack.

Now, I understand the man’s frustration.  His recovery from near death last year has slowed down.  He has yet to reconcile the fact that he now has physical limitations; he will never regain his former strength or endurance.  And, my heart breaks for him and I try my best to encourage him to enjoy each day and treat it like the blessing it is.

But, every caretaker has their limits, and I was fast approaching the point where my moods were being dragged down by all the negativity.  I was starting to wonder if I could survive the next ten to twenty years of my life listening to his moans and groans.  I was heavily leaning towards spending a week with my daughter just to hear someone laugh, or chuckle or even watch them crack a smile!  All in all, life sucked!

Then on this past Sunday, I received a call from Danny’s sister.  She wanted to make sure we were home because she had “something for Danny and I.”  While Danny was griping about unexpected company; I was hoping to beg a Valium off Sis.  About an hour later, here walked in Danny’s sister, her husband and her granddaughter.  Thinking she was bringing one of her family famous pies; I hurried to the door and was shocked to see a small furry bundle in the arms of Danny’s niece.

Danny’s sister brought me salvation in the form of a three month old Golden Retriever.  For once Danny held the dog; a huge, bright smile appeared on his face (and a tear in his eye).  It was love at first sight.

So, let me introduce you to the new addition to our family!  Here is “King Buddy” ruler of the roost!  We commoners just call him Buddy!

Within an hour after arriving, Danny was transformed from a chronic complainer into a totally happy man.  He smiles, he chuckles and he glows when he sees his new puppy!

You might think that having to care for and train a puppy would fall all on my shoulders.  But, you would be wrong!  Danny delights in taking his new friend walking and playing with him (although I do handle the early morning hours.)  However, I am amazed to find that Buddy loves to do his “business” out doors.  There hasn’t been an “Oops!” in the house since his second day here!

So, my sanity has returned and Danny’s outlook on life has brightened..all because of a little furry creature.  I now believe that there is somewhere up there who heard my prayers and sent me a “therapy” angel to save me from being forced into institutional care.

Yeah, Buddy!

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