A Glimpse of Hope

I started a second job during the Fall of 2021 that involves serving students at Western Technical College. I work there about 8 hours per week. My Mom tells me that I am a subject of a study that centers upon student success and retention (whatever that is). Through the years, I often wondered where she went and what she did during those long periods of time waiting for her return. I now have an idea because I eagerly plunged into it with her this year. It is a place called a classroom in a building called a school. 

The first day that I entered the classroom, I was overwhelmed with a new bunch of faces covered by masks. The masks made everybody seem mysterious, and I sensed stress, fear, and anxiety permeating in the classroom. I stayed close to Mom as I mirrored her every move around the pods. Occasionally, an arm would dart out to pet me and I would stop and welcome the attention. Eventually, I made my rounds giving everybody an opportunity to engage with me. I gained enough confidence to distance myself from my mom and work independently of her. I made lots of friends and many brought me treats. (I don't know if I am supposed to tell anybody that.) 

Throughout my first 15 weeks at school, I sensed that most of the students were anxious. All seemed to be carrying the burden of troubled outcomes which many believe stem from the pandemic. My Mom tells me that there is lots of instability resulting in a multitude of problems such as mental illness, gender identity issues, financial concerns, learning disabilities, physical pain, and much more. I noticed these concerns not only with the students but also within the staff too. I know that humans have gone through some difficult times recently. 

Many of the students and staff at Western indicate that it helps having me there. Several of them go out of their way to find me just to touch me and say hello. I am able to provide them with a break for a moment from some of the problems that haunt them. As they pet me and talk to me, I see a glimpse of hope in their eyes and hear it in their voice. Humans need to hang on to that glimmer of hope. Hope is the one thing that can help get them through the darkest of times. Once hope is chosen, anything is possible.

The Choice is Ours

The mysterious resident has eagerly been waiting at every visit.  She has never missed a date and sits quietly in the background waiting patiently for my attention.  She looks younger than most at Eagle Crest. I have often wondered why she lives there.

 

This lady pets my back and ears so gently. It seems as if she does not belong. Could it be a mistake? Humans do make them! Why isn't she living a life in a house in the country with a garage, family, kids, and dogs? She does not speak much, but her presence tells a story. A story about how quickly life can change at any stage. How does life move on after a sudden change at such a young age? Us dogs don't really understand that concept because we live in the moment. When I think about it, people in nursing homes live in the present much like us dogs do. Maybe this is why they appear to be so melancholy.

 

During our last visit, she was sitting in a chair by a table. For the first time, she jumped up and dashed over to us as we entered the gathering space and quickly offered a big hug. The woman was extra happy to see us and actually initiated conversation with us breaking her silence. There was a glimpse of excitement in her eyes. We discovered more about her as she conversed about her three sisters. We listened attentively. A story of blows that life offers and of acceptance of the consequences. We all have them. The only choice is to make the best of all situations and peacefully find a way to adapt. 

 

It was a special visit because she was breaking the recognition barrier. We savored that moment because there is no guarantee that we will encounter this experience again.  It was hard to say goodbye that day. We left discovering a little more about her and even more concerning life. The difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how we use them. It is our choice.