Canine Grandchild

Here is a photo of Chance, Kimberly's darling little dog. I was with her when she found him at the Humane Society. He stole her heart immediately and when she took him for a walk outside, it was clear that he had already bonded with her. He didn't want to have much to do with me. She has taken him from a fearful dog who growled and barked at all of us to a friendly and loving little guy. It took patience and training on her part but now he is a wonderful companion for her, sensitive to her feelings and lively but sweet.

Kimberly, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter

When I was expecting my third child, the due date was very close to St. Patrick's Day. Because of that, and because we liked the name, if the baby was a girl we planned to give her the middle name of Erin. She was born three days before March 17th but it was close enough. For some reason, we seemed to give birth on Sunday, but Kimberly came on Saturday because the Dr. suggested starting the labor then. After being born, she did not squinch her eyes at the light but opened them and looked around. As they wheeled us to recovery, she was still wide-eyed and alert. This year, Kimberly's birthday (March 14th) has come and gone and St. Patrick's Day as well. For the sake of convenience, she has chosen to have her party on Easter which comes early this year. It seems to me to be an appropriate day to celebrate new life and rebirth together. I am grateful for Kimberly, for her gifts, for her tender heart and for her ability to love. And as I think of it, for many other qualities too numerous to name. Happy Unbirthday, honey.