An Old Saying Lands

There's this old saying: you don't know what you've got until you lose it. Agreed. We often don't think we have much - until we lose it, or we have to start putting it in boxes and loading it on a truck to move. Either one of those scenarios will have you rethinking all that you have. From where I've been standing these last few weeks, I've been experiencing at least two examples of this old saying.

I had surgery for a detached retina a couple of weeks ago - and in an eye that I've only been able to see blurred vision out of my entire life. I've never known good vision in that eye, and that's been my normal. While my surgeon tells me that things look good, it's going to take time. Without going through all the details, let's just say that I want every bit of the vision back in my eye - even if it is blurred.

Then there's my dog, and I've struggled with this dog - there have been times I wished I didn't have him and seriously considered finding him another home. Last week I had to rush this 12 year old hound to the vet and I was given three possible scenarios, one of which was affordable. Thankfully, that one seems to be the one that worked out. My dog is back to his old tricks - and I'll take 'em. A week ago at this time, I thought I was going to have to make the decision that no pet owner wants to make. I tried to tell myself that I was at peace with it if that's how it had to be - but I knew better.

Six years ago, friends of friends brought this dog to me. Eight months after having to put my perfect Black Lab down. Was I ready for another dog? Was this the dog? I may never forget Bentley's previous owners driving up and him jumping out of the back of their station wagon. I stood there talking to the owners and then B walks up to me, sits down right up against me and looks up at me as if to say, "So...I'm gonna live with you now, right?"

Six years, a few struggles and the line I've repeated almost as many times as the hairs this hound has shed,(He's mostly more good than bad) and he's my dog. I told him last week if he'd just get better, he could do whatever he wanted - and by this point, I pretty much know what that is and I'm cool with it. He must have heard me - because he seems to be back in all his glory.

So there you have it - two things that could be considered questionable, but when faced with losing them, I've come to realize their importance. I'm grateful and back to work. The simple phrase, "Welcome back" has felt amazing to hear from owners, coworkers and customers. I'm still not 100% back to normal, and maybe my recovery isn't moving quite as quickly as the rest of this mess has moved, but I'm getting through it. The amount of people who have helped, or offered to help and in numerous ways, has grounded me - because there are many people who go through things much worse and have no one or nowhere to turn to.

This will be what it will - and one way or another, I'll be alright - I may not be allowed to literally look up, but figuratively, I'm looking way up. So here's to looking up, way up - and to the things I've taken for granted or thought I could do without. Surprising what's important after all. Stay grateful, peace.