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Two Goldens: A Mutual Healing
I will start with a tail (and a wagging one, at that) of my daughter and her
undying love for her Golden: Lacey. Sheila (my 20 year-old daughter who is a college
student at Southwest Texas State University) had to have her tonsils removed (a major
trauma for someone that age) over Christmas break 2001. Her Golden baby Lacey (fondly
known as Lacesfor that precious woven bundling of threads that make such
outstanding pieces of beauty) would not leave Sheila's side, recuperating right alongside
her in her recovery bed. For three days, Laces would not eat, much as her sister-in-heart could not. Laces lifted
her regal head only on the occasions when Sheila awakened to attempt to drink fluids, and
only then would this special Golden drink her own water. Needless to say, both girls went
long hours without any sustenance. Only when Sheila slowly began returning to her normal self (about 3 days after surgery)
did Laces also begin her own recuperation. Both took over 10 days to even
begin to approach their former playful selves, and then only in short periods of time and
with numerous naps in between. These Golden Gifts from Above have such a connection with their caretakers that they tend
to grieve, hurt, laugh and love right alongside those they love without condition.
Just a week ago (almost a year since the surgery), Sheila took Lacey to the vet to check
her out for problems with her breath. He diagnosed the baby with tonsillitis, and this
event struck my daughter to her very core. Now, with the tables turned, Sheila began to
nurse her own baby back to health, tucking in covers around her, propping pillows under
her chin, offering those special hugs that only someone who has felt the pain can
understand, even dishing out a little ice cream . . . all in an effort to reciprocate the
love and caring necessary for recuperation. Those two, my Golden-haired children, are now back off at college and both are taking
wonderful care of each other. I know each is safe and well cared for in the presence of
the other. This special connection that Laces has with my daughter continues to reinforce my
determination to find a way to spread this special Golden's love with others who are
battling similar, yet even tougher struggles with their physical health. Perhaps I can
dedicate myself to making such an endeavor happen beginning with these upcoming holidays,
a particular time to reinforce our appreciation for the Golden Gifts we have.
Entry written by
Shari Janak of Goliad, TX
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