Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character.
Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit, they would warn their friends not to leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.
Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.
One day Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease...in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.
She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.
The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through.
If I die, Lucky will feel abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him! That thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.
The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
Lucky stood watching Mary but he did not come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.
When Mary woke for a second she could not understand what was wrong. She could not move her head and her body felt heavy and hot.
However, panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned!
While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.
He had covered her with his love.
Mary forgot about dying.
Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day.
It has been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free.
Lucky still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.
Remember...live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God.
Never forget...the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards…they are the ones that care for and love us.
If you see someone without a smile today, give them one of yours!
Live simply.
Love seriously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
And...Please...pray for the cure of cancer.
This made me cry and Smile wide. Dogs are so intuitive. Love is such a healer!
ReplyDeleteHey Minelle...know the feeling...I cried and smiled when I received the email. You're so right...love is a healer!
DeleteHugs and Blessings,
Cat
Oh I love this. It made me smile and cry at the same time. I love doggies, and kitties and, and and. Animals are so wise. Unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteHey Sunny...right there with you laughing and crying and loving animals...they are so wise and loving aren't they.
DeleteHugs and Blessings,
Cat
I couldn't help but laugh at this puppy. My parents have a Golden Retriever who likes to open christmas presents from under the tree in the middle of the night. Retrievers only know one word "mine"!
ReplyDeleteCallie
LOL Callie...that is so cute! Thanks for sharing such a sweet story. ;)
DeleteHugs and Blessings,
Cat
What an amazing story and message. This made me smile and cry at the same time too. Thank you Cat :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Roz
Hey Roz...joined the crowd did ya? So happy you enjoyed the message!
DeleteHugs and Blessings,
Cat
Wonderful story - the story made me cry and one of the pictures looked so much like our Golden who died a few years ago,
ReplyDeleteAwww Elis...I am so sorry that I made you cry and reminded you of a lost baby. :(
DeleteHugs and Blessings,
Cat
So sweet! I love this!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you enjoyed it Queenie!
DeleteBlessings,
Cat
I loved this, Cat!! :). I joined the teary in reading this sweet story. Our pets bring us much joy. The simple kindnesses of others can be life changing. Great thoughts on how to live one's life! Thanks for the smile, :)
ReplyDelete<3 Katie
Hey Katie...welcome to the laughing/crying club! Our pets do give so much joy and love don't they. So happy you enjoyed it!
DeleteHugs and Blessings,
Cat
doing some catching up here :-) such a sweet, sweet story. Thanks for sharing :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Terps...so happy you enjoyed it!
DeleteBlessings,
Cat