That’s a Wrap
I once heard it said, you have 18 years to fill your child’s suitcase with tools for life. You pack everything you can into that bag, from teaching them to cook and do laundry to navigating relationships and advocating for themselves. Then, there are the more complex tools to impart, like empathy, being a good listener, a trustworthy friend, and cultivating a spiritual life.
We can’t give them everything they will need; life itself is a teacher that has no substitute. It has ups, downs, and many plateaus, but one thing is certain if we are open to learning, life lessons are plentiful.
I have always believed animals find you at the right time and for a purpose. Eighteen months ago, a lanky, floppy-eared, high-energy pup named Nova came into our lives. In Spanish, Nova means no go. Being of Latin heritage, we had to change that quickly. It took me weeks to settle on her name, and one evening, it came. She would be Ella, like Ella Fitzgerald, and the rest is history.
What started as a single random blog to share what Ella was teaching me soon became a series called Lessons from Ella. The lessons are too many to recount, but as my time with Ella draws to a close, I am in awe of the transformative power of a journey. It felt at times like a never-ending climb, but you can’t enjoy the view without the climb.
Life lessons aren’t done in isolation. If you are enduring a tough season, don’t forget to take notice of the companions who lessen the load. I am forever grateful to my family, especially my husband, the trainers (yes, there were a few), the vet and staff, friends, neighbors, and even Facebook groups, all of who supported me during this season. And thank you for following Ella’s story, for commenting, texting, calling, and being there.
It wasn’t the journey I would have picked, but it was the journey Ella and I were to take. I am grateful beyond words. Tomorrow she goes home, equipped with many lessons learned. Her new dad flies back into town this evening. We exchanged some texts earlier this morning, and he said, “I can’t wait to get home!”
It’s bittersweet, but I packed her suitcase, and she’s ready to go.
