Things We Take For Granted

Everyday we are reminded of things we take for granted. I wonder if Laney has some thoughts about things that are taken for granted. I know that she relies on me for food, water, and her special treats. She also relies on me to take her for walks. When I think about it she relies on me quite a lot. I think about the fact that I have been blessed with the ability to walk, so I may fulfill all the things Laney takes for granted. As I have been training for my marathon, I have had time to reflect on things. Of course, I always think about how wonderful my life has been with Laney and I have reflected on a story my dad told me several times over my lifetime. It makes me think about how wonderfully blessed we are to walk.

The story my dad told is about a little girl who could not walk when she was suppose to as a toddler. He said she could pull herself up and hold onto furniture but her feet would turn completely inward and she would fall. Her parents were worried and took her to the doctor. He said that the doctor was not sure what was wrong, but suggested wearing leg braces that would help straighten her legs. She wore the braces for several years but continued to have problems. The doctor said she was flat footed and that her bones in her legs needed to be broken and reset. He said that her father told the doctor no to an operation that would leave terrible scars on the little girls legs. The father told the doctor we will take a chance that she will learn to walk. My dad told me that children have no fear and have not learned limitations that adults have chosen to live by. He told me that the little girl grew up and walks, and she is definitely not flat footed. That father was a smart man. And I am very lucky girl, because that father was my dad. So, never say never and be grateful for those things we take for granted. Thanks dad, I love you!

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first....William Shakespeare