A Quick Thought For Your Holidays

Tim H. Swanson

I remember when I was in college.  The holidays could be a source of pain and frustration.

I was single,  and I lived far from my family.  Sometimes it was sorta lonely.  

A lot has changed since then.  Now I'm married and have 3 awesome kids.  But my family also lives in the middle of a whole new set of painful circumstances. 

Tonight I went to my Father-in-Law's to relax with the family. I got a call just after dinner that my dog got in a fight with the neighbor's dog. I got to come home and patch up my poor, limping labrador. 

It can be hard to spot stuff to be joyful for in the middle of a chaotic life. But finding and focusing on those joyful things can be the difference between living and missing out on life. As it turns out, fixing up my dog, Jack, together became a great and meaningful way to interact with my kids.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving, and that your pets and family are well!