What Trevor Taught Me About My Husband
Did you ever watch a scene and realize you were looking right into the essence of someone’s character? I had one of those moments the other day.
My husband, Rich, sat on the sofa and scratched Trevor’s ears. As usually happens in our three-dog household, it didn’t take long for another dog to attempt to nose his way in on the action. This time, it was JD, our big Labrador retriever.
To appreciate this story, it helps to know that Trevor is ancient. He’s sixteen, which translates into the equivalent of really, really old in people-years. Trevor has great enthusiasm for life. He’s also stiff and slow. When we call him and he doesn’t respond right away, we exchange meaningful, is he sleeping, or…? glances. He’s that old.
And JD is not yet six–a veritable pup, for a Lab.
So what did Rich do, when the young Lab tried to ever-so-nonchalantly nudge the old guy out of the way, positioning himself to claim the pack leader’s affection?
Rich could have singled out fairness. “It’s his turn! I just scratched your ears a minute ago!” He could have highlighted his own authority as The Alpha Guy. “I’m scratching him now. Deal with it!” But no, he didn’t do any of those things.
Rich said, “You can scratch your own ears. Trevor can’t.” His comment undid me. Let’s set aside the whole topic of talking to one’s pets. [You do, don’t you? You must. Doesn’t everyone?]
See, our parents are aging. We watch and we wonder and we help when we can. And none of us knows what the future holds, for them. For us. But now I know one thing.
So long as Rich is able, I’ll be cared for when I’m old.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:17-19 (NASB)
Recent Comments