Thank You! To Family, CCI, and beyond!

11.21.2012

     Wow! I have so much to be thankful for this year.  First, and foremost, my health has not declined over the past year.  I interpret this as not being diagnosed with any extras and my current state achieving a plateau.  Also, my family is very healthy!  Having an autoimmune disease (or three) has taught me patience, that its ok to ask for help and to not sweat the small stuff and REALLY enjoy the small things.  :o)
     Another major event that involves a "thanks" that extends beyond words and actions is the benefit of a service dog.  This whole world of thanks begins with Fernando's puppy raisers who exposed him to the real world and taught his foundation of obedience.  Without them, I am able to spend my first holidays, in quite a few years, with a bit less worry.  A ginormous THANK YOU to Fred and Kathleen.  What you have done to help improve my quality life... well, I am speechless and teary eyed!
     Of course, Canine Companions for Independence deserves a world wide standing ovation as well!  They helped get us through a hurricane, 8 days without power and a Nor'easter.  We still graduated on time and with all the information we needed to be successful with our service dogs.
     My family and friends also rocks!  I am always able to depend on them when I need something.  When people heard that I was going to New York for two weeks, everyone pulled together to help cover kid-care.  THANK YOU to my huge webbed support system, the best a girl could ask for!  I also have the most understanding kids, and loving husband (there are days I feel like I am living in a dream).
       Last but not least, Fernando.  He has been at my every beck and call over the past few weeks.  This pup never asks for anything back except for a bit of food and a reassuring pat here and there.  As our bond continues to cement itself, I feel I am the luckiest person in the world to have such an advantageous partner.  I have always been an extremely independent person, Fernando is able to give back a little more to me.

     Everyone needs to find something to be thankful from the past year.  It may be as small as a stranger smiling at you to brighten up a tough day to something as big as gaining a canine partner to help you out.  Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!  Go stuff yourself silly then engorge a little more.  :o)