Henrietta’s stance clearly says, Catch Me if you Can!
Three Love Stories
#1
In many ways, Henrietta’s personality diverges from Mara’s. Some is good different. Henrietta doesn’t bark. She doesn’t raid the garbage can or steal food from the counter. She sleeps downstairs by herself and doesn’t make a peep until I get up.
Good girl Henri!
Some of her behaviors are bad different. She continues to kiss us with her teeth. And, she cannot be trusted off leash at the marsh. That’s a real bummer—for all of us. In the house…and yard, Henri responds to here! and sit! 95% of the time. At the marsh? 10% at best. We’re working on it by going to the marsh in pairs, attaching a 25 foot lead to her collar, carrying the tastiest of fake pepperoni treats, and practicing patience. You’d probably enjoy a laugh if you had the opportunity to watch us chasing her down, trying to step on her slippery lead.
I’m working diligently to stop calling her This One as I know the phrase is an unflattering comparison to That One—my Mara.
We love Henrietta and so we’ll focus on what’s right and working, keeping the link alive and growing.
#2
I have a friend who has a child the same age as mine. The child went off to college and found the scene to be an ill fitting coat. He’s trying on something different in January.
Have you ever noticed that society doesn’t always look kindly on those who step off the well worn path?
My friend is full of wisdom. She recognizes what matters is her focus on what she loves about her kid—not on what anybody else might think. Through our chats, I have discerned her thoughtfulness in her reactions and connection. How I respond will transfer to our future relationship, she’s said.
Love lies in our links?
#3
Every year this time, my family watches the miniseries Band of Brothers. At the show’s heart are stacked lessons of leadership—what works and what does not. The best leaders love their followers and seek to serve in equal measure as they receive.
In the first two episodes, I’ve observed carefully the relationship between Bill Guarnere and Dick Winters—private and lieutenant. Bill’s a bit of a hot head who’s quick to judge and react. On the surface, he sees labels before seeking to understand his fellow soldiers, including his leader, Dick Winters.
Last night I watched Bill open fire without waiting for his leader’s command. There were extenuating circumstances—Aren’t there always many shades of gray?—before parachuting into Normandy, Bill found out his brother had been killed in Italy.
In his wisdom, Lieutenant Winters reprimanded, but did not cut his link to Bill Guarnere. As the series continues, I’ll watch closely as connection, respect, and trust grows between the two, who both survive the war.
What we sever cannot grow?