We got a dog! We jumped in and rescued this lovely little creature, and my heart is swooning. At least until she eats my shoes, which hasn’t yet happened.

It is my hope that training this new member of our family will be an exercise in healing, in patience, in learning to extend love into other areas of our lives.

I’ve heard people who love rescue animals ask the question, “Who rescued who?” and I’m starting to feel this way about Olive. She seems to see my ache, and her little paws provide soothing balm to my soul.

It was wonderful waking up this morning knowing we had a tiny creature who was depending on us. And during this time of change and the continued processing of grief, as we depend heavily on our supports, this little nugget is filling my heart. Beauty in the acquisition of a new family member, beauty in puppy breath, beauty in the process of jumping right in.

Welcome home.