The grass is just a touch greener, the sky is just that little bit bluer. The sun shines longer (and it’s not just because of our ridiculously early day light savings change this year,) it is officially spring. Even if it has snowed at least twice. Amid the ever present Ugg boots, flip flops have made their first appearance outside the shower stalls on campus. Spring coats are being worn, over sweatshirts of course, and everyone seems to be in a better mood. And of course the most curious thing about spring? love.
I must admit, that I too am smitten. A wonderful boy, with dark eyes, a big heart, and the ability to make me laugh even when he wakes me at three a.m. (again) has stolen my heart. If I could keep him from sleeping on my head, I might love him more even if I doubt that that is really possible. We got a puppy. In the short week and half that we have had him I have fallen completely and totally in love.
It has been a very long year for my family; we have experienced several deaths, two devastating break ups and innumerable changes to our routine. Our house, which was once a lively place, even if it was crazy, had lost its charm. In fact, it was down right depressing. The puppy, Aidan, has brought not only humor back into our home, but perspective. Things were and are still bad in many ways, but he serves as a minutiae reminder, that they are getting better and will continue to get better.
Another family I know of recently got a pooch too. Like us this family has experienced an incredible amount of change in a very short time. There was a large debate over what breed of dog they should get too, allergies being a major factor for them as well. I hope for their sake, that they also get to experience the simple joys of adding a four-legged family member and fall in love with him just as I fell in love with Aidan. I really don’t want my Dad to run for President, but I hope that some of the similarities continue and that things get better for them as well. Because well, that would mean it’s getting better for everyone. What a better time than in the spring, with its renewing feeling and all the fresh starts for our country to experience something uplifting.
