Reach Out

I’ve been thinking a lot about my mother-in-law this week.  She is 90 years old and lives independently in a retirement community.  Though she still drives and is in good health, she spends most days alone, due to the pandemic.  We connect through phone calls, but like most of her peers, she does not use a computer, so other virtual formats are not an option.

My heart goes out to people who live alone during this pandemic.  I can’t imagine how difficult it must be.  The extended isolation has to be so hard on a person’s mental and emotional state.  Connections with others are important – and I was reminded of this by our sweet husky, Odin.

Odin is a gentle giant that found his way to our doorstep one year on Halloween.  He’s very friendly and needs more exercise than we give him.  He also craves play time with other big extroverted dogs.  So, this weekend was a treat for Odin when family came to visit, and they brought their massive lab along.

Odin was elated.  Our house was a dog fest as they ran around, romping and playing.  I’m certain the weekend was just the shot in the arm he needed to give his spirt a boost until he connects again with other pups who will visit in the future.

Want to make a positive difference in the lives of others this week?  Reach out and connect with people in your life who are needing human contact.  The interactions you initiate might be quick, but I feel certain the memories you create will have a lasting positive effect – and that’s a good thing.