Happy Birthday, Baby!

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"I thank my God every time I remember you."

Philippians 1:3, NIV

Squirrel is four! How has time moved so quickly? Sometimes I miss the pup who would curl up in between my legs; now he'd squash me. But then I remember the grown boy who can be left alone without issue, never has an accident, and doesn't cry at night in his crate, and realize that I much prefer this stage. Each year gets better and better.

So, in honor of my boy's birthday this past Thursday, here are my top 10 "thank you's" to Squirrel and the God who blessed me with him:

1. Thank you, Squirrel, for keeping me active, even on days when the weather is crappy, and I'd rather just crash with a book. You make sure I get at least 15,000 steps a day, and I've never been in better shape.

2. Thank you for being my running buddy, and making the monotony of long distance running so much more fun.

3. Thank you for the feeling of safety that you give me. Noises at night no longer scare me the way they used to.

4. Thank you for making me laugh; you are such a goober! And on days when I have felt like I would never laugh again, you would come along chasing your tail, finally catch it, and have no idea how to proceed.

5. Thank you for always knowing when I'm crying and comforting me. I truly don't know how you do it. Even when I don't make a sound, you make a beeline for me from rooms away.

6. Thank you for teaching me patience. I have never been accused of being an overly patient person. My sweet rescue boy, with his fears and quirks, needs lots of patience. You have helped me grow.

7. Thank you for helping me let go of perfection. Tumbleweed furballs in the living room and Squirrel hair in my coffee are now an accepted part of life. (Although, truthfully, the fur in coffee still grosses me out a little. Not enough to get up and get a new cup, but still.)

8. Thank you for snoring at night. When I can't fall asleep and my worries consume me, I match my breath to yours and feel myself calm.

9. Thank you for making me brave. I hate thunderstorms myself, but when you are scared during them, all I can think is to make it better for my boy.

10. Thank you for showing me Christ. You are my constant reminder that He provides, sometimes through people, sometimes through Scripture, and sometimes through a quirky Labrador.

I love you, my boy.

Meg