Refreshed, Renewed, Rejoice

 "Taking on  a new life" is the feeling I got when I stepped into our church, Sacred Heart, in Bevier last week.  It has recently been painted.  The last time it was painted, I've heard, was 40 years ago.  The altar society decided to paint it the same brilliant, yellowish gold as before.  This choice of color allows for everything in the church to glow, especially the elegantly majestic altar.  Therefore, this new paint job brought a new, refreshed, and rejuvenated feeling when I walked through the doors.

The paint may not be the same color as the painted walls my mom remembers from her childhood, but all things change.  The trick with accepting change is to look always for the positives incurred with that change.  Has the change in the color, changed the purpose of the building?  Has the change in the color caused change in the way we worship?  Has the change in color caused our faith to waver?  The obvious answer is no.  

Thus, this change has limited us in no way.  In fact, I see the change has accomplished a sense of pride from the members of our parish.  Pride to continue with mass when the church was being painted and pride when lights  glowed late into the evening as the altar society ladies cleaned and carefully placed the beloved statues back in their places of honor.  This pride and, of course, faith will live much longer than the brightness of the newly-painted  church.  However, this fresh new look brings fresh new energy to the members of Sacred Heart.

Sammie, My Security Blanket

I have had two weeks with my service dog, Sammie. She is a beautiful, full-blooded black lab. She is not quite a year old, but not as active as you might think. Sammie plays hard in the house with our other little dogs, Eddie and Blondie, but when the service vest is on, she immediately becomes calm and all business. My mom holds the leash attached to her collar, and I hold the leash attached to the vest.

On the second day Sammie was with us, we put both her and I to the test. My mom had planned a huge day. So, with Dominica along also, we went to eat at our cafe in the pharmacy. Sammie was very good and sat under the table. She impressed us so much. But the best was yet to come. After going to our church to complete our weekly duties, we went to Orschlen's and Walmart. I know my mom was nervous and anxious not knowing what to expect, and so was I. Somehow holding on to the leash gave me a sense of comfort I have never felt in a public building. We shopped in both places for maybe 30 minutes each, and Sammie and I performed to perfection. Normally I would need to hold on to a cart and when stopping I would sit on the floor. I did not ever feel the need to move or bolt away. It was an amazing feeling.

At home, Sammie has little freedom. We want to allow her time to trust us so we can trust her. We have a cage in my room, and Sammie sleeps in my room every night. It is fun to have a companion with me all the time. Sparky, my outdoor yellow lab, is being quite protective of me, but I hope the two dogs will get along in the future. Maybe I will have Sammie as my indoor companion and Sparky as my outdoor companion.
Sammie has changed my life so much already ---- going to classes with me at school and walking through a crowded hallway with the school bell ringing. I can only wait with excitement for the new activities and adventures yet to come. Sammie allows me to blend a little better into society, although she is so adorable everyone aches to pet her. However, please don't. When she has her service vest on, she is working. So, therefore, if you want to play with her, come to my house. We are the house with now five dogs, 16 cows, and a three-legged cat.