Day #5: Empathy
My picture today shows our dog Addison. Addie has been with us since the beginning. We picked her up as a puppy the month after we were married. In the last ten years Addie has seen a lot of ups and downs in our family. I feel very strongly that animals sense our emotions. They can feel when there is a change of energy in the home. And they react accordingly to best serve their masters.
When I was pregnant with Kaleb, Addie would lay her head on my stomach. It felt as though she was protecting the new life inside of me. And when I went into labor with him, she paced right next to me though every contraction. Now, when the boys are outside playing alone in the backyard, Addie stays close by them. Again, it feels like she is trying to protect them while we are away. She is always near letting us know she cares about us.
Last year when I was on bed rest, Addie stayed in my room next to the bed. The kids were at school and Brett was at work. So it felt like she was the one "in charge" of me. She watched my every move and stayed near. The day before we lost Gabriella, I remember that instead of lying on the floor, Addie jumped up on the bed and slept on my legs. And when I tried to move, she looked at me like I needed to just stay still. I often wonder, did she sense something? Could she feel Gabriella losing strength? Did she know I would need that comfort and support? Whatever the reason, Addie knew I needed her to be near me at that time, and so she didn't leave me.
That type of empathy is hard to find. That drop-everything, unselfish, love-you-no-matter-what, kind of empathy is amazing. And sometimes it comes from the most unlikely source at the most important time. Addie was my support and comfort when I needed her the most. And it is my hope that I can learn to be more empathetic to others around me. And feel when someone needs support and do my best to bring them peace and comfort. Because I know. I know how lonely life can feel at the darkest times. And all anyone really needs to feel better is a friend who lies by their side during the rough times and stays near until they feel better.
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