I woke way too early with thoughts of the day running through my head.

I grab my phone off the nightstand. I’m waiting on an important email and maybe if it comes, I can return to the ever important sleep.

No email.

Let’s flip through Facebook instead because that will lull you back into slumber: Yeah  right!

This picure is at the top of my feed. The tears immediately fall. This is a picure of my Father-in-Law Bill.

He is the epitomy of a dog owner.

He cares for, He loves, He provides. For as long as I can remember he has walked his dog two times a day. He takes different routes because he doesn’t want the dog to get bored. Each dog he has had is loved  just the same. Fully and with his whole heart. Bill has fallen and gotten hurt many times while walking his dog. Neighbors and people who  travel the road he walks on see him everyday. They will mention to the family living in Bradenton “I see your dad every day!”

My FIL has lived alone since my MIL passed away many years ago.  Never has there been talk of another spouse but always a dog . A companion. This picture is so perfect. I can’t even explain it. What does he think about while walking his dog? Does he think of the past? The future? What are his hopes and wishes?

He is quiet and stately. I can’t say that our relationship has ever blossomed. I actually think he might think I’m a little crazy. however I believe he loves me and I love him.

When we are together as a family, he sits quietly. I think he listens because he sure doesn’t say much .  He is the patriarch.  He comes late and he leaves early. He must tend to his dog.

While I look at this picture, I realize that time goes ways too fast. The man in this picure with his dog  makes me smile.

As you start  your day, remember the small things matter. Tell people you love them,  don’t sweat the small stuff,  walk slowly through the crowd because people matter, call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, maybe an old friend or maybe your dad just because.

Love,

the girl who also loves her dog.