[2022-04-22] Spreading joy
This evening, I took Freddie on a walk in the neighbourhood, following a route that has come to be a bit of a routine for us. It takes us past a long-term-care facility. Tonight, four residents were sitting outside the home and waved to us as we passed by. Instinctively, Freddie turned toward the people as they called out, and he moved in their direction. I asked the residents whether they would like a visit from Freddie. They replied with an enthusiastic yes.
For the next 10 minutes, Freddie meandered from one person to the next, nuzzling each of them with his head and standing still to allow them to pet him. His energy matched theirs.
They asked his name, breed and age. They marveled at his advanced years: 15 and counting. They adored his colour: the blonde curls hide the white hair. And they loved how fluffy he was: one woman shared that she would love to snuggle with him.
It brought as much of a smile to my face as to theirs, knowing the joy Freddie was bringing to them.
It wasn't Freddie's only moment of spreading cheer today. This morning, while we were passing the park behind my house, a young boy admired Freddie. His father asked whether his son could say hello to my dog, which was an easy request to fulfill. I learned that the man, his wife and their son had just arrived from Ukraine via the man's home country and were staying with his uncle. When the war began, they were at the finish line of their application for permanent residency in Canada. When they departed Ukraine, they took what they could, but left most of their possessions behind. As permanent residents of Canada, they are looking forward to building a new life in this country.
Both incidents reminded me of a Theodore Roosevelt quote a friend sent to me recently: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
I would preface it with: "To bring joy to others, do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
Sometimes, all we have to offer is a smile or a compliment or a "good evening" or a "welcome to Canada." Other times, we can share something that brings us joy, like a pet. When we bring joy to others, we can't help but feel it ourselves.
