Out of the mouths of babes...

I recently read a story that really hit home and is my monthly message to live by, which I would love to share with you:

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

 

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

 

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

 

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

 

 Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”

 

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

 

He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”

The Six-year-old continued,

”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

 

It is amazing how children and animals just know certain things. How simple life is, even when we adults run around like chickens with our heads cut off. I am guilty of doing this, of not taking the time to stop and smell the roses. Even at work, I find myself stressing all day and clenching my teeth... then I wonder why I come home with a headache or migraine. No es bueno...

Quotes like the one above remind me that life is what I make of it; it doesn't matter what I do for my job or what I choose to do in my free time. Lately, I have been planning every second of every day. I have been focused on what I want to do, want to have, etc. It is great to have goals, but I find myself thinking so much of the past and the future that I at times forget to enjoy the present. I have a wonderful fiancé, an adorable, lovey cat, as well as supportive and caring family and friends. In short, I am blessed. It is time to remember how blessed I am and how all I need is faith to continue to live a happy life. Although I love to run and practice yoga, to write and to cook, I need to take a step back and see life in its simplicity. It doesn't matter if I don't make it to the gym, or how often I am able to make some new meals, or even if I have a rough day at work. All I need to do is take a breath, say a prayer and look around me at the amazing blessings in my life.

Along with my goal of realizing what I have around me, I have not been making too many new dinners lately. Instead, I have stuck to some family classics and some of my fun creations that I can make with whatever is left over in the fridge and pantry. The first, is an amazing summer dish: Zucchini and Squash Casserole. I love this in the summer, especially since I can get the zucchini and squash from the farmer's market; saving money and getting amazingly, fresh quality. Add some penne pasta and cheese and you have an amazing casserole. Relatively cheap, superbly delicious and easy to make!

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

In addition to a summer favorite, at times when it is just me in the apartment... or, let's be honest, when I don't feel like cooking a full meal, I go to something simple. We all love a classic grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup. Similar to making an omelet, I like to add a little something extra. For my grilled cheese, I love to use pepper jack cheese slices, to add a little spice, and I add an egg. Sometimes I cook an egg over hard or over easy, sometimes I make a scrambled egg with green pepper. Adding spinach is also another favorite combination to add some green to the meal! If I do not have pepper jack cheese, I will add some hot pepper flakes to give it that little kick. It is an extremely simple dinner, but reminds me of being a kid and tastes great too!

My Grilled Cheese! (This one just has an egg and cheese, but I love
to add green pepper and/or spinach when I have it)

So the moral of this blog? Sometimes I need to stop being so caught up in the expectations of society and just appreciate what I already have and the plans that have already been made for me. I will continue to live in faith, acknowledge my blessings and enjoy the simplicity of enjoying time with loved ones.