A Double Dose of Doodle

Walking Henry, I saw this sticker on the back window of a car.  It inspired me to keep writing about random positivity.

I’ve noticed that in the midst of all the chaos in the world, people are reaching out to each other. A friend, who was cruising the aisles in Home Goods, began talking to another woman about the benefits of a particular product and then showed her the shelf where it was on sale. This led to a conversation about crafting and eventually about life. Another shopper, who happened to be observing, told them she was struck by their “affection and respect.” She thought the two strangers were old friends.

I had a similar encounter in the market.

ELBEE Trust me she was not shopping for anything to cook.

I was unsuccessfully looking for something in the freezer section when a woman next to me and I agreed that they always seem to stop carrying our favorites. Just like my friend in Home Goods, we quickly ended up in a deep, supportive conversation.

My husband had an experience that speaks even more to the kindness that people are showing each other. He was in the drive-thru line at a fast food restaurant.

ELBEE I told you she doesn’t cook.

When he went to pay, the server at the         window told him that someone in the car ahead of him had taken care of his order. He was surprised and touched by the simple act of generosity.

Whenever the dogs work, they teach me even more about kindness and positivity. With the help of “Aunt” Carol who is an extra handler for Gus, he and Stanley visited UCLA together on Wednesday.

As we walked into our regular Resnick neuropsych units the usual level of excitement was doubled. There was so much joy. From the kids under twelve to the teens to the adults to the staff, no one could resist two cute, loving Doodles. It was the best medicine.

There are always those special moments that I think about on my way home from the hospital. Wednesday was no exception. A seemingly shy boy told me how much he loved the dogs. Then he asked very quietly if I remembered him. The look on his face was so sweet when I assured him that I did.

In an adult group, a young woman was petting and brushing Gus and Stanley as we all engaged in casual conversation. Suddenly, she got very serious and earnestly shared that they were the first thing that had worked for her since she’d been in the hospital. Nothing had reached her like the dogs. With a smile, she added, “I feel so much better.”