My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Treasures

We left Christmas Eve for St. George to spend Christmas with my parents. Presents were put in every corner of the car. Cricket was relieved that it didn't interfere with her space. Christmas Eve included a beautiful musical performance at the Historic Tabernacle.

Christmas dinner included an extra carrot for Cricket and I discovered that dressing/stuffing can slide down pretty easily and declared it okay on the smooth/liquid diet. I was so excited on this treasure that everyone was waiting to say the prayer and I was eating my dressing -- oops!

I loved getting to visit the historic sites where my parents are serving. In the picture below our family is standing in front of Jacob Hamblin's house - which my mom had decorated it beautifully inside (so I'm told :D) Cricket decided she was not going to look at the camera for this picture.

This Christmas was full of special Treasures! Of course, family was on the top of the list. The DVD of Christmas' past was a big hit and a treasure to us to both receive and give (thank you Natalie) Perhaps there will be a sequel. Natalie's gift of a book of our 25-year anniversary Hawaii trip is a treasure and such a fun surprise. My parents compiling histories of our family and sharing their own thoughts in a book for each of us is such a treasure. Kendall knowing his mom's favorite store to decorate (because he has hauled many items from that store) and getting a gift card from the store signed from 'your son' is a treasure. Steve being so excited with the yoga outfit he gave me is a treasure. He is such a great shopper for me ... also love the dresses, pants and cardigan he gave me. Most especially love the givers of these gifts. Receiving a beautiful handwritten letter from my grandma expressing her love is a treasure.
Memories are a treasure. Cricket snuggling by my feet as I type is a treasure. What do you treasure?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I treasure that I have a guide dog; that Troy is able to relieve pressures off others by helping me in ways which other people may not be able to help with e.g talking to someone and not being able to help me with getting around obstacles all the time, relieving them of that worry in the first place! And the wonderful feeling of silence as people watch Troy in amazement as he does his job almost perfectly. It feels like he's replaced human assistance 95% of the time. I just tell them to treat me normal and just talk with me while we're walking and my guide dog would do his job, then I could prentend I can see! Yep, with Troy's eyes instead of mine, lol! I've even gone so far as to say that I can't see unless Troy is with me! So besides family and friends, Troy is the best Christmas present ever.

Becky Andrews said...

Michelle - that is beautiful! Troy sounds like a wonderful guide.

Beth and Alfie said...

Loved the cute pictures, especially the one of Cricket behind all those presents! I know you would never give HER away...! :-)

I too treasure family and all the wonderful love & laughter we share. What a blessing!

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Cute photos:)
I treasure my family, and my awesome puppy Toby!

Toby's Trainer
SEGDI Raiser

3 labs 4 me said...

I treasure YOU, Becky Andrews! I have many treasures: my husband, my dogs, family, the laughter of my nieces at Christmas & the list goes on & on.............

Lisa and pups said...

ah, what a neat time!

Jen said...

Sounds like you had a lovely Christmas Becky.

Karen said...

It was a lovely Christmas and I treasure my dear daughter and what lessons she teaches her parents every day. Thank you my treasure, Becky.

Mom