When Life throws you a curve ball...Swing!

Standing at the plate with a keen eye on the pitcher and… here it comes.  The ball is whirled at the plate at an incredible rate of speed. Our protective instinct tells us to duck and run.  But when life is the ball and the pitch is a curve ball, the only choice we have is to swing and hope for the best.

What good would it do for us to stand at the plate and take no chance at all?  As in any difficult situation, it’s best to face every challenge head on and take your best swing. Maybe it will be a base hit, a foul ball and maybe, just maybe….it will be a home run! In recent weeks, our family has been faced with some enormous challenges! Our pets included.  Jersey was handed the biggest curve ball of her life just 5 weeks ago. After a very complicated back surgery she has continued to swing away! She gets stronger every day with the help of her family and therapy team. We have all had to adjust to her new routine. Morning and bedtime duties had to be adjusted. Jersey has as many appointments in my planner as I do for myself and the rest of the family. Meeting the demands of getting her to and from therapy sometimes requires adjusting our own obligations. In no way am I complaining about any of these adjustments. In fact, my ramblings are quite the opposite. The fact is we do for our pets as we would for any other family member.

Jersey has handled her curve ball as well, if not better, than if it were pitched to any human I know. She works hard at her therapy sessions although she does not care for the process. She has identified every possible exit in the facility, just in case she might have an opportunity to make a break for it.  Her mood changes as soon as Laura comes to take her to work. Her perky greeting for the staff and wagging tail lets me know she can handle the task! She knows they are going to make her work hard, but Jersey enjoys pleasing her team. Being a good girl, she does as she is asked without resisting. Even if it means pushing a little harder than she would like. At the end of the day, Jersey’s therapist delivers a great report and high praise for her efforts. Jersey has never stopped swinging! In fact she appears to be ready for the next pitch!