Thankful for @bookdealerSusan (Who Looks Out for Me During the Rough Patches). She Simply Understands.

In April, during the rough patch of losing Glamis, life changed, sadness came about, but the spirit of cycles won. Dr. Susan James sent me a gift and said, "I'll let you know when it is time to open the package. Earlier this week, during one of our daily interactions, she said, "I think it's time. Open it now." 

It was a book written by Brian Lies, The Rough Patch, about a farming fox who lived his life for his dog, but when it passed, his spirit for doing anything disappeared. This is, of course, until he nurtures a pumpkin vine that grows under the fence into his yard, and an enormous pumpkin arrives. His yard of weeds, neglect, sadness, and loss that came from losing his dog, suddenly has a giant gourde, a pumpkin, worthy enough to enter the State Fair contest. 

Evan, the fox, got third. He was given a choice of gifts and he chose to look into a box and to see what was there. It was a puppy. His soul was uplifted, and he drove home from the fair rejuvenated with a new friend. His rough patch was short-lived...and a companion was restored. 

It's no wonder the book was a Caldecott medal winner, and this morning I read the book again. I could't help to think about Joseph Bruchac's upcoming book, Rez Dogs, too, which debuts this June. Dogs choose their people. One knows, when one knows.

I have been content at the loss of Glamis, knowing that her role was fulfilled and she was a wonder dog. I'm not ready for another, but open. I recognize that when the right one comes my way, I will recognize it and move forward. 

In the meantime, I'm thankful for a good friend who gets it, who sends the right book, and makes me wait to open it until exactly the right time. 

It was the perfect gift this week, at exactly the right time. What a beautiful, beautiful read.