The Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. I sense this was at work since my daughter lost one of her grandfathers. Faith is unprovable, but experience is undeniable.

We went out to Goodlettsville yesterday evening to get Wrigley from a dog rescuer because we’ve been looking for a puppy for some time now because the thought really comforted our daughter, and it brought her joy we had not seen since Bop died (David, Carey’s dad). Bop was a huge Chicago Cubs fan, so Wrigley was on the list of names we came up with, and it fit the shepherd mix perfectly. Bop would be delighted at her name, and he’d have loved the little Wrigley. Wrigley is going to be about Lucy’s size or a bit smaller the nice lady said, but the jury is still out with Lucy about Wrigley. 🙂

I didn’t realize what a strong bond I was going to develop with little Wrigley. As we traveled back from where we picked her up she stared into my eyes, and I fell in love. We got Lucy at a year old, and she was fully trained. This is a new experience starting from scratch. It’s really made me pause and think about life in the face of death, and in light of the tornados and coronavirus I think the feelings are even more palpable.

Earlier I put Wrigley in her kennel, and she fell fast asleep. I stood at my desk and gazed into the backyard thinking about reading 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, but then I decided to post about these existential questions in the context of Wrigley as you just observed.

I think predominately I was thinking about Covey’s habit of beginning “with the end in mind,” and that seems a logical thing to think when I think about the death of my father-in-law back in November and the birth of Wrigley just 7 weeks ago. Quarantine began for Nashville about 7 weeks ago. Everything closed down. Our daughter began virtual school, and many of my customers stopped their service. There’s not a person on the planet it didn’t effect. It’s still kind of surreal like 9/11. I know it’s aggravated my depression. I’ve written several posts to that effect. And I know it’s made my daughter’s grief more intense hence the reason for the puppy search.

Wrigley has been a fresh presence of God I had no idea would comfort all three of us the way it has. When I read Annie’s entry this morning from 100 Days To Brave it said to list 3 things you’re thankful for about yourself. I’m thankful I went with my wife and daughter last night to pick Wrigley up. We even left dirty dishes. Sometimes a hustle with chores undone is just what the doctor ordered. Don’t ever apologize or feel guilty about choosing family over work. That’s something I have taken to heart from my family of origin, and what I heard Chris Smith, a pastor here in Nashville now, say about “sacrificing your family on the altar of your career.” Don’t do it he said.

Relationships are what we remember and value when we stand at the grave. Even Jesus at the apex of his work told the disciple whom he loved to care for his mom.

My daughter’s Bop lived that out in his life. He worked hard to provide for his family, but his presence for Barbara, Carey, Megan and his granddaugher will be remembered for eternity.

We continued that love by making Wrigley a part of our family.

Thank you Father for Bop. Thank you for the example he left behind as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Thank you for Wrigley dear heavenly Father, and may her presence comfort us in the absence of Bop. In Jesus name amen.