Day 8 - a moment you felt the most satisfied with your life.



I have "moments" like that all the time.  Everything is never "right" but at that moment everything feels one with the universe.  If I wanted to I could find that one or two things that upset the balance but why look for it if you don't have to.  I mean, I could throw a wet blanket on any "good" feeling but sometimes it's more important to go with it and just be happy. (Even if it's short lived!)  Most recent was my decision to volunteer at the Cheatham County Animal Control on my Saturday's off of work.  I was being completely selfish when I decided to this.  I would kill two birds with one stone - volunteer and waste some time and perhaps pet a dog or two (since I'm living in a home without animals for the first time since I was 5!).  I figured since I knew I was leaving to go back to IL in June I could keep myself from becoming attached.  I did a great job with the animals.  I kept my focus on helping out wherever needed - with whatever needed being done.  I wasn't going to be sad if a dog was adopted out.  As I said I did a great job.  I would look forward all week to going back on Saturday.   What I didn't plan on was forming attachments with the humans there.  I tried to fly under the radar and do what was asked but Karen and Tom were just so darn friendly!!!  Darn them!  Now I have a tinge of sadness leaving Nashville.  I will really miss my Saturday's there.  See, they don't know it but they saved me!  My time in Nashville was great.  But honestly, it was scary, terrifying and worrisome.   It's quite lonely living in a city where you know no one.  I did a great job and survived this.  I went to some great concerts - I'm very good at distracting myself from other things going on.  Yet, for all the alone time I have in my little apartment - I'd trade it all for something to do.  I went to the AC to waste some time but wound up spending quality time there.  The kindness, sarcasm (ah, it feels just like home!!!) and wit that I shared with Tom and Karen made up for all the lonely weekends I spent down here.  "Thank You" just doesn't cut it but it's the best I can offer to them.  The animals became secondary - the people primary.  I left CCAC each and every visit feeling good for the help I could give to the animals.  Underneath all that was feeling good that there were kind people out there - people worth calling "friend."  I look forward to future visits to Nashville now that I have two friends who live out here.   May the road rise to meet you and until we meet again......