A Father's Daughter

This is a recent picture (above) of the Kenya bean, taken just a couple of weeks ago. Now here (below) is a picture of her dad, Buddy, from Deep Run Retrievers in Virginia:

It's amazing to me how much Kenya, though petite and tiny, still looks like her dad -- someone she hasn't seen or been around since she was six weeks old.

This weekend I accompanied my 84-year-old mother to an old friend's birthday party (the old friend was also turning 84) who still lives in the town where I grew up two hours north of here. I haven't seen many of these people for at least 30 years. After the party we also visited some cousins I also haven't seen in many, many years.

Without exception, these people took one look at me and said they saw my father (who died in 2003). Apparently something about my eyes, head, and mannerisms reminded them of Dad. Whether he intended to or nor, Dad passed something of himself on to me that I reflect to the world long after his death.

That got me thinking: What of myself will the world see in my children in the years to come? Or for that matter (don't laugh here) what will others see in our canine kids that reflect us and our values and lifestyle? Will our kids and canines become "good" citizens, influencers for good in their worlds?

In other words, just what exactly am I passing on (intentionally or unintentionally) to those I influence most?

My prayer is that it will be things that make the world a better place (or that make the Labrador breed a better breed).

I want my existence to mean something and (in some small way) to improve things for future generations, human or canine.

That's no easy task, but neither is it impossible. We can make a difference, even if it's only in one life at one time in one small part of this planet.

And if we all endeavored to do so, the world truly could become a better place.

Here's to influencing our worlds, no matter how small, for the better,

'Til next time,
Joan