Can we all agree that January has been dragging? It’s crazy how much can change from the beginning of the month to the end of the month. When the year started, Mike and I wrote down our goals for the year. The biggest goal we had listed was traveling. On January 1st 2018, we had six trips already planned and booked for the first six months of the year. We never imagined that during our first weekend getaway trip of the year, to Orlando, we would be hit hard emotionally and financially. On January 19th, as I headed out the door to get breakfast and then rush to the airport, I kissed my dog and told him how much I loved him. Mike and I were having one of those mornings where everything seemed perfect. We grabbed our favorite breakfast bagels from Einstein Bagel, we got to the airport in the nick-of-time, had zero wait time at the TSA line, had a smooth airplane ride – watching Netflix of course, we got our rental car with no problem and then spent a nice afternoon in Orlando. I guess you can call that the calm before the storm. While at dinner with friends, we got a phone call from my mom telling us that Diggy was not moving and was convinced that he was unable to stand or use his legs. I brushed it off as her being dramatic and Diggy being stubborn and maybe a little depressed– knowing Mike & I were away. I’ll go into more details in another post but after two different vet hospital visits, it was determined that Diggy had become paralyzed and needed emergency spine surgery in order to save his life and have any hope of being able to walk again. All of this happened within a 48-hour span. I cried uncontrollably all weekend wondering how and why this had all happened while I was out of state. My dog made it out of surgery with zero complications and has been progressing tremendously these past several days.
I can’t begin to explain how much God answered my prayers and the different ways I continue to see Him speak to me regarding this situation.
Through Diggy’s hardships, I was forced to view a few relationships, which were not always positive, in a different light.
Also, although I have always been good with managing money, I have been forced to really analyze where I spend my money and be more focused on my financial goals.
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned from Diggy’s hardship is not to save materialistic things. To enjoy what you have, while you have it, and while you can. I was faced with this lesson right away. When Diggy got out of surgery we were told he needed to be on strict “crate rest.” No problem, Diggy was crate trained as a puppy and although we gave away his crate years ago because we felt he no longer needed it – we knew he would be ok with it. He loves crates, he views them as he’s room…he’s personal space.” I remembered that I had gotten him a beautiful crate made out of real wood about a year ago that doubles as an end table – call me bougie. I had been saving it for when Mike & I bought our own house, literally never even opened it from its box! Well we pulled it out and realized that although it would have been an amazing crate, it just wasn’t ideal for what Diggy needed at the moment. And so I felt the need to sell it. Diggy’s medical bill had gotten pretty hefty and I figured I’d sell it and put that money to good use. I know its just a crate but it’s the idea behind the crate that made me sad to sell it. I also have a crystal glass water bowl, still in its box, that reads “King” on it… you best believe I am now going to get it out of storage and make sure my pup gets to use it. Mike & I hoard dog toys because my Diggy destroys them so fast! So we had only allowed him to have three out at a time, and when one was destroyed we would then take out another one… well forget that! Diggy gets to play with all the toys his heart desires now. I can’t wait for Diggy to get completely healed and cleared to go long walks… He deserves to see more of the world. This notion of having Diggy live his best life and enjoy everything he can has carried on greatly to other aspects of Mike & I’s lives as well. Don’t get me wrong, Diggy was already living a spoiled life like the true King he is, and Mike and I were living a darn good life! We just want to amplify it even more, and make sure we aren’t wasting anything.
So, January – you sucked but I learned so much. I can’t wait to see what February has in store for us ❤
