Love looks different in every home. When I first started dating Nyasha he would bring me a treat every time we would go out. A chocolate or something. I never understood why he never got me flowers-- until we had a chat about it and he laughed. He didn't think I would like flowers. It's funny how we express love differently-- especially in the gifts we choose for each other.
This weekend we also had to talk to Ruth about the fact that her dog has been missing for a week. Last weekend Vivienne was admitted to hospital with a very high fever. She had tonsillitis and the admitting doctor suspected pneumonia. Thank God, he was wrong and her pediatrician came to see her and quickly discharged us and allowed her to heal at home.
The short hospital stay was traumatic for her and for me. It took several attempts to place the IV and my poor little babe that we brought in quiet and lethargic was screaming wildly.
When we returned home we found that Ruth's little dog, Lucy was missing. This dog has been Ruth's best friend for years. Lucy is annoying and needy to everyone who walks in the door but to Ruth, she represents all that is good in the world. Lucy has helped Ruth learn how to give and receive love and nurture in a way that only one who doesn't disappoint can. Lucy lights up with Ruth walks in the door and the same is true of Ruth when Lucy walks in the door.
Lucy has never held a grudge when Ruth couldn't connect. Lucy has never caused Ruth any pain.
Telling Ruth that Lucy has gone missing is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
She cried herself to sleep and so did I.
Ruth woke up differently than I expected her to. She woke up and asked if we could make breakfast and then go look for Lucy. She had a plan and was hopeful. As the day wore on, our search party of three grew tired but Ruth never lost hope.
When we got out of the car after visiting vets, animal shelters and covering our neighborhood in fliers I saw a not from her to Lucy that said, "Don't worry Lucy we will find you."
I do not know if we will find Lucy. My heart hurts for the sadness of my little girl. Our home feels less full without our annoying little princess of a dog. I want to believe that Lucy could still miraculously return home. One thing I do know is that this little dog has served our little girl so very well. In a way that I will never cease to be grateful for. Lucy was without a doubt a gift straight from God.
Love looks different in different times, places, seasons and lives. Love is an action. The greatest act of love was Jesus's birth, death and resurrection. This Valentines Day, for our family, love looked like a search party.
Love from Zimbabwe,
Gigi
