Lessons and Memories

Fall is just over two weeks away, and I, for one, am ready to greet its return. This summer produced many memorable moments, like running on empty country roads and forest trails. We purchased a truck, and I added a new camera to my collection. I spent a record number of hours on my new kayak, fly-fishing for bluegills and bass and taking photographs at the local lakes and reservoirs. My wife and I saw Jack Johnson perform in Raleigh. Seeing him play live from just a few feet away made the torturous traffic and packed venue almost tolerable.

The sudden illness of my youngest dog, however, hung a dark cloud over the past few months. The journey from his first vet visit to today has definitely given me a few new gray hairs. After a rare diagnosis that looked like the worst was about to happen, a specialist breathed life back into us all by clearing up the prognosis. He offered a few long-term solutions to Axel’s condition.

Now that Axel is getting back to normal, I’ve realized how much his medical journey and my busy work schedule dominated my time. I had stopped taking pictures and posting writings. I even placed my kayak in storage because I wanted to spend more time with my dog. Now that he’s going to be fine, I’m working to make sure all our pets are getting the quality time they deserve. Time spent with someone or something we love is never regrettable.

Today, I breathe an enormous sigh of relief for all the positive change in the air. Axel is growing stronger; the local crops are being harvested; temperatures are dropping, and fall will soon arrive.

I hope summer also brought you great lessons and memories.

-mk