Coming into my marriage, I (foolishly) thought I pretty much knew Ryan like the back of my hand. Sure, there would be certain experiences...new jobs, new homes, babies, ups & downs...that would cause us to love, laugh, fight, learn and explore. But I thought the basics were down. However, this past week, I was proven wrong.
When faced with things that are tremendously sad, I put my blinders on. I ignore the circumstance and act like it just doesn't exist. I remember when my Grandma was sick, and ultimately living her last few months, people would ask me how she was doing. I'd shrug and say "she's fine", and never elaborate. I just didn't want to think about it. It was so much easier for me to pretend she was ok.
Enter Tuesday night. I knew Ryan spent some time occasionally volunteering at at local dog rescue. I also know this is something he is passionate about (the time he brought home a third boxer while we were living in Memphis is a whole other post!). He wants to, needs to, help these poor doggies in need. To most, it comes as no secret that Ryan and I love our dogs as if they were people. So when I think of all the dogs out there wandering the streets, cold and hungry, or who have a home but are mistreated, my heart literally aches. But not Ryan. Whereas I turn my head to things that make me uncomfortable or things that make me want to burst into tears, I realized these are things Ryan faces head on. But what I didn't know is how strong his desire is to actually make a difference. By taking my blinders off, we really talked, for the first time, about his experiences and I learned the extent of how much he gives. This man volunteers at a rescue, donates food, and as of recent, wanders the streets of metro Detroit looking for specific dogs that need to be saved before they are captured and taken to the Humane Society and euthanized.
Last night, we attended a fundraiser put on by Better Life Canine Center, the rescue group where Ryan volunteers. I met so many amazing people who give their time, energy, money and heart to dogs in need. More importantly, I came to see that by stripping the blinders, I can actually help in my own way. It's likely that I won't be out there on the front lines like Ryan, but what I can do is be more understanding and supportive of his drive to want to make a difference. Because these dogs on the streets, who are malnourished, mistreated and hungry, need him.
I"m so proud to call this man my husband, and couldn't be more thankful now more than ever to realize how blessed I truly am.
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