The gift of a hairbrush. Day 3

[AtikokanAnnie]

Sunday........
Today is the first day that my dad and I decide to start packing for my dad's move.  We have cleared up clutter in the past but now is time to start packing.  We have banana boxes that we got from the local Safeway.  They are the perfect size for packing!  We have a boxes marked as the following; New place, Anne's, Garage sale and Garbage.  We sort through items.  My dad pulls out the swiffer replacements, "What are these crazy things", he asks.  I pull out a archaic potato ricer, and look at it questionably.   We laugh as we tell each other what the other is holding and what it is for.  "Really?" We are both surprised as to the strangeness of the items we are holding and wonder if either will be used again.....  garage sale.  "What is this dad?"  It is like a blue squeegee but with rubbery bristles on it.  We guess that maybe it could be used in the shower, but we have not convinced ourselves 100%.  I think maybe it would be a good tool to brush a dog.  I take the brush outside and go visit the neighbors dog "Darby".  She is a older black lab, so gentle and so happy.  She can sit at our feet all day and just be content to listen to our stories.  I say "Darbs, you want a good brushing?". She smiles, and I begin the 45 min brushing, massage, tick checking, belly rubbing treatment.  I tell her the story about the giving challenge.  She seems happy to hear about it, but i'm not sure if she will be paying it forward or not.  She loves me now, I can tell.  When it was time to go home, she really dragged her feet.  No one knew that Darbs received a VIP princess treatment today except her and I.  This was my gift to one of the most beautiful, calm and loving black labs in this world.  

I pray for my brother who is taking the fact that my father is moving to another city with great difficulty.  I believe he is taking the move personally, and not considering what is best for my dad.  He is angry and difficult to deal with right now.  I pray he gains some insight and understanding for what is best for my dad.
I also took my dad out with some if his friends tonight and paid for his dinner!  He had difficulty accepting my offer, but I explained to him that it was just as important to be a gracious receiver as a gracious giver.  He immediately agreed and thanked me.  
Tomorrow, I will drive back home, but hopefully I will be able to find an opportunity to give before I go.  There is an older lady that used to live a block away but just recently (and reluctantly) moved into a nursing home.  She was concerned that she wouldn't get visitors.  In the morning, ...when we share another morning 'cup of joe',  I will suggest we stop by for a visit.

[Ann]

Your posts always bring a smile to my face and a tug to my heart.  I am sure that Darbs loved her pampering and she will pay it forward with the joy that happy, contented dogs bring to al those around them.  I will pray that your brother will be able to conquer his fears and act in a loving, accepting way to your dad.  Blessings and Joy to you!

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Bless you for sharing your life and gifts with us~

[Lois55 wwt]

I love love love your blogs!! Your gifts are all wonderful and I will pray for peace and understanding with your brother. I know of the family dynamics in my husband's family and grateful that i am an only child. Take care...the neighbor lady will be so grateful for your visit.