For some people, it’s a choice. For others, it’s as simple as a bloodline. And for me, it happened the day my forever mom and dad brought me into their home. Because they did more than that. They brought me into a family.
I was reminded of this over the weekend as both sides of my forever family joined together to celebrate my dad’s birthday. It was the first time the families have been all together since baby Carter was born and I was prepared for anything. Well, to be honest, I was prepared to step aside and let Carter steal the show. And he did.
But (to my surprise) I also earned my fair share of attention. I got pets and hugs and play time and treats and amidst it all I got the best thing of all. Love. From the ground up, I am blessed to be loved by such wonderful family members. It happened when I was playing what likely is my hundredth game of pickle in the middle with some of my favorite little people this afternoon.
I realized in those moments the answer to one of life’s most challenging questions. What is the secret ingredient in my recipe for joy? My family. It takes a village, as the proverb says, and I quite like mine. I had no idea that day I came home from the humane society just how blessed I would become.
Because that proverb is right – it does indeed take a village. We all need a good support system in place for those days when the ground shakes around us. For the times when we feel like its us against the world. And for the times we are overcome with joy and need to share it with someone special.
And that someone special may not always be a relative or family member. Sometimes the friends we make along the way become their own kind of family. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a few of those in my life as well.
So to those who say you can’t choose your family, I disagree. Because in my case, they chose me.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Oh your little baby with his sweet gloves is so so cute! I love this!
Thank you!!! I think he’s pretty cute too. 🙂 At least when he’s not crying.
Lots of love,
Wiles
OH I know enjoy those silent moment lay down and rest while you can! Gotta love them babies! 🙂
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You are a blessed dog to be in the family you are. Your family is the best and loving family ever, and I know you give them so much love and joy. And that goes both ways!
I think people call it give and take. Whatever it’s called, I like it a whole lot. 🙂
I agree Wiley they chose me as well.. We are blessed.. I have to work today and wear something new mom got for me.. We will see if I want to put up with it.
Inquiring minds are wondering about that something new your mom got for you…how did that go?
she took a picture and posted Mom says I am a trooper
Indeed you are friend. High paw!
Families are the best – even the family members who aren’t related, but friends who have become family by caring and love. There can never be too much pickle in the middle….
Love and licks,
Cupcake
There are families, and then there are Families. It takes a lot of work either way to keep the family together – love, patience and forgiveness.
I’ve just noticed what long legs little Carter has. Something tells me he’s going to be a tall boy one day.
Oh, and I agree with Cupcake; there can never be too much Pickle in the Middle 😉
love,
Lyn and Cally xx
You’re right as usual, dear Lyn. Love, patience and forgiveness have a way of making a family into a Family. And it’s not always easy, but admitting that goes so far toward more of those games of pickle in the middle. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
[…] happens at least a couple dozen times a day. I wish I could speak human. And, usually within a minute or two, something reminds me it’s okay I can’t. […]
Love today’s pictures, especially the one with you and Carter. It looks like you are supervising anyone who is holding Carter : ) It is good to be reminded of family, friends, and life’s blessings. Thanks Wiley!
More than one visitor has pointed out that I do have a way of protecting my dear little person. I can’t help it – he means a lot to my people so he means that much more to me.
Lots of love,
Wiles
You are part of our fam Wiles!!!! Love seeing beside baby Carter…ahhhh…these are times of such joy…You teach us all how special each day truly is…Enjoy that baby!!!!
I love being part of your family, dear friend! You yours are a special part of my day today. Thank you for warming my heart and bringing joy to my soul.
Lots of love,
Wiles
some very wise words Wiley … you are becoming a doggie-guru
x
Hello!!! It’s been a while! So nice to see you again, dear friend!
I’m with writetowag ~ you and the Schmidt family are a part of the Huntmode Family – we are a multi-state clan! Love all the HuntModes 🙂
I love this multi-state clan business! High paws all around! 🙂
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
What is your secret ingredient in your personal recipe for joy?
“Baby Wiley”, Yes!!, the term “Family”, is for me too a “generic” one, expands always when there is this “gluing-linking” ingredient, “Love”. And, also, “Blood Line Family” should be more than just a “Blood Line link”, that’s what we are talking about here…right??. “Family”, is suppose to be the “flock that one flies”, and “grows as a living loving Been” with, can include “sadly some times”, the blood line members or not, and the rest of living been in the Planet or not. What it has to be in common among this “Real Big Generic Family” members is “Love”. And “Yes”, Love, is a choice too,…and love can be sadly omitted actually inside the family-blood line link, and so out of this line link too. The lecture for all of us inhabitants of this earth, would be “love each other, as you would to be love”…right baby Wiley??. That’s why your “doggie kind”, and our “human kind”, are part of this “Big Family” that inhabits our “Planet Earth”, and that’s why we love so much each other “Wise, lovely, and dearly loved family member Wiley Schmidt, and even loved Beyond the Family Schmidt”….right??”….As some “one” said,….I think was “Dog Lyn”:…” A world without Wiley Schmidt? That’s a terrible thought “( God Forbid ),…..so,… “Please, never, ever be gone, and always remember each one of us, beyond “Family Schmidt”, out here”. “Hugs, love, and Barks”.