It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. Joy. From the ground up, I’ve found it in one of its most simplest forms. And I feel a little bit guilty since I was a kind of resentful of it at first. Because I hated that it wasn’t me anymore. I was no longer the primary source of joy in my forever home. In a way, I have been replaced.
But today I realized that I’m okay with that. I still get plenty of cuddles. I still bring plenty of joy. But now it’s Carter’s turn to be the master of joy in our home. Over the last 10 weeks since he’s been around, I have taken the secondary role in the house. When people come to visit, it’s not me they are coming to see. It’s Carter. When people come to snuggle, it’s not me they are coming to cuddle. It’s Carter.
Tonight I heard the words spoken that I already knew to be true. “Carter is like an anti-depressant,” my mom’s friend Dorian said. “Who needs Xanax when you can hold a baby?” I’ve known the power of touch to be pretty special since I was a young pup. I love the power of a good cuddle, not just for me but for whoever I am cuddling. But to hear it spoken aloud that honestly, that openly, was truly refreshing.
I think that can be hard for people to do sometimes. To say what they are really feeling. Sometimes its hard enough to feel what they are really feeling, especially when it’s not something positive. Like when you’re lonely. Or sad. Or (gasp, I know it happens to everyone sometimes) depressed. But it takes a level of honesty to admit these things, and that is the same sort of openness that lets the good in. As tough as it can be to be emotionally vulnerable, being just that allows the good in with the bad.
I would know. It would be very easy to let all of this bother me. As if baby Carter is somehow stealing my joy mojo. Instead, I was reminded today that it brings me the sincerest form of joy. Because it’s that special kind of joy that warms an entire room. I’ve always believed joy is best when it is shared, and this is no exception to that rule. In a way I have been replaced. But I’m okay with that.
I think Elizabeth Green said it best. “Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.”
Wiley's Wisdom 
OH I love seeing your sweet face momma and that sweet sweet boy! and of course your Wiley! He’s precious!
Thank you so much for your kind words!!! 🙂
So cute ! you all are. Blessed indeed. 🙂
Thank you!!!
I knew you would see it like that Wiles, knowing how your heart works now. Being jealous does not help anyone so sharing the joy is the best way. Wiles you are not less loved, the love is being shared between you and Carter. As you say you are his big brother. That is how a brother should feel, being happy and proud. One day Carter will play with you and it will be an amazing time sharing even more with your little brother. High five Wiles, you are truly a great dog with an amazing heart!
Dear friend,
Your words ring true and are so thoughtful. Thank you, as always, for bringing truth and insight to my day. Also, I just remembered that there is a very special sweater that might be close to fitting growing baby Carter soon! I’d better check on that. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Every single one of those pictures has someone smiling – big awed smiles – not the smiles saved for having your picture taken, but awed smiles that someone so small is real and here in their arms, breathing, sleeping and doing less savory baby things. Count on it, Wyles – they will snatch you up in heartbeat for a cuddle when it comes time to change the diapers – give it a bit. Grin. HuntMode
You’re very wise, dear HuntMode. I know people sometimes use fake smiles for the camera, but that was certainly not the case in any of these photos. I also love your mention of the less savory baby things. Poor baby Carter has been doing a lot of that today…fooftering primarily. It’s a stink cloud around him and still he brings joy. Now that’s a talent!!