It’s New Year’s Eve here in New Zealand, and I’m at home on Windfola with my loving little Zia . . .
A New Year's Miracle!
I’ve heard of holiday miracles, but never New Year’s miracles...?!?
Last night I received word that results were in for all of salty dog Zia’s tests and I could pick her up today!!! 😮😍
Kind new local friends lent me wheels to make the long drive (on the left side of the road—eeep!) to the facility south of Auckland. I brought Zia’s favorite toys, and found out where the nearest place to run free was. At 1 PM on the dot, they gave her back to me... and I have never seen her eyes so big or her grin so wide!!! She took an hour to calm down enough to start the drive to the park. When we got there, she ran and ran and ran, and I think my heart exploded with happiness. ❤️🐶❤️
This journey has its ups and downs, and I learn so much from all of it, but I am so so so thankful for this beautiful, soaring high up of a day! Reunited with my partner, I feel whole again, and ready for all the joys and challenges of 2020. Wishing everyone a new year full of miracles and big smiles! xo 🙏💕😘⛵️
Christmas and Zia in Quarantine
Christmas was lonely this year without my little one, who is still in quarantine and not permitted visitors. I stole away to some remote bays without cellular data to spend quiet time with my tears, both for Zia and for my mom, whose birthday is Christmas Day. Even though she passed when I was little, I feel her absence and her presence with me every day, and most acutely this time of year. This year, I felt Zia’s absence too, but beneath the tears I felt overwhelming gratitude for both of them, because their love is part of the foundation for my strength to cross oceans.
I don’t believe we can really accomplish anything in this life alone—I know I don’t! It’s the love of others that fills our sails, and we just take the helm. Thank you, Mom, Zia, and all, for your love and support. Because that is what really matters this season, and all the year through. ❤️🙏🐶
