The Good in Unprecedented Times

I think we can all agree that there is plenty of negative going on around the world right now and I can tell you we have had our fair share of struggles these last couple months....big struggles.  But today we had a glimmer of hope.  We were able to see some of the very good that is coming out of this very odd period of time.

Over the last couple months we have seen Charlie and Sunny's bond grow right before our eyes and we didn't even know it.  Since the boys have been doing school from home and our family has been home now more than ever, Sunny and Charlie are with each other 24/7.  They don't have the 6 hours a day apart from one another while Charlie is at school.  Of course, they get small breaks from one another when Sunny goes outside for some alone time or when Charlie is riding bike, etc.  But for the most part, they are together all of the time right now.  And it's only improved their relationship.

Today we got out of the house to explore a nearby state park with tons of hiking, a waterfall and space to run, climb, jump and do whatever it is that little boys need to do to get their wiggles out.  This is the second time the boys have gone out beyond walks and bike rides in the last 2 months.  We all needed this day.

Usually when we're in public with Sunny, either Tyler or I will handle Sunny, with Charlie by her side, since she is still much bigger than Charlie is and easily outweighs him by almost 50 pounds. Every once in awhile Charlie will practice being Sunny's handler when Tyler and I are near to help, but Charlie often loses interest quickly.  Today was different.  Half way into our hike I inadvertently dropped Sunny's leash.  Charlie picked up her leash and away they went.  They walked a little ways in front of Tyler and I and he never handed her leash back the entire time we were at the park (easily over an hour).

The fact that Charlie wanted to handle Sunny floored me, but you know what was even better?  Sunny was amazing.  I know she shouldn't surprise me any more, but she does.  You see, while I was handling Sunny just moments before, she wasn't walking the best for me.  She is a well trained dog and knows how to heal, but it just wasn't happening the greatest at that time.  The moment Charlie took her leash she was by his side and walked beautifully with him.  There it is...that bond.  We've noticed other little things these past few weeks with these two.  Like how Sunny hates it when Charlie is out of sight.  If she's outside with him while he's playing and Charlie rides his bike down the sidewalk or runs around the side of the house, Sunny will position herself so he is within sight and she can see where he is going.  So, these last couple of months may not have been the easiest, but I think there has been some good that has come from it.  These two....they're becoming two peas in a pod.