Hi there, 

I hope you're doing well today. Well, I have some good and encouraging news to share with you. Let me start by asking you this simple question. Have you ever dreamed of something you wanted that you could see it and even taste it, but suddenly, it slipped away for reasons beyond your control? Did this experience destroy your hopes, or did it make you strive to get it back. Well, I'm about to tell you a family story that is 40 years in the making.

Introducing, "SMOKEY," our new dog! My husband has always talked about having a German Shepard since the first day we met twenty-two years ago. He said this particular breed was owned by his neighbors when he was a teenager in Nigeria. Playing with "Smokey" everyday after school from 4-6pm was a delight for him and his siblings. As an adult, he wanted to get a dog, but decided to wait till after he had a family. As a couple, we planned to have a dog after our boys had turned ten years old. We chose the age of ten because they would be older, stronger, and will bond well with the new addition. Also, they would be able to handle the responsibility of caring for a large dog (we'll make them think that.)  Having a German Shepard is something my boys also wanted since they were toddlers because they wanted something "big" to play with besides each other. Unbeknownst to us, that dream was not going to come true. 

(This is the image I used as reference to create “Smokey”)

Unfortunately, when my boys both turned ten years old, my husband's health had taken a turn and he had to start dialysis. The dream of having a pet of any kind was out the window. It was tough at first and the thought of a dog was the least of my concerns. My boys, on the other hand, needed to understand why getting a dog couldn't replace dad running around with them. You see, when undergoing dialysis at home, the environment always has to be clean and sterile. Having a dog or pet would make that impossible thus, exposing my husband to infection. So, we sat our boys down one day and explained the consequences of having a pet in a manner they could understand. To my surprise, they were very receptive and immediately understood. In fact, I remember them refusing to visit anyone that had dogs, cats, or any kind of animal because they wanted, "Dad to be safe." How conscientious of them. 

(This is “Lulu,” Smokey’s companion I painted for myself)

So, fast forward to 2020, my husband has my kidney and we're almost four months post-op. I've been secretly making plans to get two puppies, but I was in for a rude awakening. We still cannot have dogs. What!??? Yes,... that's the truth. We can't have a dog because my beloved is immunosuppressive. Yup. Did you know that when your immunosuppressive, you're not supposed to have pets? I just learnt that. I thought after the surgery, we could finally get our own German Shepard. I even planned on getting myself a female Golden Retriever who I planned to call, "Lulu." Unfortunately, that dream couldn't come true too.   

(Image used to create “Lulu”.)

However, the other day, I had an idea. Why didn't I think of this years ago? As they say, God's time is the best. So, I did something completely unexpected and out of the box. I went ahead and painted this German Shepard and I surprised my husband with it a couple of days ago. He was visibly moved and touched. I asked him what name he wanted to call it. He said, "Smokey" after his childhood pet. I showed him Lulu and he laughed and said, "Thank God I don't have to worry about feeding these extra mouths." That's our household humor for you.  

Anyway, I hope this act and experience encourages you to never give up on your dreams and to never give-up hope. Your dreams can still come true regardless of the doctor's report, obstacles, or challenges you may face. It might not happen the exact way you had planned, but you will live to enjoy the "new" and improved version of it. This is why I'm sharing this story with you and I hope it puts a smile on your face today.

Until next time, remain safe and God bless!

-TEMI