Thumper

It’s been three months since my wife almost died of complications from flu pneumonia. February 3 we watched our beloved New England Patriots win a defensive showdown in Super Bowl 53 for their sixth championship, and less than a week later, she was on life support.

The tale of her illness and remarkable recovery has been told and retold multiple times. There’s a hymn with the phrases, “Here I raise my Ebenezer (which means roughly, ‘stone of remembrance’), hither by Thy help I’m come. And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.” Retelling of my wife’s recovery is our Ebenezer, because it is solely by the grace and mercy of Almighty God that Laurel is with us. He healed her lungs and kidneys; He brought her home to us, and we rejoice in His provision for our family.

Her recovery continues apace, with physical and occupational therapy at our home. When she was still hospitalized, though, I went to see her one day and shared with her a matter that had been on my heart for quite some time: “I think it’s time for us to get a dog.”

She was pleased to hear me say that, because she was going to tell me the same thing, and I was the one member of the family that hadn’t agreed with the idea up to that point in time. Laurel was the only member of the family that had had dogs before. Michael, our 11-year old, loves all animals (and kids), but he’s allergic to cats. Christian, our 13-year old, loves the idea of having a dog, but has been leery of jumpy dogs in the past, and we needed just the right kind of animal for our small house and busy road to make our plan work.

Meet Thumper. He’s a mixture of American Eskimo, Pomeranian, and Pekingese. He’s about a year old, and he weighs about 15 pounds. He’s calm, but likes to run a little. He likes cuddling with each family member. And as of May 8, 2019, he’s ours. Welcome to the family, Thumper. I think our time with you will benefit all of us.