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Meet LCM’s New-Found Mascot:

“G E M M A”    

When Love Finds You

by Jessica Wilson

An early morning walk at sunrise is a normal part of our daily routine. On Monday morning, however, our routine didn’t go as intended. Our regular tasks seemed to take an extra amount of time and energy and we didn’t make it out the door until an hour and a half past our usually time.  We took our regular route but as we came to the end of our street and prepared to cross the busy intersection that divides our neighborhood from the walking path a furry little black puppy jumped off the edge of the opposite curb and bounced into the road. I hurriedly pushed my baby across the street and raced back to scoop up the puppy. After we were all safely out of the way of oncoming traffic I began to investigate and discovered that the puppy had no collar or identification tag, there was no owner rushing frantically towards us to claim her, and we were located at an intersection that joined three large housing subdivisions.

Not knowing what else to do I cradled the puppy in my arms, pushed my baby back across the street, and headed for home. Over the next week we did all of the things that you are supposed to do in order to return a lost dog to its rightful owners. We made several postings on internet lost and found websites, we called the local veterinarian offices, and we spoke with everyone we met about what had happened. Throughout these efforts, however, a subtle change was beginning to happen within our home. The puppy we had found was beginning to demonstrate a nature of soft gentleness and a desire to play with our baby that delighted and entertained all of us. During the day she followed me around as I did my daily tasks and snuggled contentedly into my lap after I put the baby down for his nap. In the evenings she would dance about excitedly when my husband returned home from work and then settle herself on his feet as he worked at the computer.

Each new day brought some new discovery of happiness as the puppy that we named Gemma won our hearts and settled into our home. The remarkable thing is that not only did our little Gemma add to the love within our home, but she also helped establish a sense of friendship and community within our neighborhood that we haven’t experienced before. Her soft puppy cuddliness and friendly interest in others appear to be irresistible to everyone who sees her and we have met new people and formed new friendships that are valuable and precious to us. Gemma has taught us that sometimes life is full of happy surprises. And sometimes an ordinary day can be transformed into an extraordinary day when love finds you at an unexpected intersection.

“G  E  M  M  A”

© Anya Sophia Mann

© Anya Sophia Mann

© Anya Sophia Mann

© Anya Sophia Mann

Jessica Wilson is a stay-at-home mommy who enjoys playing with her baby, teaching piano lessons, and writing children's stories. She is also an avid blogger who keeps track of her family's adventures at http://wilsonfamily-jessica.blogspot.com/