In life, you have to rejoice in the little wins 

Mine, today, actually involved some kids

And my Golden retriever 

As a first-time expectant mother, sometimes my confidence is meager 

Me and my pup went to the park this afternoon

The sun was bright but the humidity low

A treat for June 

Here in southeastern Virginia, I hope you know 

We trotted the dirt path behind the baseball fields 

Then crossed over 

Something about wide open pasture appeals

Two young kids, maybe 7 or 8, seemed to think the same

They ran toward us and asked to pet Billy 

He approached them too and I said he was friendly 

The little girl leaned in to hug him 

The boy reached his arm in to touch him 

Billy’s ears went down and back 

He leaned in to that little girl

Oh, if dogs could laugh

The little girl did 

So’d the other kid

She asked if Billy could chase them 

I said he was waitin’

The kids took off through the baseball field 

Billy followed, full of zeal

His giant paws stomped and his smile was ear to ear as he romped 

The two kids giggled 

When Billy caught up 

Then I ran and he chased me 

I’m pretty sure God was looking down smiling

The little boy finally said, “We have to go back to our parents now”

Billy seemed to take a bow 

The girl gave him one final hug 

Billy reveled in the moment

I’m pretty sure Golden retrieves are synonymous with love

And I thought to myself, I hope my daughter loves dogs too

What a beautiful time at the park on a nice day in June