Life's Precious Moments

Life is full of surprises… It is comprised of the smallest to biggest surprises and moments that make a huge impact. My life has been a series of ups and downs. It’s a roller coaster ride full of emotions, experiences, and learning. I’ve been in my lowest of lows and the highest of high in life… I fell several times but still rose and show the world how brave I am. What is interesting and exciting is that as I navigate and journey this marvelous and topsy-turvey road called “Life”, I just don’t have the love of my life to hold my hand but I have these two amazing friends that I will call my “light and joy”. A big part of how I define life and love in a much more meaningful and purposeful paradigm is through my adorable and wonderful pets, Duke and Patent. Duke, a nine-year (9) old black Labrador is a very sweet, loving, and protective dog while the other one, Patent, is an almost two (2) year old Maltipoo. He is wonderfully sweet, mischievous at times, and very playful. They’re completely opposite in terms of their attitude and characteristics but they are both the bringer of joy, entertainment, and color in our family. Welcome to Familia Medeiros! And let me share with you the precious memories I have with these cute and oh-so-adorable babies we have.

Last year, my husband and I found out that we are expecting. It is a whirlwind and mixture of emotions. We’ve been waiting and waiting for this great blessing. It’s full of excitement and happiness. A part of it is also that a bundle of joy will be added to our family. We will no longer just be “fur parents” but parents to a wonderful baby. They shared our joy, barked, and were thrilled as we also jumped in so much joy. But this new chapter in our lives is not an easy experience. As months go by, I had a very rough and challenging first trimester of my pregnancy. I had severe morning sickness that made me weak and I wasn’t able to eat properly. Through these tough times, aside from my husband and mother, Duke and Patent became my source of strength and bliss. I lost weight, became so weak and it’s been a challenge for me to function normally in my daily activities. They are always beside me in bed, showing love and support in their own way. Every time I am sick, I am throwing up and have a hard time with dizziness and nausea, both of them are on my side. They never left me, they’re always on my side looking after me wherever I go- may it be in the bathroom, kitchen, bed, or living room. Also, as my mother went back to my home country, and I have to face this journey on my own, they became my support. Having my family far away from me is hard, they are the ones that keep me company and feel happy. During times that I cry because of pain and also when I feel down and low…in times where I have anxieties and breakdowns, or when I feel like life’s struggles are too heavy to carry, they cheered me up and showed me the biggest smile they can ever give to make me realize that there is a rainbow after the rain. These past months have been very challenging and hard for me as I journey through pregnancy with gestational diabetes. There is physical and emotional pain in each prick and administer of insulin four times a day. During these moments my husband and I with Duke and Patent supported me. It’s funny but heartwarming that they’re beside me as my support each time I need to have insulin. When they feel like I am being overwhelmed and pressured by life’s realities, their playfulness and smile touch my heart and make me smile. They lay near my tummy and looked at me with joy and admiration which makes me feel like I am empowered and I can do this. Whenever I am cooking our meal, they usually sit and looked at me, excited to see what is the menu and those puppy eyes make my heart melt and also make me happy no matter how tired, in pain, or exhausted I am in a day. The walks in the park we had, the playtime and training as well as our bonding moments are glimpses of realization showing me that life is not just about the grandest and brightest things all the time, it is with these little moments…these simple acts and small things that will really make you happy and appreciate life more. Life is beautiful with pets and they are one of the world’s great treasures.

With these precious moments and even now that I am about to give birth in a few months, I realized a lot of things about Love, Friendship, and Life in totality. Duke and Patent showed me a different version of happiness and love. A love that love transcends beyond human interaction and relationships. That love... is expressed in many ways more than just words. Love is looking at their eyes and seeing how the connection and affection you have with them can change even the saddest and gloomiest day you have. They don’t speak our language but the love language they show is more than enough for you to feel you are loved and important. They added spice and color to our lives. They are not just pets or dogs for us… they are a part of the family that we will forever treasure and take care of. In our family’s adventures, in our happy and sad times, challenges, and phases…they’re our constants. Bringing joy and warm feelings to our hearts. Both of them became a part of our growth as well by being there in each moment of our lives- from Friendship, Relationship, Marriage, and Parenthood. We are excited as in a few months as we welcome our baby girl, Athena… she will also meet her brothers Duke and Patent and it will surely be an amazing time in Familia Medeiros. Cheers to more memories and happiness!