Sometimes we need someone to be truly present with us. It is indeed a gift to have people in our life who are caring and attentive. This morning I was feeling a bit under the weather so I stayed in bed longer than usual. Despite the fact that Tanner’s needs had been met because a kind friend came over early to let him outside and feed him, my very sociable service dog didn’t seem to like the idea that I was resting and not interacting with him. Tanner repeatedly nudged me and tapped me with his paw. He seemed discontent until I got up and could focus more on him. It was not sufficient that we were in the same room because I was not alert. This incident caused me to consider that occupying the same space is inadequate for someone to feel connected. In addition, as I thought about what it means to be genuinely present, I realized that present is another one of those words with more than one meaning. (I mention the obvious because in previous posts I had discussed homonyms.) Accordi...
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