April 29, 2022

 "Zsofia told me I should ask you who YoYoMa is," Roman came and sat next to me. "She said that he is my Special Guardian Angel and joined the White Dog Army 11 years ago. Before ANY of us were here.

I rubbed Roman's ears like I used to Yo's. "This is his photo. He came to us from California with his own sad story and diminishing sight. Being a part of this incredible boy's adjustment to being blind taught me so much about disability and how much can be overcome with determination and loving support. Like you, he was An Extra Special Boy who knew when I needed kisses or for him to lean against my leg. With no warning he got very sick with IMHA and though he fought like a Ninja, he lost the battle. Zsofia was just a puppy when that happened."

"Why me?" Roman asked. "Why did Zso say he was my Angel? Is it because I look like him?" 

"You do look a bit similar but that is not why. When you came on our radar I was immediately drawn to you but I worried that I was not skilled enough with three-legged dogs or ones who had come from a past like yours. It made me doubt whether we would be a good choice for you. And then when the unspeakable happened it was YoYoMa who came to me in a dream and made the case that here, in the White Dog Army, was the most perfect place in the world for you to heal and find love. And YoYoMa knew forgiveness would be necessary from not just me but even more, Dad.  He believed in us to be the able to take the chance and trust again...just like you were being asked to do. 

"It has been YoYoMa who I turn to when I need to understand your behavior and how to help you. That boy has the most amazing trust in my...actually BOTH of our...abilities to keep moving forward. Like you are doing with learning to accept Lilly; you have come so far, dearest boy, and such advancements NEVER happen without an Army of Love from both sides of the Bridge to shore us up. Know he is there for you always."