Good Things Come
To Those Who Wait...Patiently
When I was a child, I constantly asked my parents for a dog. When letting me down, their bottom line was always the same—a gentle “not right now” response that was usually accompanied by a different response: ”You’re not going to want to take it for a walk when it’s raining,” “You won’t be able to go on vacation,” “Who will take care of it when you’re not home?” “Food and vet visits aren’t cheap...” Then they’d remind me that if I still wanted a dog when I was an adult, I was welcome to get one when I could afford to take care of it and all the responsibilities that go along with it myself.
My parents were consistent in their responses, but I was consistent in my desire. Whenever I asked them about getting a dog, I did so with excitement and conviction, hoping each time I asked would be the one time they would finally change their minds. I always acted as if I had never asked before and as if they would never dare entertain the idea of saying no to their only daughter. Despite being disappointed each time they did say no, I always held onto my desire knowing that, one day, my wish would come true. As a teenager, and, eventually, as an adult, I kept on believing that the perfect little dog would find its way into my life. It was so important to me—so strong a desire—that I never gave up and never stopped wanting a dog of my own.
As I got older, I didn’t rush to get a dog just because I could. As an adult, I embarked on a steady career. I was able to make my own decisions and take on responsibilities that I chose. But even though the “want” for a dog was still there, I knew I couldn’t just run out and get one. After literally waiting for decades, there was no way I was going to make a hasty decision and settle for just any dog. I wouldn’t allow myself to just get a dog simply because nobody could tell me that I couldn’t.
I was in my thirties by the time my wish finally came true. Just as I used to wish for and think about getting a dog every single day before I got Riley, I now say a prayer of thanks for her every day. Just the other day, I was gently swaying forward and backward in a rocking chair with Riley in my arms, her face pressed up softly against my chest. We rocked in perfect rhythm as she quietly fell asleep, completely content in my arms. With closed eyes, I thanked God for her and was reminded of yet another lesson Riley has taught me: Good things come to those who wait.
Adopting a dog wasn’t part of a passing phase or some sort of instant gratification for me. It was something I yearned for my entire life and I knew when my wish finally came true, I would be totally devoted to the dog that was meant for me. I knew she’d be worth the wait. That’s the way I’ve always felt and it’s what I truly believe. I’m glad my parents continuously, though gently, turned me down when I was a child. When Riley and I finally found our way to each other all those years later, it was absolutely the perfect time and she was absolutely the perfect dog for me.
I never stopped wishing I’d eventually have my own dog. I just knew I had to be patient and not force the situation. I had to wait for the dog that was meant just for me. It took thirty-two years, but every time I hold her in my arms and rock her to sleep, I’m actually grateful that it took so long because no other dog could affect me the way she has. Riley is better than I ever hoped for, wished for, or believed I would find. Riley is so incredibly unique and special to me. She fills a part of my heart and my life that no other dog ever could. She was made for me and I was made for her.
Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who wait patiently.