Losing Remmy: What I learned about parenting from losing our family dog) Ep 269

It was a tough one. We lost one of our dogs this week. His name was Remington, a full-size Australian Shepherd, and he was the troublemaker of the pack in the best way. Dug holes next to the foundation, ripped screens, played defensive back against the German Shepherd whenever anyone threw a frisbee. He was a character.About five months ago he started losing weight. Then more weight. By the end he was down to 30 pounds from 70. We did what we could, but eventually the vet told us it was time to think about helping him pass with dignity. So we had the vet come to the house, my neighbor dug a grave, and we all said goodbye together as a family.My four kids are 19, 17, 14, and six felt it...hard. What I didn't expect was how much I'd learn watching them grieve. There's something that happens in hard moments that you just can't manufacture in the good ones. You find out how your kids care for each other. You find out who they are when things hurt. And if you slow down enough to be present, you teach them more in those moments than you could on any vacation or at any milestone.I'm naturally task oriented. My default is to make a decision and execute. But I made myself slow down this time and just let things unfold. My wife has  years teaching me how to do that better over our almost 24 years of marriage. I grew up in a house where you moved through things, you didn't sit in them. That shaped who I am in ways I didn't always notice.I think the people who spend their lives avoiding hard things or suppressing them end up carrying more damage than the ones who let themselves feel it. Grief isn't the problem. Avoiding grief is the problem.We're still not through it. I recorded this the day after. My six year old came downstairs with a big frown and asked why Remmy had to die. I didn't have a perfect answer. But I do have hope. Hope that one day all the broken things get made right. That's what gets me through. That's what lets you move forward with love instead of just moving forward.Grateful you're here. These things are happening in your life too. I hope you find hope like we did.Pursue Clarity, Paul.Connect with me at www.pauljdaly.comCheck out the More Than Cars Movement here.