A Good Time To Heal

When is the best time to heal? Many would say that it depends on what you're healing from. Illness, injury, emotional duress...there are a myriad of reasons we might need some healing in our lives. I would argue that you do not choose healing. Healing chooses YOU.

If you've ever spent time at our rescue, you've met Tyson. His personality is giant. His gentleness is epic. His swagger - legendary. He definitely seemed well adjusted, confident, and put together. Not an animal in need of healing. And then life had other plans.

Tyson was attacked by dogs on Friday, 4/3/26. That also happens to be my birthday, so we were headed out of town for the day. Only our 13 year old was home, ironically enough because he had some healing he unexpectedly needed as well. The call was chilling. The normally cool, collected young man was sobbing, his words barely discernable through his choking cries. Tyson was bleeding. He was hurt. "I think he's dying, Mom. Please come home."

We asked him to go to the neighbor's house and knock on the door. Thank God someone was home - we were an hour away. We have the BEST neighbors. He came right over and FaceTimed us so we could assess the damage. It was extensive, mostly surrounding ears and neck, and although he was not dying in that moment, it was clear the situation was serious. We called our vet, and headed home. In those kinds of moments, nothing else matters. Plans get rescheduled. Everything else stops.

Our son sat with Tyson for the entire hour it took us to get back home (ok, it was less than an hour. Don't watch our spedometer in an emergency!). He gave him water and some treats. They started healing, together, right then and there. They made a bond that will never be broken while they sat in the dirt together, Tyson's bleeding head in our son's lap. Even after the adults took over, that 13 year old was the first hero, and Tyson knew it. We all knew it.

Healing continues for Tyson. Many sutures, and many wounds that could not be sewn back together. His ears are tattered and will never look the same. He might have hearing damage. But we will support him and help him heal from his wounds as completely as possible. We will never, ever give up on Tyson, and yet our son has been his biggest cheerleader. He has been helping us give him his medicine, but most importantly, he continues to be the rock that makes Tyson know he's safe. His boy was there for him, and continues to be. That kind of healing isn't the kind we choose. That's what I mean when I say it chooses us - it finds the connections we need the most when we least expect it and lays them at our feet. Or in our lap. It isn't always pretty. Sometimes it's bloody and dirty. We don't choose that either.

What are you healing in your life right now? Is it something you've had to deal with for a long time, or something more sudden and unexpected that you didn't anticipate healing from? Whatever it is, there's never a "good time" to heal. It's just simply THE TIME to heal. Always, every day. Trauma, chronic illness, abuse, mental illness, devastating injuries - these things happen without warning, without consent; but they don't have to define you. You can define them. Many medical professionals don't understand healing. They toss medications out to manage symptoms, but they don't dig deep enough to find the root of the problem. It isn't really their fault, our system is built to make healing fail. The truth is, you know yourself best, and medical providers don't need to have heirarchy over your wellness. You can guide them with your own self-knowledge of what's best for you. Transfer the expertise - you deserve to be the leader and in control of your own health and healing. Just like our 13 year old took charge that fateful Friday, take charge of what needs healing in your life. If you would like guidance, support, or help on your journey, feel free to reach out. Unleash your curiosity!