Show me the way to go home
I’m tired and I want to go to bed
I had a little drink about an hour ago, and it’s gone right to my head
Wherever I may roam
On land or sea or foam
You can always hear me singing this song
Show me the way to go home
When Lincoln woke from his naps he was greeted with eager tail wags and raucous wrestling. When he began to crawl, Lincoln often attempted to dive headfirst into the fray. When he watched me reward the dogs for not obliging his attempts to join them, Lincoln’s eyes searched for understanding and meaning behind the act. All these moments helping to build this ember up to a roaring blaze. I tended my little fire with a bellows made of two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, who between them fed Lincoln the air he needed to grow. There are many ways to build a fire, but this is the way I know. Lit by love, fueled by experience, stoked by the relentless vitality of dogs. Still, the darkness loomed. In February we rushed Lincoln to the ER for a sudden viral infection which threatened to close his airway. I once again felt that desire to cover my vulnerable light and protect it. But I remembered the lessons of Eko and Penny and Zero. The lessons which taught me the only thing worse than losing your light to darkness is smothering it yourself. So we rekindled the fire, feeding Lincoln all the sights and sounds and experiences we could offer. Mindful of the darkness, but never letting it get between us and our growing light. On the morning of Lincoln’s birthday this past Monday we took a family trip to the dog beach. For the first time in all our trips, Lincoln was not attached to me. While I waded out with Zero and Penny, Lincoln stood on his own next to Emily. He looked over his shoulder with a quizzical expression and laughed. Uncertain of what was going on, but delighted to be a part of the experience. In that at least, he takes after his father. I left Lincoln to discover the sand with his own feet and used mine to race the dogs across the shallows. When we’d exhausted ourselves, I turned back to shore and waved to Emily and Lincoln. The light showing me the way to go home. At one, Lincoln burns brighter than ever. He runs and smiles and plays with the wild verve of a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Although the AKC repeatedly refuses my attempts to register him as such, I like to think Penny and Zero have recognized him as an honorary member of the pack. As he begins to discover himself – at the beach and in this world – Lincoln will need that membership. The one which teaches him that even in darkness, even when choking, even when reduced to ash, we must sustain the fire that drives us. And when we cannot? Well, the family secret is that a dog is always willing to lend you a light. A light to help you find your way forward, and find your way home. I’m grateful to Eko, Zero and Penny for always lending their light to me. I feel even more fortunate to now share their gift with my son. Happy birthday, Link!
oh that was a wonderful post… Happy Birthday Lincoln…. and may the power of the light will be with you furever and ever…. btw: I googled that too… you wre right… the first sentence I saw was: “It can sometimes be downright boring for both of you. “… oh man mr. google… you know nothing about the light….
Happy Birthday Lincoln…..you know that old saw about “light of my life” ? Well, it applies here and everywhere – I believe light is everywhere if you look for it. Lincoln, Emily and the pups, as well as your other family are lighting the way for ALL of you to have a wonderful life. “Let there be light”…..always in your hearts.
Hugs, Pam and Teddy too
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs (visit to ERs) of your little/big man over this fast, past year. Here’s to more adventures for your family!! Happy Birthday Lincoln
Happy birthday little guy – you are lucky little man with such a mom, dad and 4 legged siblings – revel in it!
great post
Happy birthday, little buddy! Your doggie siblings are gorgeous, but happily, you look more like your daddy than you look like them. Have a great year! Terrible twos are just a year away! JK. There’s no such thing….
Oh Will, I m sure Lincoln feels like a Ridgeback n I more than certain that Penny n Zero have signed him up as a member of the gang,clan,family totally n fully accepted. Lincoln looked so cute sitting by Emily with the expression n outfit on. Just out of this world adorable. happy Birthday Lincoln. Wishing you all the happiness in the world with these guys. Hugs
Furbulous!
3 bum swings! 3 more!
Happy Barkday Lincoln!
May your light grow stronger each day.
Nose nudges,
CEO Olivia
Some answers have to come from within!
Thank you! With this crew we’ll always be able to keep the fire burning
Thanks!
Thankfully you don’t need to understand what’s going on in order to enjoy it!
Oh yes, our little dino already has quite the roar. Why wait until 2?
Thanks so much!
Maybe Emily had something to do with this also?
This is truly a heartwarming story of Lincoln’s first year. Well done Will. Zero and Penny clearly love the little guy, and will protect him always. And Lincoln’s smile seems brighter in pictures that include the four-legged kids!
You and Emily have done a terrific job of blending baby and dogs into one happy, healthy, loving family.
Happy Birthday Lincoln. You are so lucky because you are so loved. Have a wonderful time learning about life through the eyes of Zero and Penny….best teachers ever!
Ginger
Thanks so much! I may not know what I’m doing, but between Emily and the dogs I think Link is in good hands/paws.
I read this smiling. Every word, lit up my day. Thank you!
Happy Birthday Link!
The magic of the first year learning together! May the pups & boy continue to show you to the light! Remember to enjoy every step of the way.
Belated but nonetheless heartfelt and warm birthday wishes for your little ‘dino-mite’ kidlet. With the fur siblings, you and Emily, he’s in good paws and hands.
Wonderful! Thanks for the visuals of your “pack”. Cheers.
I am sooo happy I held on to this! Happy Happy Belated Birthday Link and boy oh boy do you ever look like your Daddy! Soooo beautiful! I can barely believe it has been a year already! What a lucky boy to have such a creative, sensitive and loving family……..the photos are delightful, just amazing! Letting the dogs lead the way certainly proved NOT to be a bad thing! Can’t wait til Link is talking!