June 24, 2010
purpose n. – The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal.
Living a life of passion requires knowing what your purpose in life is, and sometimes life has a way of gently reminding us of what our purpose is. I was reminded yesterday as I sat with two friends, Drs. Christine Hardy and Barb Biller, during a visit to Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center.
The last time I was here was on October 21, 2009,
and now I found myself in the parking lot talking to the air, and my four legged friend who was no longer there, trying to summon the courage to open the car door, place one foot in front of the other and courageously walk through that familiar set of double doors. It was far from easy and the feelings that flooded to the surface as I made my way through the first set of doors, brought an old familiar choke, which started a steady stream of tears that seemed to flow from out of nowhere. I collected myself, before anyone could see me, and proceeded through the next set of doors, where I stood smiling before the receptionist and calmly asked for Dr. Biller. For a moment it seemed as though I might make it through the rest of the visit without any more tears, until I was asked if I was there to pick up my dog. It caught me off guard, and smiling through glossy eyes I shook my head “no” as I turned to take a seat in the waiting room, just like so many times before, only this time all alone. I took in all that was familiar as the walls enveloped me, and I yearned for that strange comforting feeling that they used to bring.
Barb and I have kept in contact, but it had been a year since I last saw her, and her welcoming embrace meant more than she’ll ever know. We had lunch together and I took a tour of the hospital through parts I had never been, getting an up close look at the “behind the scenes” of the Animal Cancer Center that had become so much a part of my world and will be forever more.
I finally got to meet Christine Hardy, Director of Operations, and another incredible asset to the Animal Cancer Center. She was also the force behind adding Cain’s story to their website, which was a tremendous honor when I was at one of my lowest points. We became friends before we ever met, having only spoken on the phone and through emails, and she was exactly as I had imagined. She shared much information on the history of the center, as well as the many ways funding is utilized. There are so many ways to help, and every little bit goes a long way, which brings me to how this all began.
As I’ve said before, I have a passion for dogs. When I founded Wishcuit, I had a dream to have a business and life that centered around dogs. I wanted to be able to spend more time with my own while in the process, being able to help dogs in need. Losing my best friend to cancer was never part of that dream, nor was the Animal Cancer Center. With that said, I still firmly believe that there is purpose behind all that happens in our lives. 
Though I didn’t know it at the time, on that second day of April 2008, my purpose was being laid out right before my eyes, and with the love from one very special dog and equally special friends, I’ve realized the meaning behind my life and Cain’s. The passion comes easy, and now I know that love never dies, it just keeps adding up.
Find your purpose; you’ll find your passion!
