Tears of Joy

I woke up this morning at my low for the week... or so I thought. Then, I took my organic exam. Talk about defeat! I thought my day was permanently stuck at the bottom.

    I sulked to work and started studying for my next exam. Once I arrived and was sitting outside my classroom, staring out at the river, I saw a pair of dolphins.  They were swimming out to the bay, but then they seemed to get confused and swim in circles... as if to stop and say hi.
    I took my parasitology exam and walked out feeling.... like I achieved something. The exam was nowhere near as hard as I expected.
    I decided to sit with a friend by the river for a while. I checked my email and saw that the volunteer newsletter for the shelter was sent out. Two things:

1. Every week, there is a shout out in the newsletter. This week, it was for me. :)

"This week, the adoption staff would like to give a SHOUT OUT to volunteer Brittany Mielcarek. Brittany's favorite job is dog companion. You will see her most Saturdays and Sundays, no matter the weather, making sure that every dog gets outside. She's great with the dogs and she's great with new volunteers! She helps me so much in mentoring our new volunteers. Thank you Brittany for your dedication and all of your hard work! You are a rock star!!"

     This was followed by a google image #1 ribbon. :) I was so happy to see this. I love what I do there and I would never ask for recognition, but it's always nice when you hard work means something to others.

     2.  Gizmo is a dog who lived at the shelter for over 3 months. He was adopted once but returned. This week, HE WENT HOME!!!!!!!!!! He is such a sweet boy and he deserves to be loved everyday. Thank you, whoever you are, for taking him home. I can't wait for you two to live a happy life together and add something special to each others life.

    When I read that Gizmo went home, I threw my head back and screamed it out. I am so excited for him! To follow both of these amazing events, Eva Dupay (one of the sweetest people ever) threw in a comment that made me smile. 

"I'm so glad you're in this world. We need people like you."

     To know that the things I do make a difference, to know that I have an affect on people, to know that who I am makes a difference.......

    With all of these things combined, I couldn't help but cry tears of joy!! This has been the most stressful week of the semester, and one of my worst days..... but today had a different plan for me. 

     After everything, I'm supposed to be happy. :)