The Strength Of My Clients Is In Their Hearts
May has been transformative to say the least. Two clients in particular, demonstrated enormous courage and strength – not only through fitness, but in how they treat others. When I started in-home training, I got to meet spouses, kids, neighbors, and pets. In one case, I got to meet a little tabi with an adorable face and a great personality. He would sit quietly, happy to relax while his “mom” knocked out lunges, squats and push-ups. His face made me smile. As she exercised, she told me about his habits and the funny things he did growing up. Her stories were great and it was clear to me how much she loves the little guy. I don’t think she knows how much her love of this cat shows on her face.
Across town lives another client with two of the cutest dogs! They bark and yelp when I pull up, so he let’s them see me and immediately, they calm right down. They’re my welcoming committee. Tiny but strong, their “dad” takes fantastic care of them and it shows. Yet not far from his house lived a couple who were neglecting a black cat. It pained my client to watch this poor cat waste away, his black hair falling out. So when the couple decided to move, he left a note on their door asking if he could adopt the cat.
I was training him when the neighbor showed up. If you could have seen the smile on his face when she gave him the cat, you would have lit up inside like I did. My client was so happy to be rescuing the frail, weak cat from the elements.
A few weeks ago, the tabi passed away. I was crushed for the whole family – but proud to know the woman who took such awesome care of him for all those years. Her memories of him are great and she gave that cat an incredible life of health and happiness. She trained through tears and I’m sure she’ll carry him in her heart forever.
Meanwhile, across town, that little black cat gained some weight and has since moved indoors – to live with the welcoming committee that greets me so ferociously. Think about the transformation for that cat in one month. From heat and mosquitos to a warm bed and consistent, healthy eating.
I knew I’d meet the families of my clients when I started training at their homes. What I did not expect was being witness to the incredible level of compassion and love so many of my clients show their pets. It is absolutely one of the best aspects of my job and I’m thrilled to know these wonderful people! It reminds me every day that strength comes not from weights and exercise, it comes from the heart and this month, I wanted to thank those two clients who have shown compassion and love to something so vulnerable. It makes me stronger to know you.
