Hi everyone, welcome to thanks for being here, a short weekly pod to remind us of the many essential

and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday I'll read a submission from a listener

of Kelly Corrigan Wonders, could be wedding vows or about

mitzvah toast, a eulogy or retirement speech.

We believe this is probably the loveliest way to tap into our better selves and remember our highest values.

We encourage you to share this podcast each week with one person you love, maybe someone

you miss and need to bring closer,

someone you want to feel your appreciation or admiration or both.

This is thanks for being here is from a listener named Anne Swayze. Dear Kelly and crew, this past Tuesday my and Golden Retriever Mac. Mac has lived on multiple school campuses in New England, a summer

cabin in New Jersey, and a small cottage in New Hampshire, and traveled many miles with me as my profession

as an independent school teacher and

administrator took me to various places. Mac was the patriarch of our K-9 crew and he

set the tone during the seasons, holidays, walks, and nap time.

Mack helped raise our two children, Hannah and Elliot, and found his way into all hearts.

On Tuesday at 945 a.m. we held his head, rubbed his paws, looked into his eyes,

saying to him, and through layers of emotion filled with so much love and respect,

we said goodbye. I will share my

peace for Mac to give you a sense of his life and soul. Of course, as I mentioned in

the writing, our animals are the best and Mac was the best for us all.

Your ability to engage, connect, and find the good in the world around us

is powerful and I like so many I'm incredibly grateful that you have opened up

segments of your life, professional and private,

...