My Watchdog Hedgehog

Living in base housing afforded me a sense of what I called false security. Who would possibly try to get by armed marines at the gate just to break into my house or steal my kids?

When we moved back to the "real world" PK was geobaching and spending his weeks at the base. The kids and I were alone during the week. I really wanted to get a watchdog, but we were renting and weren't allowed to have pets. My sweet friend, Becky, decided if I couldn't have a watchdog, she would give me a hedgehog.


That was about five years ago and this little guy has had a place on my counter ever since. He isn't going to do much protecting, but he symbolizes a friend who is praying for me. He makes me smile.

PK is leaving for two months this Friday for Bahrain. He will be ministering to sailors on board ship. Yesterday Rachel went to check the mail. When she came in she said, "I think you have something from Mrs. Becky." Becky makes homemade cards and my kids are thrilled when they get their birthday cards from her. She really tries to top herself each year and make the card something the kids are "in to."

I tried to remember if Becky had told me she was sending something. It isn't my birthday or anniversary. I opened the package and read the card. Of course, it is a Becizzle original.

On the inside she had written that she thought my Hedgehog Watchdog could use reinforcements, since PK is going to be gone. I was almost in tears before I even opened the bundle of tissue paper inside the box. Becky gets it. I don't need sympathy or anyone to try to point out how sad it is that PK is going to be gone. When I say we will be fine and I am looking forward to hearing the stories of how he is able to minister to the guys, I don't want someone to come back and try to convince me how bad it will be. Becky has been there, done that.

This little guy was wrapped up in the tissue paper.

After a photo shoot with his friend, they both returned to their spot on my counter. When I see them, I will remember that I have a friend who prays for me when I come to mind. I will remember that friends are a blessing. I will remember that God is good.