the wisdom of Mike's dad

Mike's father, John, who is in his seventies and frail, has been staying at Mike's house for the last little while since the passing of his wife, Mike's mom, in early July. I hadn't seen Mike's father for several years, and it was good to meet him again, albeit under somber circumstances.

John said something when we had a moment to talk. Noticing Mike's family dog Bella, an affectionate black Labrador, John said, "You can judge a family by its dog. And that's a happy dog." Bella does indeed have the look of a dog that is loved and well cared for, but that's no surprise. Mike is the patriarch of a good family, and I doubt I'd be friends with someone of lesser character.