A Dog Named Mariah

While waiting in line to check out at the grocery store, the kids went over to pet a tiny dog riding in a shopping cart.  When they returned, Catheryn told me that the dog’s name was Mariah.  It’s not everyday I come across someone I share a name with, let alone an adorable little dog.  I thought perhaps she had misunderstood, so I asked the lady about it on our way out of the store.   

She then shared a story with us that began back when she was 21 years old.  It involved a game show called Password and a question about the windiest city in America.  Apparently the contestant guessed Chicago, which was incorrect.  The answer happened to be Great Falls, MT.  Interesting.  Later on, a musical was released that contained a certain song about the wind. 

Now this particular lady was born and raised in Great Falls, and she decided right then and there that whenever she made it back to her hometown, she would get a dog and name it Mariah.  She didn’t know how long it would take, but someday…

It took her 35 years, but she eventually made it back home.  And about seven months ago, she finally got her puppy.  She named her Mariah just as she had always planned to do.  As we were heading to our cars, she said, “Don’t ever give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes.  I know I never will.”

Thank you fellow shopper, for taking the time to share your story.  Thank you for reminding me that all dreams, no matter how small they may seem, are important and must never be forgotten, no matter how many years may pass.     

PS – Just out of curiosity, I did a little research, and though I could find no two sites that agreed on the current windiest city in America, I did find a list of the Top 10 which placed Great Falls, MT as #7.