Ellie,
There aren’t words to thank you for the gift you gave when you chose us.
It’s impossible to believe I’ll never again kiss your face, feel your head burrowed into my chest for a ‘hug’, or spend hours fishing a single stray hair off the back of my tongue. (Well, it might be a while before I miss that one. You’re everywhere, girl. Black pants are still out of rotation for at least a year, conservatively.)
That we’ll never make (and devour) popcorn together again hurts my heart, and the first time I’m forced to eat an entire slice of peanut butter toast on my own will be a challenge I’m not sure I’m prepared to navigate.
It’s hard to believe you’re gone, little bear. This morning I heard you sigh, and then I remembered, and my heart cracked. But just a little, because I also remembered that you’re free now, in bliss. I know you’re swimming in a summer lake, rolling in a perfect snow, warming by a crackling fire.
I hope the smells are plentiful on the other side, that the sticks are of the perfect consistency, and that you finally catch up with the bunnies (and maybe invite them over for carrot cake and ice cream because bunnies are friends- not food).
Ellie, you were a Joy-Dog. Everyone who met you loved you. Perfect strangers on the street had better days because of you. Smiles were born because of you. Hearts were healed because of you. This world owes you at least 12,000 bananas for the love you spread in your 14 years.
A new stuffed animal every day, morning and afternoon swims, 42 walks a week, the perfect belly rub… just a few things I would have given you if I could.
You gave so much.
Last night, Morgan and I went to the park. We were just about at the car when a lovely old gal approached us, and we noticed she wore your pineapple collar. She stood and watched as we walked away. Of course, you know this already. Thank you for the message.
You and your unconditional love will live in my heart until we meet again.
Forever and ever,
Mom
My brightest light on the darkest nights. My sweet, sweet angel. My best friend. Thank you.
-Morgan
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