An eight year old girl begs her mother,”Can we please get a puppy Please? Yes we will.” We brought you home. You were so small. I named you. I was in love with you. We played and you made me laugh.
As a teenager you were always by my side. Mom and Dad didn’t understand me. First loves broke my heart and I broke some hearts too. Friendships came and went. Through it all you were my rock. You never broke my heart judged me or turned your back to me. You were in love with me.
The time came one Autumn for me to go. I went to college. All you knew was that I was gone. I came back for visits. No person has ever been as happy to see me as you were. It was like I never left.
Five years later I earned a degree. Time had ceased being kind to you. I would not be coming home to stay. My visits would be less frequent. I was on my own with and new love and two new kittens. Without you.
This hot day my mother calls on the phone. We are planning my wedding and sharing gossip. Near the end of our talk she breaks the news. Alex died last night.
I am so sorry I wasn’t there for you the way you were for me. These cats of mine they need care. And don’t you know I have a job up here. Couldn’t you wait I am going to be there in five days! Why is this so hard I haven’t even been there! I fill myself with guilt.
I feel eight paws on me.
The purrs resonate in my chest.
As I drift off to sleep
I feel four more paws.
I feel your unconditional love.
I feel your warm spirit.
Take care of these two
it is their turn for your love.
They are the ones that need you now.
Someday they will leave you too.
And when you pass
we will all greet you at the gates.
Your heaven would not be
complete without us
and ours would not be
complete without you.
Becky
| Alex |
| 4, Aug 2001 |
| Becky |