My sweet, dear Ema girl,
You came to me on a Sunday afternoon just a day and a half before I had to put down my Sweet Annie. You arrived in my life almost furless, covered in dried dog feces, with hundreds of fleas on your belly and hip and pelvic bones sticking up from your skin. You were emaciated and filthy, didn’t know how to eat or drink out of a bowl and scared half to death of the lawn. But after three baths you were flea-free and exhausted. That night you slept in bed with me … your head resting on my ankles. When I had to say good-bye to my Annie, you were waiting in the car to lick away my tears. Where are you now when the tears stream down my face?
On January 7, 2007, I found lumps on your neck that weren’t there the day before. The vet diagnosed you with high-grade lymphoma on January 9. The lymphoma spred through your body in such a short period of time and, on February 16, 2007 I had to send you home.
I told you how much I loved you and thanked you for coming into my life and told you to come back to me in some way. I held your precious face in my hands so I was the last thing you saw when the light left your eyes. My heart breaks at the loss of you but each time I cry, I give thanks for having had my life blessed with you … such a marvelous gift … such a special angel.
I will always love you, my sweet girl, and am grateful for the lessons learned from you. That simple things like tossing a sqeaky toy in the air; resting your dear head on my shoulder, doggie kisses and smiles; long, quiet walks and letting your hair blow in the wind are what’s most important. To follow your bliss. To give and accept love freely and with an open heart. And to always have room in your heart to love again. And I will, my Ema, because another little angel is ready to come into my life very shortly. And I know when I am able to finally meet her (I’m calling her Neely) I will see the love from you and my Sweet Annie and my Punkin shining through her own little personality. And I promise to give her all the love she deserves.
I love you, Ema … and you Punkin-head and Annie. You all made me a better person because of your unconditional love. And I will be a better new Momma because of it. Thank you. I love you …