Lily was a stray that I found wandering the streets on a rainy day. At the time, my attitude toward animals was indifference, but having Lily in my life changed all that. Lily had the sweetest disposition from the day I met her, until the day she died. She opened my heart, and her love made me a defender of all animals. I developed a deep bond with Lily, to the extent that I could tell how she was feeling by looking at her eyes. That’s how I knew that Lily was in severe distress that final day. She waited for me to come home, I think to say goodbye. I rushed her to the vet hospital, where she died in my arms. Lily was my antidote to the harsh realities and meanness of the world.
She provided a quiet and gentle balance that allowed me a clearer perspective. No matter how many difficult people I encountered, I could always count on Lily’s smiling eyes and gentle love licks on my hand to center me. She eased my anger and uplifted my mood, no matter how low. Not long after I found Lily, she demonstrated her temperament by defending a baby hummingbird against the onslaught of some stray cats. I could hardly believe my eyes observing her protective manner toward that helpless little bird. But that was Lily: sheer love and goodness. I will miss our long walks and quiet reflections. Most of all, I will miss the calming presence of my little girl, Lily.
I will love you forever, Lily, and hope that we are once day reunited. Rest in peace, my angel on earth–Lily. Thank you for helping me to try to be a better person.
I miss you and will never forget you.
| Lily |
| 9, Sep 2008 |
| Jerry Brainum |