Anniversaries are special.
They mark momentous occasions in our lives.
Thankfully mostly happy ones.
Births weddings or some other significant moment in our lives.
Unfortunately though anniversaries can also be very sad evoking
memories we’d rather not acknowledge. The loss of a long sought job,
the death of a loved one or some other equally bitter memory.
June 13th falls into the latter category for me. It will forever
be imbedded in my mind as the saddest day of my entire life for it is the
day that Willis my 15-year old Terrier-mix dog began his journey
to the Rainbow Bridge.
Willis came to me in the fall of 1981. Through the following 15 years
we grew into the deepest love-filled relationship I’ve ever experienced.
All each of us wanted to do was be with each other.
As a radio broadcaster I’ve moved many times over the years.
Willis accompanied me each time just as full of anticipation as I was.
One such move took us to Louisiana for a job that didn’t work out!
While there Willis developed a tumor which locked his jaw shut
making him unable to eat. He tried so hard to get nourishment
knowing how he needed his strength to be able to stay with me.
I am certain he was aware just how much we meant to each other.
On that fateful day June 13th 1997 we took our last car ride
together. At the vet’s office I sat with him crying harder than I
had over anything in my entire life. During this despite his weakness,
he held his head up eyes wide open and sparkling.
Saying good-bye. Even two years later I get emotional just thinking
about it. Upon my return to Oregon I began attending Enid Traisman’s
pet loss support group. It has been an uplifting experience telling others
about Willis and listening to their stories about their beloved pets.
I even made a great new friend named Terry who later introduced me
to a coworker of his who graciously gave me Meggie my now 20-month old
all black Miniature Schnauzer the current love of my life.
So as another June 13th approaches I reflect back on my life with Willis.
And of how much richer I am for having had him in my life.
I visit his website look at his photo album watch his video pet the
dog head on top of the urn holding his ashes.
And think. About anniversaries. Of how sad they can be.
But also too of how happy they can be.
Everything I have that connects me to Willis evokes
memories of the happiest days of my life my life with Willis.
I also hold onto the belief that the Rainbow Bridge does exist
and that we will be reunited one day.
Willis I loved him then.
I still love him now.
John Meissner
| Willis |