All of the following emails, letters, and cards have been posted with permission, and in no particular order.
Thank you everyone...
~Christine
----------------------------------
Dear Christine,
I share your grief at Lucy's passing. For as long as I've known you, I've known that she was so very much a part of your life. I can understand completely that you were both "very grateful" and "very angry" that she passed away so quickly. It makes perfect sense. I also know about the ups and downs in her health in recent months and years as you have described them to me. I mourn her passing with you.
Thank you for including the two beautiful pictures with your message.
I'll be thinking of you, and wishing the best for you and your family, as you go through this difficult period.
Dr. Clampitt
(my college prof)
----------------------------------
Dear Christine, Michelle & Family,
To express our deepest sympathy to you and yours.
We share your tears over Lucy's passing, and grieve with you.
Thank you for letting us share a few footsteps along Lucy's life journey.
Sincere condolences,
Danielle, Malcolm, Jasmine (little siste), Victoria & Macy
----------------------------------
Someone's Watching Over You
Time will heal the hurt, the tears will fade, then the faint trace of a smile as you remember Lucy and the light she brought into your lives.
xxx
Anne
Someone's Watching Over You
Someone's watching over you
with the greatest love.
Someone wants you to be
happy, safe, and secure.
Someone considers you
a wonderful individual
and cares about your needs.
Someone's making blessings
for your benefit right now --
like sunshine for those rainy days
and rainbows to remind you
of the promise up ahead.
Someone's watching over you
especially at Christmas.
I know...
because I've asked the Lord
to take good care of you.
-Poem by Barbara J. Hall
----------------------------------
hi christine. i'm sitting in my office reading the story on Lucy's website
and balling like a baby. i am so very sorry for your loss. i know the pain
you are feeling right now and i don't wish it on my worst enemy! God bless
you, your family and Angel Lucy! Lucy was very lucky to have wuch as
wonderful family such as yours.
Gina
----------------------------------
My heart goes out to you on the loss of a precious furkid. There are no
words that can be said to ease the painful hurt left by our treasured
friends loss. RIP sweet Lucy.
Wanda Pepin
----------------------------------
So sorry to hear Lucy's passing. I understand the feeling of loosing a Giant suddenly, it's never easy. She was right next to you, that is all that matters. Keep the memories...
Tarja
----------------------------------
Hi Christine.
I am so sorry to hear about Lucy. I just loved reading her website!
Read it for years!!!!
My Lola was just diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma on Thursday. Devastating and heartbreaking is the least I can say....I could go on and on. Just feel helpless.
Which type of cancer did Lucy have, Christine? <systemic histiocytosis. cs.>
Chel
----------------------------------
Hi Christine!
They say 4-6 months with chemo. We're not going through with the chemo. So maybe 6-8 weeks?? (hopefully much longer) I think it's best for her as it is an aggressive cancer. They say this is mostly found in Golden Retrievers and also an older range -- 8 plus years.
HUGS to you, Christine! Lucy was such a beautiful girl!!!!!
You loved and adored eachother!!!
Lucy is a legacy!!!!
Chel
----------------------------------
Christine~
I am so sorry about your loss. You website put tears in my eyes. She
is such a beautiful girl and you and your family adored her, it shows in
the photos and the blogs you wrote....
You gave Lucy the best life any animal could ever ask for. Be proud of
yourself Christine. You are truly a blessing to all.
Time heals all wounds, or so they say. I still mourn for my past
furbabies but now I smile when I think of them, no more sad tears just
joy. Someday you will get there. For now you need to mourn with your
family. Lucy obviously was more than just a household pet, she was your
child, your family, your heart and your love....
Take care and know you are your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky
----------------------------------
oh my dear christine, what a gift she left you with!!! i know in your pain and grief you can not understand, but in time, and with the experience that you will gain being a vet you will come to understand, what i'm saying... i can promise you from the depth of my aching heart, with tears running down my face that that girl loved you so much to choose to leave you in silence while snuggled against you in her favorite space... what a precious gift!! and you, my friend, a better lover of her soul she could have never found... you will make the most amazing vet... you gave her more years of life than anyone, absolutely anyone would have, and she knew that.... that's why the Lord choose her for you and you for her... she needed your care and you needed her direction in life... what a gift you were to eachother.... my heart is breaking for you christine as i write this, because i too lost the love of my life when she was only 6 yrs. old, and i won't be like others and tell you the pain will go away, because it never will... but each pang will remind you of the bond that you shared in this life and so it will turn from a hurtful loss into intimacy that you continue to share beyond this place called here and now... when my tanner passed, my son ray flew home from va. to bury her for me, and in my grief he told me that there was only one thing that tanner needed and that was to be loved and he said "you have loved her well mom"... i'm so broke up for you, i hope i'm making sense... "christine, you have loved Lucy beyond well"... please take some comfort in knowing that, and know that she gave back to you the best thing that she could by sparing you from knowing that she was leaving... i love you, and my tears fall for you my friend, deborah
----------------------------------
Hi Christine,
First I want to congratulate you with the acceptance to the Vet. school. I am sure you will be a great veterinarian. With this passion and love to the animals I want to see more people going to this profession. I saw the updated site. I still visiting it time to time. You know, even we all know that Lucy is gone it is still a strong connection with you too. The way you reflected the life of your dog made many people not only love your dog but become attached to the author. I know that you will be very busy and also the time should pass but I would love to see some of your life and thoughts on this website. Please don't leave it only as a memory because that is the great force of life, it should overcome the death. Please write down about your life time to time, and about your new pets. I am sure that you will get one sooner or later. I got a lot of interesting information from your website too. Now I am taking Gabby to the obedience school, also I want to try to groom her myself and I got a lot of information about it from your website. Thanks a lot for your advises. I never had schnauzers before and finding all this information was a big relieve to me.
To conclude this long letter I want to wish you all the luck in the world, keep up with the great work you've done and also keep your heart open for other souls seeking to be found.
Rita
----------------------------------
Christine,
Clouded by tears, I am so sorry to hear of Lucy's passing. This is indeed a shock. Please accept my love and condolences. I pray for your heart to heal quickly. Keep the good memories of this gentle giant. May she rest in peace at the bridge. I know it will be a long time until you can meet again, but it will be a sweet meeting.
Love and hugs,
Pam and Candy
----------------------------------
I am so sorry to hear your sad news. Lucy was blessed to have your loving
care for her journey here on earth, she was a beauty. I believe we will hold
them again - for all Eternity. God bless you
Hugs Annette and Raleigh
GRIEVE NOT
NOR SPEAK OF ME WITH TEARS
BUT SMILE AND TALK OF ME
AS IF I WERE BESIDE YOU
I LOVED YOU SO
T'WAS HEAVEN HERE WITH YOU
isla paschal richardson
----------------------------------
Oh, I am so deeply sorry about Lucy's passing. She had such a wonderfully full, loved life with you. She was most fortunate to have you in her life as you gave her so much love and so much fun in the short time she had on this earth. She has a piece of your heart and will always live there in your heart and mind. May she have a wonderful time at Rainbow bridge, seizure free....
Hugs,
Robin
----------------------------------
I am at work and I am fighting back the tears. How blessed you were to have her pass away in your arms like that. She felt secure and loved as her spirit left for a place free from suffering. Your photos are positively lovely, and a reflection of the obvious love and devotion you both have for one another.
Our beloved Wolf died a few months ago, and she will have a gorgeous boy to watch over us both with.
Hug hugs, giant tears, and much love,
Laura
----------------------------------
Dear Christine:
I've been away from the computer for a few days and just received the very sad news. Alfred and I are so sorry to hear that Lucy is gone. We know she'll always hold a warm spot in our hearts and a special place in our memories - Lucy was a great dog and a very special giant who gave us much joy and pleasure. I'm sure she'll be waiting for those of us who knew and loved her so much. I'm writing this with tears in my eyes, but am also grateful to know the love of her life was with her when she passed. I know words cannot provide the comfort I wish I could provide. Alfred and I want you to know we considered Lucy a very special dog and you and your family the most wonderful owners we know. God bless and please keep in touch. Hugs for all.
We'll never forget the "40' Giant."
In friendship,
Alfred en Jeanalee
----------------------------------
It's so hard when a loved one passes. So many memories, so much of our routine revolves around them. Each day will get better. You are so fortunate to have your family around to share all your feelings ~ good and bad.
Hugs,
Robin
----------------------------------
Christine,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved girl Lucy. Our thoughts are
with you at this most difficult time,
Ellen & Maggie (11 yo epi standard poodle-another big black lovable dog)
----------------------------------
It is a lovely tribute to the love you both shared for one another, and the love that I have also had the blessing of experiencing. I will really celebrate when you make an announcement of the ultimate tribute to your girl- by getting another dog. Lucy would be honored by the fact that you so cherrished her, that you wanted to share those experiences with another dog in need. It does not ease the pain, but it is wonderful to see that life and love do continue, and that you carry Lucy's love in your heart for the rest of your life.
Giant hugs,
Laura
----------------------------------
christine, just dropping you a note to let you know that i'm thinking of you and praying for you as you go through this time... xox deborah
----------------------------------
With tear filled eyes.......I am so sorry to hear of your loss....
God Bless!!!
Sadie & Angel Sammy
This is King Arthur
He is here to lead
All the babies who from
This life are free
Somewhere over the Rainbow
Just on Heavens Side
Is a place called Rainbow Bridge
Where our beloved pets go when they die
When our pets leave this world
We think of this as disaster
But at Rainbow Bridge
They wait for their loved Master
In our hearts we always grieve
For this they do not want
Please don't grieve for me
But bury me in your Heart
At the Bridge, I hurt no more
I'm Happy here and never bored
I can see you everyday
I'll wait for you to come my way
Then we can reunite to carry on
To be placed again in your arms
From here I can see the "Pearly Gates"
And from right here, for you I'll wait
Close to you they long to be
Carry them on in Memory
Written for Helen Harrison
By; Cindy O'Dell
1 -19-01
Thank You so much Cindy for putting my thoughts into Poem form, I love you for it.
Love and Hugs to All,
Helen & Sparkle & Tres-Seay & Lord Simba
----------------------------------
Hi Christine,
I am so sorry! I know how it feels. My first dog, Hombre passed last may from a kidney failure. I still feel his presence and have dreams about him. Lucy was a wonderful dog, I could see it even from pictures. You had a beautiful life together and she was lucky to have you same as you were lucky to have her. No one can love as dogs do. I believe that dogs have an ability to be with us even when they are gone. I think with time Lucy will come back to you through the other dog. And she will be able to send you a message that she is in a good place now as good as it was with you. My dog did. And then I found Gabby. I am writing this letter and crying. Be strong, your dog will smile to you from above. I never thought of that before and now I know. My deepest love to you all.
Rita
----------------------------------
May Your Memories Comfort You
Christine, so very sorry to read of your loss. What a beauty your dear Lucy was. I went to your web site & loved what you wrote about her. Love never dies & she will always be close by you. The photo of her on front of the Canadian magazine is really wonderful. Please take comfort in knowing how much you loved and cared for her and she knew it.
Kindly, Jennifer & my Pammy
----------------------------------
Hey Kido!
Sorry I haven't had a chance to write to you sooner. I had company in town for the weekend and didn't want to rush through answering your email.
I know the grieving your going through! Losing your first giant is one of the worst experiences you'll ever have in your life! -- especially when they go so young! I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason and there's a purpose for all of us to be here. Lucy was here as your teacher and she did such a beautiful job! Look at what you've accomplished through her! She just probably knew she had taught you all she could and now it was time to send you on to learn even more. She knew it was time, just like my Inca did.
Secondly, I hope you won't think for a minute that the ashes you picked up is really Lucy! That's not her, but merely a remembrance to humor us that she was here, even for such a brief period of time! No! Lucy is definitely at the bridge waiting for you! All of her pain and suffering is gone and she's romping and playing with all the giants who've gone before her! I would even bet that my Inca showed her around immediately and they're having quite the time of it! I can picture lots of chasing and rope tugging and complete content.
I'm sure you've heard that faith is believing in things you cannot see. I have complete faith that I'll see my girl again someday and you'll see yours! I know she would not want you to be sad, hard as that may be. Instead she would want you to celebrate her life and the many wonderful times yall had together!
You have such a special life ahead of you. I know this will include many more giants, whether they own you or you're helping them! No one will ever be as special as Lucy. However, they'll each be special in their own way. After a bit the pain will dull, but the memories will always burn bright and even make you smile sometimes when you least expect it. I know you'll think about her every day and be grateful that you had the opportunity to be owned by such a special girl.
Our Fall Fun Day this year will be on October 21. We're having it at Southfork Ranch! If you're home that weekend you're more than welcome to come. I would love for you and whoever to be my guests. Who knows? We may just see a ghost! <In reference to Lucy's Ghost costume at the last GS fun Day in October 2005. cs>
Take care,
Jane
----------------------------------
Oh Christine! My heart goes out to you! I am so sad that you lost your wonderful girl!
I certainly know what you're going through! You know how our giants are. Regardless of what we do, it's always on their terms!
Please let me know if there's anything I can do......
Deepest sympathy,
Jane
----------------------------------
My Dear Christine,
I can't tell you how sorry I am to learn this news. You must be so heartbroken and I can't tell you how sad this makes me. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Lucy. Thank you for the wonderful picture, it is one I will always keep.
Sincerely,
M.D.
----------------------------------
OMG so unexpected.
I am in tears reading this - Godspeed Lucy - I know already that she is wherever all those who truly deserve the best go to and I hope she has found my Lacey there as Lacey and I often prayed together for Lucy when she was having a hard time.
I am so very very sorry that you have lost your best friend - your miracle girl who just bounced back so amazingly from everything.
Please though be grateful that it was fast and that she did not linger nor suffer nor leave you to have to make difficult decisions for her ... she loved you way too much for that. She would not have wanted you to be worrying about doing the right thing so she took the choice from you - as the kind thoughtful girl that she always was.
I am sorry I never met Lucy - I will do though - some time when we are all reunited with those we have lost and when I do meet her .. it will be an honour and I will ask her to show me how to make a Schnauzer pumpkin - I will never forget the pumpkin you carved with her shape in it.
Hugs to you, I hope you have supportive family and friends there.
Julie etc
----------------------------------
Christine,
My heart goes out to you and your family, I'm so sorry to learn about Lucy's
passing.
I visited your girl's website, that photo of her with the Kipling poem next
to it is so very touching.
Wishing you and your family lots of strength,
Chris, list co-owner in Belgium, with golden Lina, mini schnauzer Tara and
Bonnie cat (and epi golden angel girl Branco & our other canine and feline
angels playing with Lucy at the Bridge)
----------------------------------
Hi. I don't think we've met, but my heart goes out to you and I'm feeling
your pain. Lucy was lucky to have you and I hope your pain eases in
the coming days, months, or even years.
-Anonymous
----------------------------------
Christine,
Lucy was a very special Giant - as you know better than I ever will. As parents, I am sure yours are bursting with pride at what you accomplished with Lucy and with what you are in the process of becoming as you complete one phase of your education and look forward to the balance of accomplishing your dreams. From what you have written, Lucy has provided an inspiration to you that will follow you through your life and when you achieve your dream to become a Vet and help others, Lucy will be there with you every day of your life.
I talked it over with Crystal & Cinder and they are good to go with being named - if you wish.
Regards,
Anonymous
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Dear Christine,
I am an epi chat group lurker, never a responder, so this is a first for me.
As the owner of an epi and the owner of a Giant Schnauzer I must send my
sincere condolences. Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt wishes
for a happier tomorrow. Lucy will remain in your heart forever.
Wishing you much success in your veterinarian career and on your "Walk for
Cancer". I'm a survivor, THANK YOU for caring.
Ellen Dolezal, Yorkville Illinois
Brunhilde Kendall (AKA) Hilde our almost 11 year old mixed breed, rescued 45
pound lady and
Jobons Siegfried Frederick our almost 8 year old happy, happy Giant -
Special note - Siegfried also has natural ears and was bred by someone you
may know, Bonnie Rodriquez of Oswego, Illinois.
You will have another Giant in your life, once you have a Giant in your life
you will always have a Giant in your life!!!!!!
I keep trying to figure how to show my Giant with natural ears but it just
isn't a happening.
Again wishing you all the best.
/\ /\
/ \ / \
!___ \__/ /\ \
/ \ !
_/ \ !
_/_ _ \ \
/ (_) (_) \ \
\ \ \
/ ! \
/ / ! \
/ __ / ! \
/ (__) / _ ! \
! ! ! \ / # \_
! ~~~~~ ! ! \ / # \_
! \ \ ! ! !/ # \_
!__ \_\ !__! \ # !
!_____/ \# \
----------------------------------
When we lost our much loved first Giant, Fricka
Isolde, we planted a Black Walnut tree in our backyard in her memory.
Almost 8 years later it has grown to a beautiful tree and still has a yellow
ribbon flowing from its trunk. You know, I can't imagine life without a
Giant Schnauzer in it. I'm a senior lady so maybe my next boy will be a
rescue unless my friend, Bonnie, has a puppy to share.
Ellen
----------------------------------
Just to let you know that I am continuing to think of you and your family and I know exactly what you mean.
I hope you have somewhere appropriate to keep Lucy's ashes - somewhere safe.
Poor Lacey's ashes suffer regularly as my Dad keeps them in her bed so Vanessa can sleep next to them every night but our younger dogs are forever stealing them ... will never forget the shreiks from my Mum ... NOOBIE'S DROPPED LACEYS ASHES IN THE POND!!!!!
It made us all laugh and we know she would too - and it was good for all of us.
Hugs to you.
Julie etc
----------------------------------
Christine:
I just visited your web site again & learned of Lucy's passing. My
heart goes out to you & your family. I mourn that I will never have
the chance to meet Lucy in person, but your site made me feel like I
had numerous opportunities to pet her & give her a big hug.
You may not remember my previous email introducing myself & my Lucy
(possibly a GS mix) as it was not too long ago & only the one message.
In fact, your reply came to me on 3/20. I only wish I could afford to
contribute to your walk but our finances are very tight at the moment.
I must first take care of our Lucy along with her brothers & sisters
in our menagerie which totals 2 dogs & 4 cats & 1 disabled husband.
I am so pleased to hear that you have been accepted to veterinary
school. Which one? And which clinic do you currently work at? I am so
envious of people who can work in vet clinics & bring help to our pet
family members. I say envious because I know I could never have
pursued such a career as I get attached too deeply & easily cry
whenever a story appears on the news about animal cruelty. Your entire
career will be so rewarding, especially when you remember Lucy's
inspiration & can see how her life continues to positively impact the
lives of others, both quadri-peds & bi-peds!
To that end, I've recently volunteered with Lost Paws Rescue Group who
use the Adoption Center at the Valley Ranch PetSmart. If I can't
contribute financially or take in any foster pets, I can at least
clean litter boxes & play with the kitties since I live in Irving &
work nearby.
Thanks for the kind suggestions you gave me previously for training &
vet care in this area. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to wipe my
tears & go give my Lucy a very big hug.
With deepest sympathies,
Debbie
----------------------------------
Christine,
I am so, so sorry about Miss Lucy. I now she struggled some in her life, but she was always so good when she visited us. She will be remembered here as well. Let me know if I can do anything for you.
Take Care,
Mary Ellen, Lucy's tech at the Dermatology clinic
----------------------------------
I stood beside your bed last night,
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying,
quietly in your sleep.
I touched you softly
as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you,
I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast,
I watched you pour coffee,
You were thinking of how much you
were in LOVE with me.
I was with you at the store today,
Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you,
that I'm not really there.
I walked with you to the house,
as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my hand on you,
I smiled and said "it's me."
You looked so very tired,
and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
that I was standing there.
It's possible for me to be
so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty,
"I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then
smiled, I think you knew ...
In the stillness of that evening,
I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch
you yawning and say
"goodnight, God bless,
I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you
to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and
we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to
show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out
then come home to be with me.
Author......Unknown
We're so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts are with you.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The South Central Giant Schnauzer Club
----------------------------------
I was sorry to hear about Lucy�s passing. There�s nothing really I can say to ease your pain, except my thoughts are with you at this sad time and therefore you are not alone. I�m sure that you�ll be granted the strength to get you through this and that in times to come you�ll remember Lucy with fondness and not quite so much pain as right now.
Best wishes to you and your family
Carolynn & Oddy
----------------------------------
For Lucy...our condolences.
Eve & Three Lhasas
Native American Prayer
I give you this one thought to keep
I am with you still, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
When you waken in mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of
Quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone
I am with you still, in each new dawn.
-Anomynous
----------------------------------
Hi Christine,
So sorry this is so late, but I want to offer my sympathy to you and your
family on sweet Lucy's passing. I went to your website and I read the poem
by Rudyard Kipling and I brust into tears, casuse that is is what I was
doing, and will continue to do, all my life...I have no children and my
husband just died, and isn't the poem about human relatives too?? Anyhow,
I just wanted to read about Lucy, and what a great girl she was. Again my
condolences..
Bonnie and Angel Sam, epi black lab mix, waiting for me at the bridge: and
Rachel, Morgan, rough, smooth sable xcollies, Wolfie, GSD and 11
cats.....:<)...
----------------------------------
Hi Christine,
I was catching up on e-mails and finally got to your web site. Nice job!
As I looked at the various photos, I could feel the love you have for Lucy.
I lost my first pet when I was 19, and I still get a lump when I think of
Tina.. and I'm 47 now. You never forget, but you learn how to move on. I
lost my Mother on 9/7/01. I can still hear her voice and see her eyes. But,
I've learned to move on. The memories you keep with you forever can bring a
smile to your face whenever you feel you need one. They're all in a better
place now.
I now have two cats and two dogs, and fish. Oh, I should mention, two sons,
and a husband.. almost like they don't count, but they sure do! The
amazing part about having those fur babies, is that the only emotion that
you feel when you're with them is love. Anger and frustration don't enter
the picture as with our people in our lives. I think that's why we miss
them so. I have found that in loosing a beloved pet, it's much easier to
get another and start pouring all your love and attention into that one.
It's not disrespectful to the pet you've lost, but a way to move on with
your life. That's the toughest part in loosing someone close, is learning
how to keep going. Remember... life is for the living, so make sure to
keep living your life...
Best wishes to you.
Becky
----------------------------------
Dear Christine,
I know that at this point in time it doesn't help but I know exactly how you are feeling at the moment and it is just so difficult. Lucy's life paralleled our Tanner's in so many ways and when you've watched them struggle for the good life that they deserved from the beginning it makes you feel even more cheated. When Tanner came back to us in that small urn it was a shock indeed. We actually just got the results of his necropsy last week and that too was surreal.
I'm glad that Lucy guided you to your career and I'm sure that even her passing will teach lessons that all great vets need to learn. Empathy and respect for each pets journey is a gift that they give us but their love is a double edged sword, at the beginning it's so easy to forget that we'll eventually lose them. I don't think that would ever stop us from giving our hearts again as the pro's so out-weigh the cons.
I wish you Godspeed to the place where the good memories arrive without the overwhelming sadness that you are feeling now.
I've included something that I wrote last week about our Tanner.
We'll continue to send healing thoughts your way.
Elizabeth
As I should
I sob now, as I should,
As I hold you one last time.
Black fur against my face,
Breathless, a nose no longer wet.
The words I love you land on now deaf ears.
My pet.
I cry now, as I should,
As I put away your things.
The collar with your name,
The leash that brought such joy.
The dish, the quilt, and hardest still, an old stuffed bear.
Your toy.
I forget now, as I should,
On the first day, when I wake.
Stepping over the spot where you should be.
Empty space beside the bed.
This uncertain day must yet be faced.
My dread.
I ache now, as I should,
For the change in daily life.
Stillness yet unflinching, quiet so unkind.
The respites come but they are brief.
Until I hear a bark, or see another walk their dog.
New grief.
I smile now, as I should,
When I think of moments past.
The not quite perfect antics.
Stealing food, the wetness of a sloppy kiss.
Shredded tissue, messy beard, weight pressed against my leg.
I miss.
I think back now, as I should,
Through all the days we shared.
Loyalty in earnest, valor, beauty, grace.
The embodiement of what we humans should but don't hold dear.
And yet I feel you whisper, in the hardest moments still.
I'm Here.
-Poem written by Elizabeth Turner