Once upon a time in a faraway land, the stars aligned and the moon glistened by night. A beautiful tiny creature, a Descendant of Africa was born into this world. With large floppy ears, a wrinkled forehead and oversized paws, you were the most adorable thing I ever laid my eyes on. As Your long distance journey came to an end my little one, so too did the start of a new chapter begin. My darling Sophie, We embraced for the first time, our souls uniting, becoming one, and thus creating what would become the most everlasting bond. Inseparable we were, joined at the hip for better or worse. Like partners in crime, we sought out adventure, joy and fun but most of all we sought out each other. Braving the elements, frigid, snowy, rainy and sunny. We ventured far and wide, day in, day out, roaming unknown paths, we did it all. Spectacular pre dawn sunrises to Mexican sunsets, our days were filled with unforgettable moments, Our imaginations set free, taking in the smells, sights and sounds of each new season. Fragrant flowers and towering trees, chirping birds and scurrying squirrels. Dusty trails and giant fields of whispers blowing in the wind. Together our days were filled with Mother Nature, together our days were filled with us. Like two peas in a pod, forever searching, learning, and discovering the joys of life together, discovering the joys of us, together. But one is never without the other and along with life's joy, so too come bumps in the road. And so my dear Sophie when illness struck you midlife, we were unexpectedly setback. With much uncertainty, and by your side every step of the way, I hoped and prayed you would get through this. Having tremendous courage and strength you overcame this huge hurdle and eventually healed back into a playful, energetic, yet calm and always so sweet girl. You taught me so much Sophie, you truly defined what patience, caring, compassion, devotion, loyalty, and above all love means. I am forever grateful to have received this from you. I hope you knew how much you meant to me. You were and always will be my life, in my heart and in my soul, forever. I lived every waking moment for you Sophie. My life was you. I never knew a love could be so strong. You were my child, my companion, my best friend, my protector, and the love of my love. You were everything to me.

As time evolved and years passed, my dear Sophie,
your beautiful face greyed, and your limbs stiffened. Booties were worn on your hind legs and life progressively slowed down as you once knew it. Yet you always remained stoic and graceful despite your obvious challenges. Then one day out of nowhere you suddenly collapsed in my arms. Shocked and stunned, I feared what lay ahead and the possibility of lasting consequences. My dear Sophie, you were not the same girl after this. The most difficult decision of my life was about to come. Your quality of life first and foremost was my greatest concern. Please know my sweet girl, I only wanted the best for you. With a sea of tears and a bleeding heart I knew I needed to let you cross over the Rainbow Bridge. And as you lay peacefully in your final hours, seemingly out of nowhere, a beautiful rainbow suddenly cast its shadow upon your gentle face. A subtle message that it was your time to cross over. And cross over you did, my beloved sweet girl. My heart, forever shattered, longing for your presence. Longing for the way we were, longing for us, longing for the day we reunite.

Sophie, your physical presence is now gone and I am utterly lost and empty without you here by my side. I am trying to be brave, but it is not easy. How can you be gone my sweet angel. It's so surreal and not a day goes by without tears of heartbreak streaming down my face. I always knew that when your time came to cross over the rainbow bridge, my life would be turned upside down and the pain and sorrow of losing you would be overwhelming and unimaginable. Well, my beloved Sophie, it is all that and much more.
They say time heals but I don't believe these deep wounds will ever fully heal until we meet again. I struggle to navigate forward on this open lonely road. It is unknown territory and don't know which way or how to go. I carry with me timeless memories planted in my soul and yo footprints on my heart. So wherever I end up going and whatever I end up doing, from climbing mountains to tiptoeing in the sand, I will always be comforted to know you are with me, guiding me and by my side, my dear Sophie.

You are now free my baby, free to fly high above with rainbow wings guiding your soul. In time, I too will fly high above my dear Sophie and together we will soar, our heart and soul as one together again. Until that time, my sweet angel, please know I will never stop missing you, loving you, thinking of you and longing for your presence. Longing for the way we were, longing for us, longing for the day we reunite.
And as each day passes, I know we are one step closer.

Mommy ❤️