by Marianne Bailey
HOW DO YOU SAY "GOOD BYE?"
2:30 a.m., sitting on the floor, holding you.
You can't rest, the pain is too much tonight.
You try to get up, but you can't.
I know it is time to let you go, but how do you say "Good Bye" to a friend?
I hold you while you cry and my heart is breaking.
Oh, how it hurts to watch you suffering.
I remember the first time I saw you-- just a big furball,
with the longest tongue I had ever seen.
People said you looked funny, but for me it was love at first sight.
I took you home and you grew up to be my beautiful, wonderful Lady.
For the next ten years we were together day and night.
You were my friend.
You would put your head in my lap when I was sad.
You would protect me when you thought I was in danger.
You would make me laugh and listen to me.
You brought unconditional love to my life.
My world was just a little brighter with you in it.
Morning comes...
Time to call Dr. Wilmeth.
I spoon feed you a can of your favorite food,
give you some water and brush you for the very last time.
Dr. Paul is here...
Now I hold you while I cry and you die peacefully in my arms.
Still I don't know how to say "Good Bye."
Instead I say: "It's okay. Go on now. Your pain is finally over.
Say hello to Bella and tell her I miss her. I'll love you forever and I'll never forget you. If there is a heaven, we will be together again. Thank you my friend."
Now there is this deep pain in my heart.
The house seems too big and empty.
I still see you in all your favorite places:
Relaxing on the porch, chasing away the emus if they dare come too close,
Cooling off in the duck pond, with the ducks and geese trying to scare you off,
Chasing Bobby into the horse pen,
Waiting for me at the gate, greeting me with that special bark,
Sleeping beside my bed at night,
Waiting for an empty cat food can to lick clean...
2:30 a.m., sitting on the floor, holding your memory.
My tears won't dry and I wonder:
"Will there ever be another Lady in my life?
Will I ever find another friend like you?"
Marianne Bailey