by Kim McLean
You were just 6 wks old when you came into my life. Now look at you 16 yrs later. Although there have been changes in my life, you will always be a puppy to me. Your hearing is gone now, yet you still lift your head as if you hear something important. Your eyesight has faded to darkness yet you still seem to know which direction to look when there is food present. Your gait is painfully slow now, yet you can find to energy to make it into the kitchen. Could you possibly be food driven? Yes, I think so. In fact Journey, that is the one thing that has never changed. I had to make a tough decision recently about whether to let you contunue in you painful journey or let you go into other heavenly adventures. A place where there is no pain in you little joints, a place yo can run and frolic like the puppy I remember. A place where, if I play my cards right I hope to join you someday. I can not be selfish anymore as I watch you walk aimlessly around back and forth looking lonely and frightened, bumping into furniture as you try and find your way. Gone is the quality of your life that used to sustain you and humor me in many ways. You have been my son and companion for so long I feel as though you are an extension of me. The joy and love you've brought into my life, I will always hold in my heart. The frustrations I have endured will also be remembered, because during those times you taught me patience. The laughter you brought into my life will be permanantly etched in my face(literally)..My heart braks at the thought of not seeing you first thing in the morning as you make your way to the door and push on the blinds with your little nose to wake me. Granted, I did not always heed your little signals, but you thanked me by leaving deposits by the door, telling me you tried to wake me..Journey, I will miss the feel of your wet nose against my hand as you tell me "come on mom, keep petting me" I will miss the little kisses you gave to the back of my calves letting me know you're there, and love me. Most of all, I will miss the way you always looked in my direction and smiled. Well, my friend, we have been together longer than most marriages and my heart will always be committed to you. God Bless You Journey on your new adventures, and thank you for letting me take care of you. Love always and forever you care taker and owner, mom..