A perfect day today for your 13th, my girl! The sun is shining, blue skies overhead. I can see you sitting on the front ridge like you always did, surveying your private kingdom and keeping watch over us ... your shiny black coat glistening, your profile regal and serene ... beautiful butterfly ears gently noting every sound ... noble confidence personified.
We were blessed - everyone says so - to have had you in our lives for 12 years 7 months. There's a part of my heart that wishes it could have been forever, nonetheless. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, feel your presence, or turn suddenly in a moment of meditative consciousness and see you there, or feel and smell just a hint of your sweet breath near my face. You were vital and full of indomitable spirit to your very last day with us here.
The tears are not so frequent...we are busy with life continuing...but when they fall - as they do at tender moments remembering and speaking of you, the ache is still so palpable, it makes my heart quake.
Loving you forever ... until my journey once again is graced with your soulfulness. Happy Birthday, my Sweet Scout.
"Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for awhile.
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for awhile...
Hold me in your thoughts, take me to your dreams
Touch me as I fall into view
When the winter comes keep the fires lit
And I will be right next to you.
Keep me in your heart for awhile."
---the late Warren Zevon
