He was one of my great loves. My companion, my friend of 15 years is gone. He was a beautiful boy. A friend wrote me a note, calling him a gentle soul. Benny Boy was a happy dog that loved to chase balls, water and the backyard squirrels. Near the end, Ol’ Man became my shadow as his sight and hearing starting failing.
Dogs age a lot like people. Before you know it, they’re looking and acting a little old. They slow down. They fall asleep, a lot. Appetite decreases. Cataracts form. Ears lose hearing. Grieving Benny has oddly been a lot like grieving the death of my mom: each season brings reminders and fresh tears of what is gone. This fall is hard; I miss Benny running around the yard as we rake up the leaves. I miss my mom as this time of year marks our last conversation.
Growing up, the books I read, the movies I watched dictated you get one great love, one soulmate in a lifetime. For me, not true. I have many great loves and look with anticipation to the future as I wonder how many more great loves my future holds.
How many great loves does your future hold?
