Two Old Girls - Suzy and Mom

Yesterday was Mom's 91st birthday.  I didn't think I'd be in a very celebratory mood, given Suzy's passing, 8 days ago, but went anyway, and it turned out okay.

Mom was happy to be with her 3 chicks.  My two older sisters and I sang "Happy Birthday" as our waiter served
Mom's cake, all aglow with candles and sparklers.


Mom seemed happy although, at her age, she often looks deep in thought, frightened, worried or all three at once! Maybe these emotions come with old age.  Who knows?


That's one thing about dogs. They don't seem to express worry.  Suzy was stoic right 'til the bitter end.  Like Mom, she couldn't see or hear, stand straight or still for very long and often fell.  Yet, Suzy maintained her dignity right 'til the end. 


She taught me so much about courage and confidence, honor and loyalty.   Suzy taught me that life is for living!  For fun and friendship, joy and laughter, trust and truth.  Even in the end, as she grew weaker and unable to eat or walk on her own, something inside that beautiful creature imparted to me the importance of going on.  Not just existing or writhing in pain (like now, at her loss) but of honoring our bond and going on in a way that is life-affirming.  For me and for others. 


That marvelous energy we shared shall go on.  To honor our union and to help others value, savor and appreciate close bonds with their own pets.  Life is for living, not dying; for appreciating not denying; for rejoicing not regretting.  Suzy taught me all this and more. 

Much, much more.