Ok, i need to write for a little self therapy right now. I returned from Dallas to Chicago this morning and unfortunately had to make one of the toughest decisions of my life. Over 14 years ago I took a drive from Grayslake, IL to Tinley Park, IL and picked up a 4 week old miniature Schnauzer with a white star on his chest and brought him to my home to live with me. I named him Maynard after the Jazz Trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson. Over these years the one constant in my life is that Maynard has been there. Marriage, divorce, girlfriends, houses, apartments, road trips, vacations, robberies, ups, downs and everything in between. Regardless of my state of being or state of mind there was never question or challenge from him as he continually taught me about the meaning of unconditional partnership, friendship and love. I wish everyone the opportunity to have a friend or partner in life that allows them to feel this. And I hope even more that you take the time to recognize it when you do have it because it is rare and special. Today, after returning from Dallas to Chicago, I made one of the most difficult decisions of my life and Maynard has passed on. He told me that he was tired and that it was time. Tonight, our house feels empty. The water bowl is full but there is definitely an uncomfortable silence that I havent experienced in a very long time. However, my heart feels full of years and years of memories, experiences and lessons. So as I try and say goodbye to my best friend, I realize that I am a better person because of the time I had, and I am thankful that I was able to be with him on every occasion from day one until today. As a very smart young lady just reminded me, in Buddhism, death is simply the end of the body and the spirit moves on to find new body and life. My friend gave me a spirit and a life to care for, not because I had to but because I wanted to. Sleep well my friend.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 05:22:17 +0000