In Memory of Henry and Did

As awful as it seems, and oh, it really was (is), I lost both of my beloved dogs, Henry and Didimus, within the month following my mother's death--Henry so very unexpectedly December 22 and Did on January 8th, just two days after I was back from my mother's memorial. They were wonderful little dogs who had brightened my life and days immeasurably, Did for 18 years and Henry for just 4, already 7 when we found each other at the pound. It seemed terribly cruel to me that I should lose these two sweet sources of comfort and solace during such a hard time. I spent some time trying to work out what lesson I was to learn. I came to realize there was no big lesson other than the great wisdom in the simple words, "Lord, help me to accept the things I cannot change." My work is acceptance.

I miss them terribly and still, well into February, have about a hundred automatic thoughts about them every day. Though they were quiet, laidback, well-mannered older dogs, the house seems so very still and empty without them. I cannot imagine any other dog could ever capture my heart. Henry, especially, was not so much a dog to me as a very special being.

Nevertheless, I accept the things I cannot change. I know from painful experience that it does not help to rail against the things that happen.

And so I offer a very fond farewell to my two irreplaceable sweetie pies . . .