My heart aches for my dear daughter. One of dearest and closest friends slipped away Tuesday afternoon. A treasured companion and confidant, the one who could share her losses and her frustrations, parents divorcing and remarrying, the arrival of half siblings, wrong teacher, right teacher—heartaches and celebrations of every stripe. And, although her friend could not attend college with her, she was still able to maintain that special bond. Never jealous, never demanding, always willing and patient, striving to be the very best friend possible—almost more than anyone could ever ask for.
Her friend had followed her from grade school to college; from girl friends to boyfriends, always there when hopes were not realized as well as for dreams that came true. Through everything a life can throw at a young girl as she journeyed along the path from primary school to medical school, her little friend always remained willing, caring, and available.
So my heart aches and breaks for my sweet daughter as she bids her dear companion of 15 years goodbye, the victim of an overwhelming infection. Her dear sweet Spookee, a Shih Tzu with a heart ten times what her small body could hold. Always there, always accepting, wanting only to be loved.
My daughter has chosen a career where she will have intimate knowledge of loss. She may share in those most intimate moments when another person feels loss and pain and sorrow and the coming of an absence that seemingly cannot be resolved. It will fall to her to offer sympathy, to empathize, with those who suffer such loss. It will fall to her to offer initial comfort and compassion. And in this, as my daughter begins this important chapter of her adult life, she can again look to her little companion with gratitude for once again being available, patient, understanding, and willing to assist her in learning this most difficult lesson, preparing for this most difficult task. In that she was a special little dog even to the end.
You’re a lucky girl, Kelsey. I hope the many happy memories of your life and times with Spookee will soon bring you peace and comfort-- just one more lesson given to you by your faithful little companion.
All that, and a birthday today. Happy Birthday Kels. Your life has been filled with so many gifts, not the least of which was your dear Spookee.
