Life with an angel

Words will never come close to describing the gut-wrenching, deep pain I have felt these past two weeks after saying goodbye to my Gracie. The day of her departure was almost impossible for me. I fought to stay focused. There was a list of things I wanted to do. A small nature walk. A final family photo. A hug and a whisper, "I love you so much. So very much. I'm going to miss you so." Last videos. Last pictures. Goodbye kisses, because no dog should go to Heaven without first tasting chocolate. The final goodbye.

Gracie sat, wide-eyed and ready. She did not tremble in her car seat as she would always do when we would take her anywhere at all. She went willingly and, if it were possible, with a smile on her face. She was ready to meet up once again with her absolute Master.

I fell apart. My husband fell apart. But our girl was set free.

No more sorrow, pain, or death. She lived life fiercely. She left this world happy, for she had done what she had come to do.

Thank You, God! For almost eighteen years we had an angel in our midst. And I am grateful, so very grateful.