For as long as I can recall, there has been a dog in my life… As a child, we often had more than one. During my late teens and early 20s, I was often the “god mother” of a friend or family member’s dog(s) when I was not able to have my own. There has been the odd cat (or three), a handful of gold fish/betas, and the errant rodent (hamster, gerbil, etc.) over the years; my heart has always gravitated toward the canine, though… Last week was a particularly difficult one, as I said good by to my latest canine campanion – the lovely Wito left this world on 6/12/18. She adopted us over 11 years ago, and it seems a great deal more still in this place since she took her leave.
RIP Lady Wito Marie Arrowood -- You were dearly loved and will be sorely missed
Grief has an inimitable way of staunching the flow of creativity. It mutes the stimulation of the larger world – blocking things, as though in a cocoon – sounds are muffled, colors dimmed, and joys diminished. I find that turning to the creative works of others is both comforting and inspiring at such times. A long-time admirer of the poet Mary Oliver, I immediately recalled this gem in the days that followed Wito’s last.
As grateful as I am for the privilege of having had this dearest of dogs in my life for over a decade, and for the means with which I have found solace in her absence, I am fully amazed and so mightily thankful for the kindness of my various circles of humans. My spirits have been repeatedly lifted in the past week by words of comfort from friends far and near. I have said often that I am so, so very lucky.
A sentiment to treasure from a precious friend (the art and words of Brian Andreas): comfort and inspiration, hand in hand.
It seems that Life holds no shortage of reminders of this fact.
…and that only gives me all the more for which to be thankful!
Until next time,
~ PLA
