Life's Lessons

For the second time this year Jane and I were faced with the reality of the cycle of life as we lost our bulldog, Molly. Like Sophie, Molly was an important part of our lives from the time she was just a few weeks old. For most of her life Molly suffered from one ailment or another, never proving as healthy as her sister Sophie. So it came a little surprise when faced with a serious health issue Molly's system was not strong enough to fight back.

The interesting lesson for both Jane and I was how unprepared we both were when forced to separate from such an important part of our daily lives. "She was just going to the Vet for some tests to determine which new medications we need to buy" repeated over and over again in our minds. We each found ourselves looking toward the door just in case Molly decided to 'need to use the outside facilities', only to find the doorway permently empty. I've found myself rushing through my morning shower and shave and to get downstairs to feed Molly and spend time together only to be reminded at the staircase landing that Molly is not waiting in the kitchen for our morning ritual.

Many very intelligent people have written on death and dying, on the topic of loosing something very dear to you and how to deal with the pain and loneliness. One thing they all seem to have in common in their message is something I'd like to pass on to you; if you care about some one, be it human or animal, take time daily to appreciate them. Before you know it they might be gone.