08-14-2012, 12:00 AM
I had a dog named Fiona who loved the outdoors, We walked , biked, skiied together, she ran free without a leash at times (much to the dismay of my neighbors, had to struggle not to let her run out an open door. Well she grew old, and then ill. She could only eat certain foods and became thin. But the love of the outdoors was in her spirit. Looked at her one day and knew the end was near. We went for one last walk together. It was difficult but she'd have it no other way. She knew it was the last time. She had to do the whole route, to the river, by the bridge. Watched her absorb everything, just about swallowing into her being. Tears streaming the whole way, we mourned together. Got home and she went to the bed and died. Could not walk that path for a month. But I walk it now. The same trees stand steady going by The living path remains. All are free to be aware in it, come, go. Nature, the earth, universe is there and was there and will be. Fiona lived it, loved it, and said her good-byes.