Reflecting On The Different
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“The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends.” John 15:13
April 7th marked the one-year anniversary of my companion dog, Annie’s death. It has been a year since I walked her, looked into her eyes, felt the warmth of her body as a petted her, gave her cucumber treats. I miss her companionship, her presence, and my relationship with her. It does not seem possible she has been gone for an entire year.
Annie and I had a very unique relationship. Our bond was formed out of the sadness of grief. After my husband, Dave, died, it was just Annie and me. We needed each other to survive each day. Annie got me out of bed and kept me in a routine. I gave Annie a new purpose to her life by becoming my therapy dog. She loved the attention and because of her own loss of her master, she easily sensed the emotions of others.
Annie and I understood each other, and words were not needed. The language of our senses was enough. I was Annie’s person. Our hearts were connected. The emotional support Annie gave me was indescribable. In the past year, I have recognized the emptiness within me. I had taken for granted that calmness Annie brought to my spirit. It was as if God’s presence came to me through Annie at times. Annie was a distraction from the tasks, the minutiae, and the mundane of life. She made me smile and focus on enjoying the moment and not take myself so seriously. She helped me not to think too far into the future of what I needed to do. Annie kept me grounded in the moment.
When the world became too much, Annie got me out of the mess in my head. When I was focused too much on work, writing, and the details of daily life, Annie always came to me for attention or to go outside. Now I see how she was helping me get my focus off the things that do not really matter and enjoy what was around me and enjoy time with her. She wanted the attention I was giving to all the paperwork. She taught me the importance of relationships. Annie helped me re-focus my priorities.
Annie loved being outside. She loved to walk, explore all the smells she found, and just lay in the sunshine. Annie and I walked and ran thousands of miles over her eleven years of life. I think of her each time I run and walk. She kept me and continues to keep me grounded in the beauty of God’s creation.
Annie made a difference in my life. Again, my life is different without her. As we each reflect and remember those who have impacted our lives, yes, we miss them and would prefer life with them. But we are thankful for the time we had with them. We remember and give thanks that God blessed us with time and are grateful for their love and influence.
I am thankful God blessed me with Annie even though the pain of loss has been intense. I would still go through it all again just to have had Annie in my life. I am always asked if I will get another dog. I always respond, “Never.” I do not miss having a dog. I just miss Annie.
When we experience loss, no other person or no other animal, object or experience will replace that relationship. It was unique and special. You will have different relationships, but it is not a replacement. Different allows for directional changes and new adventures.
I am thankful for the relationship God gave me with Annie. Annie made a difference in my life and in the lives of those she shared her life and joy. Annie has taught me to focus on the moment in front of me. My life was enriched because of Annie. Each of our lives has been forever enriched and enhanced because of our loved ones. We are better people because of their love and influence. We can give thanks and cherish the memories.
Check out my new book – Live Different Moments. Each chapter has an Annie story. Annie will guide you in living into life.
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