A season of loss…

Twelve years ago tonight, I helped a friend I loved walk through an open door only he could see, a door he had done his best to avoid for months.

Kip Gilbert left a beautiful wife, two young daughters, and Noodle, the doodle dog Suzy LeClair and we had given the family, knowing that dogs can heal spirits better than anything else.

For Kip, for my dad, for our beloved Murphy:

If I could have a lifetime wish,
a dream that would come true,
I’d pray to God with all my heart
for yesterday and you.

A thousand words can’t bring you back.
I know, because I’ve tried…
and neither will a million tears.
I know, because I’ve cried.

You left behind my broken heart
and happy memories, too.

I never wanted memories.
I only wanted you.
     ~ author unknown

Special thanks to good friend, Diane Cartwright, who shared this poem.