Forward Progress!: Letting Go

FRIDAY EVENING

After I got home from work and had dinner, went out to the store to buy a new light to wear while running and a few other things and a small package of smoked salmon. Barbie had been refusing to eat almost anything. She started out the week being able to eat a half a can of dog food but then ate less and less each day. Salmon is one of her favorite foods. She ate a couple small pieces.

SATURDAY MORNING

Ran up Starkey Blvd to the park and back with Raj. I forgot to set my alarm but woke up when Raj texted me to say that he was running late. Started at 6:00 instead of 5:45, so not too bad. Light rain most of the run but pleasant. We ran a little over 14 miles together.
Then, I had to hurry off to take Thomas bowling. We were going to head to Tae Kwon Do directly from there for his belt ceremony but decided to head home instead.

LETTING GO

In the afternoon we took turns spending time with Barbie. She was not able to walk, so Jenny carried her out in the backyard. It was a nice day out. I brought her out some of the smoked salmon and to my surprise she ate all that I brought out with me, then I went back and brought some more to her which she ate, and finally had enough. (Sammy got a few bites but his favorite food is chicken, so I just took some "no thank you" bites).

I sat down with her for about an hour or so. We were laying on a beach towel below and oak tree. I petted her and listened to the rustle of leaves. I thought about how hard it is to let go. But as I listened to the wind and lay next to Barbie I thought about it.

Let go of your fear,

Let go of your worry,

Let go of the sadness,

Let go of the doubt,

Just let go,

Let go of the pain,

Let go of the anger,

Let go of the "coulda, shoulda, woulda's"

That time is past

Now just lay here, next to your old loyal brown sweet dog.

Keep the memories and the lessons, remember the richness,

Remember the love,

Appreciate the chance to say goodbye - you don't always get that,

But, just let go

Even on your last day with us Barbie, you still taught me something.

Jenny sat with Barbie, and then I took the boys to their music lessons. After the music lessons, we gathered the kids together and said it was time. So, we all went to the weekend vet together to say goodbye to Barbie. It was a sad and tough time for everyone. It's time to remember the good things, let go and move on. She will be missed. It's times like these to remind yourself to appreciate what you have before it's gone.