Dear Kayla
I miss you. I remember hanging out with you in the days before I left, and I remember the slobbery kiss you gave me on Saturday morning when I left. I gave you a big hug. My bags told you I was going away for awhile, but I’m not sure they explained how long I would be gone.
You were the first dog I ever had, and you were the best dog anyone could ever ask for. You were smart- you would stay and come when you were told, and you didn’t wander far or into streets. You were protective, and if someone didn’t come home, you’d stay by the downstairs window until they did come home. Watching you play tug-of-war with kids was funny because you’d always let them win. I can’t say you were fond of water, but you could swim, and if Dad went into the water you’d follow him. In your later years, you became quite serious- but would still play with Daisy sometimes (but sometimes it was just a ploy to get her bone).
You were a big part of our family. You never barked much, but you were a good listener, and if one of us had a bad day you’d sit there and listen to us (as long as we scratched that favorite spot on your back). I will remember the smell and feel of your fur; the curve of your tail; the feel of your cold, wet nose when you wanted me to pet you; the sound of your dog tags going to the kitchen when Mom or Dad came home; you scratching at the door to be let in; and you comically refusing a treat because it wasn’t the one you wanted.
We will always remember and love you, Kayla. We miss you.
-Michael
Kayla and Dad at the beach.
August Lessons
Here are the 3 most important things I learned in August:
3. The things you need the most are also things that don’t need translation. Food, water, a place to sleep. If you don’t know how to reach out to someone, try a cup of coffee or a cookie- it has meaning beyond translation.
2. When you are frustrated, take a breather and let go. Don’t pull it together- let go. Every minute of your life you have the choice of how to feel, and you can choose to be miserable all day because you got on the wrong bus or forgot a USB drive, or you can let it go and have a good day.
1. You don’t know when someone you love will be gone forever. So treasure the mundane, the everyday things you do with that person. In the end, you may have a stray family vacation or an occasional funny story- but you will look back on the mundane with a fondness you never anticipated.
