The day I posted the word “courage” as the new word for the week, I lost my beloved pet, Daisy, after 16 good years. Daisy was my first dog, and so the first one to whom I had to say goodbye. It was one of the hardest days of my life.
David Whyte, in his book Consolations, speaks of parenthood as a “timeless test of courage and alignment. To be shaken and realigned with a new and surprising life, come from nowhere. The first courageous step may be firmly into complete bewilderment and a fine state of not knowing.” We became parents of Daisy because our kids wanted a dog. Little did we know how deeply she would burrow herself into our hearts. The kids grew up and left and Daisy stayed with us.
Courage comes from the French word “coeur” meaning heart. It takes courage to love anyone or anything because that potential loss is always there. Our lives become aligned with theirs. While the loss is great, the memories and what Daisy taught me will stay forever. She showed me how to depend on others, express her feelings, love unconditionally, be fearless, and just be. I will miss her very much.
** Books mentioned have Amazon or Bookshop affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.
Daisy will be missed. She was such a sweetheart.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved dog Daisy! Loosing a pet is heart-wrenching. Those of us who have made room in our hearts and our lives for small furred and feathered friends feel their passing deeply. Courage is such an appropriate word for you just now.
Kim, I’m so sorry for this pain you must wade through – your relationship with Daisy was very special; you were each such an integral and connected part of the others’ days and life. I envied your road trip time together, I imagined how special that would feel if it were me and my dog.
I’ve spent time looking at the photo you’ve shared – such a look in her eyes, almost like she’s wondering if you’ll be okay.
I also ‘heard’ this while looking at it, “I will be with you and you’ll feel my presence when you’re most relaxed and open. Love, Dai-Zzzzzeeee”
May you heal at the pace of guidance …
Daisy was a good dog and you were good to her, Kim. I am reminded of how you so often walked her through our neighborhood. I know she enriched your lives and she was a lucky dog to have had 16 good years with your family!