Hero sits next to the girl’s bed, snout resting on her quilt. He keeps watch until she sleeps, then circles three times on the little carpet and curls up till morning.
For the girl, this black dog is a playmate,
but for Hero, she’s the very center of the universe.
My friend pointed to her cheek. I gave her my last kiss.Left her with mom and sister lying on hospital bed. Days passed. One morning, she spoke. "Mom?" She would not let go.I said chant OM .They did. Breathing stoped. When God wants to take you He will.
First grade playmates. Inseparable mischief makers, always doubled over with the hilarity of a private joke. Last in from the playground. Fifth grade Potter fans, waving wands, making magic. High school buddies studying hard. Unsaid words as they parted, college versus Service. Back in town unexpectedly. Old friends, fresh spark?
We met 47 years ago, and spent much of our children’s childhood years, living as neighbors, at apartment buildings. There were five children, between us. Our kids grew up together. And then came the marriages and grandchildren. We always said we should write a book. We may, yet, old friend.
Rylo was a good old dog and an equal member of his loving family. He had the best of all lives, and I know he will be greatly missed and grieved by all.
He was the sweetest…we miss him dearly. And he really did have a great life. Ahh, our boy. He was so loved. But we are thankful to have had so many wonderful years with him!
Sam walked amongst the rows lost in thought as the bright light shone around him.
“Enlightenment in its infancy. Desperation soars despite prosperity.” He stopped and looked off into the distance. “Do I have it right my old friend?” he inquired as he looked down at the familiar granite headstone.
Justin, I remember you once told me that the name Rylo came to you in a dream, and that's what made you and Courtney decide to name him that. He will be waiting for you in the dream that comes after we're done with this life. I am positive of it, as John and I think of the sweet animals we lost, waiting for us. We are all richer for having had them in our lives. I am sorry, and I know how much this saddens you, but he will always be with you. He was a good boy.
Hi Andrea, wow, I’m surprised you remember me telling you that! Yep, that’s exactly how we named him. It’s a crushing feeling to lose such a beloved pet. He was truly my best friend. Thank you for the kind note. It really means a lot! And I too think we will meet again in whatever comes next.
Sorry to hear about Rylo, Justin. He looked like he lived a full life with a loving family. I know we spoke of him back in November when I wrote my own story about the love we have for our dogs. He’ll always be with you ❤️
Thank you so much, Daniel. That’s very kind of you. I remember our conversation (and your story!) well. He was such a good boy! But I feel lucky to have so many wonderful memories with him.
HERO. ( fiction)
Hero sits next to the girl’s bed, snout resting on her quilt. He keeps watch until she sleeps, then circles three times on the little carpet and curls up till morning.
For the girl, this black dog is a playmate,
but for Hero, she’s the very center of the universe.
Beautifully written, Sharron, and so true! 🐾
Thank you, Justin
My heart! Lovely, and powerful, Sharron!
Aw… thank you, Sharon
Let Go" creative non fiction.
My friend pointed to her cheek. I gave her my last kiss.Left her with mom and sister lying on hospital bed. Days passed. One morning, she spoke. "Mom?" She would not let go.I said chant OM .They did. Breathing stoped. When God wants to take you He will.
I believe that to be true as well, Rich. Powerful!
Yes. pancreatic cancer claims another.
I’m sorry to hear it.
1/26/2019. 49 years young.
If it were up to us...but, you are right, Rich.
Seniority/Fiction
Joe knew his job insisted on head over heart. So the orders to send Augie for a long nap hurt but did not deter.
Joe said a silent prayer of goodbye to the ghost of his second oldest friend. Back into his coat pocket, still smoking, he tucked his oldest.
What a great story, Scott! Wasn’t expecting that ending at all!
Thanks bud
Spark (50 words)
First grade playmates. Inseparable mischief makers, always doubled over with the hilarity of a private joke. Last in from the playground. Fifth grade Potter fans, waving wands, making magic. High school buddies studying hard. Unsaid words as they parted, college versus Service. Back in town unexpectedly. Old friends, fresh spark?
What a lovely story, Barrie, about how our roads diverge and may reconnect again!
I know it is slightly off the picture prompt but the sadness of your loss made me shift perspectives to the words. Thanks for the kind words.
BEST OLD FRIENDS. (CNF)
We met 47 years ago, and spent much of our children’s childhood years, living as neighbors, at apartment buildings. There were five children, between us. Our kids grew up together. And then came the marriages and grandchildren. We always said we should write a book. We may, yet, old friend.
Love this, Sharon. What a lucky bunch! (And yes, you absolutely should!)
So sweet!
LOVE CONNECTION
My old friend i never knew
Loved a man who
Lost his love too.
A girl who left too soon
Nothing from the moon
A broken man woke up
to a full, overflowing cup
of another love who was
Grateful to her that he does
Still know how to love.
Thank you , Justin!
My condolences on your loss .
Thanks so much for sharing, Theresa! And I really appreciate the kind words.
Thank you , Kim !
Thank you , Sharon !
Thank you , Scott !
Whiskey-Creative NF
This girl’s a nomad, just like her mother, or is she just a loyal tag-along? Laying next to my leg is her favorite place to be, her spot.
I cut your hair yesterday and you let me.
You're getting up there old friend, I dread the day you'll leave me.
What a sweet story, Kim. Enjoy every moment!
Rylo was a good old dog and an equal member of his loving family. He had the best of all lives, and I know he will be greatly missed and grieved by all.
He was the sweetest…we miss him dearly. And he really did have a great life. Ahh, our boy. He was so loved. But we are thankful to have had so many wonderful years with him!
Feeling every word of this, Justin. Often, losing a pet is harder than a person.
Amen to that, Amie. It’s devastating. Thank you so much for reading! 🙏
Lost In Thought (Fiction)
Sam walked amongst the rows lost in thought as the bright light shone around him.
“Enlightenment in its infancy. Desperation soars despite prosperity.” He stopped and looked off into the distance. “Do I have it right my old friend?” he inquired as he looked down at the familiar granite headstone.
I can only imagine the wonderful life Rylo shared his family. Woof!
May the best memories live on in your ❤️.
Thank you so much! He was such a gentle soul. He will certainly live on in our hearts and memories!
Justin, I remember you once told me that the name Rylo came to you in a dream, and that's what made you and Courtney decide to name him that. He will be waiting for you in the dream that comes after we're done with this life. I am positive of it, as John and I think of the sweet animals we lost, waiting for us. We are all richer for having had them in our lives. I am sorry, and I know how much this saddens you, but he will always be with you. He was a good boy.
Hi Andrea, wow, I’m surprised you remember me telling you that! Yep, that’s exactly how we named him. It’s a crushing feeling to lose such a beloved pet. He was truly my best friend. Thank you for the kind note. It really means a lot! And I too think we will meet again in whatever comes next.
Gorgeous story
Thank you, Scott!
I am sorry for your loss, Justin. Love connects you to Rylo forever. That was a beautiful tribute.
Thank you so much for the kind words, K.C. 🙏 He was my best buddy for thirteen years. I’m lucky we were able to share so much time together!
Sorry to hear about Rylo, Justin. He looked like he lived a full life with a loving family. I know we spoke of him back in November when I wrote my own story about the love we have for our dogs. He’ll always be with you ❤️
Thank you so much, Daniel. That’s very kind of you. I remember our conversation (and your story!) well. He was such a good boy! But I feel lucky to have so many wonderful memories with him.
So sorry to hear about Rylo. That’s such a beautiful family shot. Memories aplenty.
Thank you so much, Barrie!
💛💛