Love Deeply

It is in our nature to love deeply and fully. We are designed to care for and about other beings, as it is necessary for our survival.

This strong emotional bond is not restricted to just human interactions but rather accentuated by our devotion to our pets as well.

Animals show loyalty without condition. You can see this in abused animals that still stay by their owner's side. It is heartbreaking to see so many creatures treated so poorly.

For those of us that take in a pet, we do so for the companionship. It is a special relationship with unwavering love and devotion that passes no judgements. It is truly an under appreciated connection that many take for granted.

There are still many of us that treasure our pets and consider them part of the family. There are no doubts in our minds that our pets are more than a furry show piece. They become a part of our souls. We cannot imagine life without them, which makes that fateful day exponentially harder.

Death is one of the hardest topics to discuss, especially when it is about a loved one. We hope, wish, and pray we all go gracefully with minimal suffering. Rarely are those prayers answered, but when they are, it is a true blessing from above.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write today, as this morning we laid to rest our senior pup, Lucian. He took over my heart 14 years ago. He traveled all over the country with me. He was there for me through every heartbreak and new found love.

When he turned 13 in November, his age hit him hard, but he did not seem to suffer until his final few days. In fact, he only had one bad day, but it was that one day that took him. My husband and I knew he was not going to make it through the weekend, and my husband was prepared to make the hard decision knowing I could not.

It was a restless and virtually sleepless night. We continued to pray that he would pass gracefully and peacefully in his sleep. We did not want him to suffer more than he already had, nor did we want to be the ones to take his last breath from him. We wanted him to go naturally, as God intended.

My husband woke me this morning to tell me our prayers were answered. Lucian went in his sleep.

We both cried and profusely thanked The Lord for answering our prayers and showing our pup the mercy he deserved. I said my goodbyes to him, as he lay there looking merely asleep, while my husband arose the children to break the news to them.

The heartbreak continued as I watched my little ones face the reality of our mortality. Though they did not shed any tears, I could see their sadness about the loss. They handled it better than me.

I am so very grateful my children got to know and love him as I have over the years.

Death is inevitable. We must accept it as a part of life. We can not hide from it, nor can we stop it from happening. The earlier our children can be exposed and taught about the finality, the easier it becomes to deal with loss. Now, loss is never easy, but understanding it a little better can make coping and moving forward easier.

In the meantime, cherish those around you. Never take each other for granted. We get one chance in this world to love and be loved. Take advantage of this time and love deeply and whole heartedly, for you never know when they, or you will be gone.

Rest in peace, my sweet boy. You will be missed.

Lucian Alexander

11-25-2008 ~ 3-20-2022