The day was full of wind and clouds. A light rain had come with the morning and by afternoon the promise of spring was palatable in the air. Still the clouds and the wind played with one another chasing after each. The sun gentle and warm pressed golden fingers of warmth against the clouds trying to find an ease for those below.
Below is where we were. Regina and I. Walking towards the bay with a part of us that was ready to be released. In our loving hands rested the ashes of our beloved pet Ya Ya. To us this small dog that was little more than a tuft of fuzzy white hair was more than a pet. More than a companion. He represented to us beginning. He had entered our lives shortly after we were married. He made our union of two hearts more than just a bond between man and woman. With him we began family. A family to care for and to look after. With him in our lives we had someone who needed us for warmth and love without complaint or demand.
Ya Ya was with us through so many things. Love, death and birth of our own children. And so many other small and large things that happen through the years. He gave us a steady solace beyond what we had with just ourselves. He was a constant reminder of joy, warmth and love even when with one another those things seemed to be distant at times. There was always Ya Ya ready to snuggle up and let you know he loved you.
And now here we were. Walking our Ya Ya for the last time towards that vast empty sorrow and joy that is goodbye. Our tears fell unbidden. Gasp of pain and sorrow mixed with hopes of joy and eventual reunion. We walked to the water. The clouds and wind seem to slow their frolicking and observe the three of us reach the waters edge.
I lifted Ya Ya ashes high. The wind as if compelled by mother nature herself stirred and picked up Ya Ya and spread him forth to his new place over the bay. A place of warmth and sunshine. A place full of happiness and joy.
We said our goodbye. We wiped tears and turned away. We began the slow journeyed back to a place that was a little less home than it was before. The sun, wind and clouds all finally worked together. For a moment as we turned our faces upwards a warm bath of blue opened up and spread upon us.
We knew Ya Ya had made it home.
Rest in peace Ya Ya and we will see you again sometime over the other side of the rainbow bridge.
I remember every time we would visit you guys, my girls would be so excited to see Ya Ya and he would greet us at the door with his bark. He was a good dog and the girls loved playing with him. That was a nice tribute to Ya Ya; even made me get teary eyed. My family and I will miss Ya Ya and I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a pet, especially a dog who basically is another member of your family. Rest in peace Ya Ya.
This was a beautiful tribute. I hope all is well.