Today my best friend died. He had
gifts not many others have. He was brilliant, insightful, joyful, and had an
almost photographic memory.
To say we were close is an
understatement. All of my favorite activities were his favorite activities. For
12 wonderful years the outdoors was where we both wanted to be. Didn’t matter
if we were fishing for striped bass at Lake Powell, or jet skiing into the
canyons, or going bike riding in the desert, as long as we were together. He
loved to hunt but was rarely successful. I just loved watching him and cheering
him on.
His end wasn’t sudden… rather it was
a gradual loss of his physical powers. He began to get tired easily. His
eyesight dimmed and his hearing diminished. Yet we stuck together like
brothers. That’s what best friends do!
The night before he died I slept
next to him, gave him a drink of water when he needed it, and held his head in
my hands, telling him how much he meant to me.
By now you may have guessed… my best
friend was Spencer, my beloved Golden Retriever. I miss him so much already and I’ll never
forget the thousands of days we spent together, having so much fun and being
each other’s Best Friend!
Who is your best friend? Who’s
always there for you? Who listens and doesn’t judge and somehow makes
everything right? Who sees you not with their eyes, but through their heart,
and would do anything for you?
Whether it’s your dog or a human
being that’s your best friend, go give them a hug right now. Tomorrow might be
too late!
There’s nothing better than a best
friend… unless it’s a best friend with chocolate!
MAKE it a great day!
JOEL
