This week we had to say goodbye to our pup, Willie. Although the signs of aging were evident and we knew dogs are went us forever, our hearts are still broken. On the first time we had him in Asheville, he jumped off the couch and starting whimpering and limping around. We were sure that he had broken his leg or pulled a ligament. We rushed to the emergency vet and waited for over an hour and then he started walking just fine. On Monday we ended up at the emergency vet again.
Willie is named after Willie Nelson. His song “Phases and Stages” says:
“Circles and cycles
Phases and stages
And scenes that
We’ve all seen before”
Even though we have been here before, losing a pup we loved, it doesn’t make it any easier. Even when you know you have to say goodbye, it doesn’t make it any easier. Even though you know it was time, it doesn’t make it any easier.
And that’s the thing about saying goodbye. When you have to say goodbye, you also have to cling to hope that maybe your heart will come back together with the memories, love, and light you shared.