Nothing about shoes today: Just a reason to hug your loved ones a little tighter.
Phew. This year has brought us fear. It has brought us heartache. And no one’s been spared from the pain that has gripped our world and our country the last few months.
These tough times sure do challenge our resilience and strength.
We all have something or someone that prompts us to completely lose ourselves and forget about our problems, if only for a bit.
For me, it was my pug Biscuit.
Biscuit could lift me from my darkest moods. Whether it was my evil inner voice feeding my worries about my small business riding out this economic tsunami, or watching the news and seeing a worldwide pandemic unfold in front of my eyes, or embracing the pain of racial injustice in hopes of creating change in our country, Biscuit could ease the string.
It was Biscuit who never left my side when our only child left for college last fall and my husband and I faced our empty nest — the unfamiliar silence echoing in the house, our next phase as parents.
When BENDY was hatched, Biscuit was the heroic sidekick. Caroline and I stuck our necks out and launched our comfy, planet-friendly shoe while he laid snoring, reminding us to take things wave by wave.
But pet ownership always comes with the knowledge that these days will not last forever.
Last week, we said goodbye to Biscuit the pug after 12.5 years, almost a full baker’s dozen — quite fitting for his name.
It seemed cruel to lose him at a time when I needed him the most. But as I’m sure we’ve all learned over the years, many things in life don’t turn out as planned.
With a heavy heart, in a bit of a daze, I write this. Today, I honor Biscuit and all the other little buddies and good girls, all of whom sit by our sides through laughter and heartache just the same.
Stay safe, stay strong and give your pets (or that person you count on) some extra love today.
Much love,
Mary Sue
