One year ago we said our last goodbye to Charlie. Gave our last hugs and kisses. Shared our last laughs and shed our last tears with him. I can remember that day so vividly in my brain, that it feels like it was only yesterday.
His life was short, but man was it sweet. Charlie had a way of making people fall in love with him. He was able to put smiles on faces all over the world, and he didn’t even know it. People always say “my dog is my best friend.” Charlie was my BEST FRIEND. He made me feel safe. He made me feel loved. He was always there for me. I could tell him anything. He never ever failed to make me smile.
I always imagined Charlie an old dog running in our yard with our children, wondering when he was ever going to calm down. Life had other plans for him. I know he was brought into our lives for a reason. After my second miscarriage, I cried. I cried a lot. Charlie gave me hope. If I never was able to have children, I had Charlie, and that was the only thing that made me ok. I’m sure this was just one piece of the puzzle that put together his whole purpose.
His cancer was unexpected, and his chemotherapy was like a roller coaster of emotions. Every extra day we got with Charlie mattered. He got to be there for Aria’s first year of life, he got to give Ralphie a little guidance. He got to put his paw on Iris in my belly. These were such important milestones in our lives, and I’m so grateful Charlie was here.
When I look back to a year ago, I thought I would never be ok again. Each day got a little easier. And somewhere along the line the tears turned into laughs over silly memories. I’m ok. I missing you, but I’m ok. I’ve realized that you’re still with me, and always will be.