Having not yet fully recovered from the loss of our own Allie Boo, I learned today that the world lost another friend. And so I am meeting with my therapist again, this blog.
Meet Kiya, a soft-hearted husky mix. She belonged to a good friend of Cathy and me.
Although she was cautious and careful, there weren’t many dogs, kitties, or people she didn’t like. She was everybody’s friend.
She was that kind of dog.
Kiya always waited patiently for her turn of earning the affection of a friend. And she would show her appreciation quietly. Like she is doing with her kitty, Softie.
Not bothered. Not annoyed. Pure connection. Pure love. Pure gratitude.
Pure friendship.
Animals don’t have ulterior motives. They don’t want more than they need. What you see is what you get.
Kiya succumbed to cancer, like Allie Boo did last week. She was my friend and I will miss her.
Earlier this week, Cathy and I each saw a hummingbird. We were in different places, on different days, but we were both visited by a tiny, yet powerful animal. I believe the hummingbird was the symbol of Allie’s spirit. She was letting us know that we can stop crying.
Kiya’s owner texted me earlier today and asked me to “speak” to Allie.
“Can you ask Allie to go find Kiya? She is looking for her fluffy cousins.”
The hummingbirds. Allie was letting us know that she is ready to help. That’s why we saw them. Somehow, she knew.
Sometimes, the best thing we can do to help a friend is to be empathetic.
Cathy and I experienced the loss of our Allie and now we can guide our friend through her grieving process. We can share our emotions, our thoughts, and our experiences. We walked in her shoes. Sympathy just won’t do.
Sometimes, we have to relive a painful experience in order to help ease the burden of a friend.
Sometimes you have to stop struggling to resist and just follow.
Sometimes you have to take the lead.
Sometimes, being a friend isn’t easy.
Learning to dance to the music of life is easier when you have a friend.
Keep dancing, Kiya, my friend.
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Significant.
Peter
