To my sweet Iggy,
If I searched all the dictionaries of all the languages in all the countries on the planet, I wouldn’t be able to find the right words to express to you the depth of my love and gratitude for the 14 years we shared. I am humbled and honored that your spirit found mine and that we had so much time together. You were and are and will remain one of my most cherished teachers, and I have you to thank for so many lessons:
- Early morning snuggles are the best snuggles
- There is no stick too big to carry around the yard
- When in doubt, high-five
- Play with all of your toys, all at the same time if possible, and know it’s okay to leave them out and clean up another day
- If you want to share in the snacks, you have to be in the kitchen
- Bliss is putting on your harness and going for a walk on a sunny day
- When you love someone, always be there wherever they go in case they need a hug or a smile
- The only moment that matters is right now (and dinner, of course)
- The most rewarding wag of your tail is the wag that comes from making the people you love happy
- Own your weird and always be your authentic, goofy self, even when you’re in public
- It’s okay to stumble sometimes, you just have to get up and move on to the next tree
- You are stronger than you realize, and you will always be okay
- Selfless love is going through all of life’s joys and all of life’s pains with someone and never wavering, or complaining, or asking for more
I will miss the familiar weight of you laying on my legs in the morning, and your sweet face waiting for me by the door, and the squeaks of your toys that told me you were having the best time ever, and the way you would move my hand to just the right spot for tummy rubs. You were such a brave boy and fought so hard against cancer to stay with me as long as you could; I am so proud of you. We won’t be able to see each other again for some time, but I know Grandpa will take care of you for me until then. A part of me went with you, and a part of you stayed with me, so in some way, we will always be connected. I will always cherish the memories of you as I move forward in life, and I know you will still be right next to me, my little shadow.
Sweet dreams, my love,
Mommy
