YOU NEVER KNOW

You never know when you get up in the morning what might happen in your day

Because whatever plans you may have had can change along the way.

Yesterday Deborah and I went for a ride a little after four

We thought we’d get some shopping in at the local grocery store.

“What a beautiful day,” Deborah commented then acting on a lark

We decided to forgo the store and take sandwiches to the park.

Weaver Park is where we ended up, it’s one of our favorite places to go

We had our dinner at a picnic table overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

We ate our subs, played some cards and were genuinely feeling blessed

When we decided to walk across the street and watch the sun set in the west.

As the sun reached the horizon and an orange hue filled the sky

A man with his Border Collie on a leash happened to walk by.

He had his camera with him and he asked apologetically

“If you don’t mind would you please take a few pictures of my dog and me.”

“I want a photograph of our last sunset,” he said with a huge frown

You see she’s old and she is sick and tomorrow I put her down.”

“I’ve had her since she was a puppy, and she’s 12 years old this week

In truth my heart is breaking, even as we speak.”

“I would love to have one last photo together, one more memory before the end.”

So we gladly snapped some pictures of that man and his best friend.

It was a beautiful sunset and as the sun gently fell from the sky

I thought this is such a wonderful way for them to say goodbye.

We stayed around and talked with him about what a good dog she has been

All the while Deborah petted her back while I rubbed that old dog’s chin.

When they departed we were glad for the sunset, glad for the beautiful weather

And glad that we played a small part in their last night together.

When we left the house yesterday afternoon we didn’t end up where we started to go.

But that’s what makes life interesting because some days...you never know.