CALI

 “Let’s walk a different way this morning.” Deborah happily exclaimed.

Which proved to be serendipitous  

because we met a man and his golden retriever…Cali was her name.

Cali immediately reminded us of Whitman, our golden..thus…

we were elated when she ran right up to us. 

As we loved on Cali at the beginning of this beautiful day

so many memories of Whitman…chose to come out and play. 

As we petted her and she dog-smiled

we witnessed her companion’s pride and jubilation.

Then we shared some memories of Whitman…

and a little conversation.

As they walked away from us when the conversation was through

We remembered things about Whitman that, today, we find ring true.

We remember fondly how this adopted dog found his way into our hearts

a little more and more each day

how our life was changed for the better…

how cancer gradually took him away. 

He reminded us life is short an when it was his time to leave,

he taught us about sorrow…he taught us how to grieve.

He taught us how life must go on…and that once we bid adieu…

how grieving is not something we get over…

it’s something we try to muddle through.

He taught us to imagine heaven differently

at least the heaven we prefer…

how some of the angels up in heaven…

have wings made out of fur.

As we turned and watched them walking down the lane…

we thought of how Whitman’s lessons continue to be far-reaching

and we smiled as we imagined all the lessons…

Cali will be teaching.