kobe.

today i had a chance to breathe.  reflect on the ups, downs, challenges and triumphs these last few weeks have contained.  i hadn’t expected to say good-bye to anyone yet, but a forever good-bye blindsided me.

this week i went hiking with a good friend, but without my favorite hiking buddy.  tears stung my eyes as memories penetrated my heart.

though he was not mine, my heart claimed him as such.  he would joyfully welcome me the moment i would walk in the door.

i hope to never forget the moments we would run around the house like crazy or quietly enjoy the view at the top of Angel’s Rest.

time would slip away and we didn’t hang out as much after i moved out of his family’s home.  when reunited, my heart would always burst at his excitement to see me.  a few times he even crawled into my lap and almost knocked me over.

was this a glimpse of what unconditional love feels like?

“A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb.  Give him your heart and he'll give you his.  How many people can you say that about?  How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special?  How many people can make you feel extraordinary?”  -- Marley & Me

i miss you Kobe.