A Bright Light Passed
The world was left a little bit darker, this past Sat, Oct 27, when one of the brightest souls I have ever known passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Eden left us, peacefully, yesterday, after a short battle with bone cancer. I have never had to make a harder decision than the one to let her go. I couldn't watch her suffer any longer though, and Dr. Wyatt was so kind to come, after any decent hour, and help to release Eden from her earthly bonds. This poem is one of my favorites and I thought upon it as I called Dr. Wyatt and made my decision.
IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL
If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain does keep me from my sleep, then will you do what must be done for this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand, but don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, you wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, only stay with me til the end. And hold me firm and speak to me until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree, it is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you, who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close, we two, these years - don't let your heart hold any tears.
A part of me died when Eden left. She has been my running pawtner, roommate, keeper of all my secrets, my very bestfriend since I adopted her, or she found me, however you look at it, in 2000. It has been 7 short years since then and part of me feels cheated for not having the chance to spend more time with her but another part of me feels so blessed for having met her at all. I have fostered many dogs and known many more, but have never met a dog as sweet, loving, caring and giving as Eden. Most anyone who met her would agree with that statement, and knowing that I got to share my life so intimately with her, makes me feel like one of the luckiest people alive.
I will never forget, Eden Anne, all the thousands of miles we ran together. How she would happily run right in front of me, forging the way, or the time I tripped and fell and she ran back to stand over me protecting me from a phatom attacker (or just the embarassment of being seen). I will never forget crying in her fur, during the rough times, and how she licked away my tears when I found out she was to leave me before I was ready.
A part of Eden will always be with me....I will never find another friend who will love me as unconditionally as she did, forgiving me my faults and short comings.
I hope she is somewhere where there are hundreds of trails to explore and as many squirrels to chase up trees. "In heaven dogs don't need wings because they prefer running to flying".
I hope that someday I might be lucky enough to join you, Sweet Eden, because my soul is not whole without you.
To Eden's Friends,
I plan to purchase a brick, placed at Lou Neff Point, on Lady Bird Lake http://www.townlaketrail.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=40, (where Eden spent many happy runs with me and her other running buddies) to help commemorate Eden's memory. I know some of you have mentioned wanting to donate towards the cost of Eden's brick. If any of Eden's friends would like to make a donation towards "Eden's Brick" then, please send a check to
Aussie Rescue
PO BOX 10426
Austin TX 78766-1426
Aussie Rescue is a 501c3 organization and any money received, over the cost of the brick, will go directly to Aussie Rescue.
IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL
If it should be that I grow frail and weak and pain does keep me from my sleep, then will you do what must be done for this - the last battle - can't be won. You will be sad I understand, but don't let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, you wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please let me go. Take me to where my needs they'll tend, only stay with me til the end. And hold me firm and speak to me until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree, it is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must now be you, who has to decide this thing to do. We've been so close, we two, these years - don't let your heart hold any tears.
A part of me died when Eden left. She has been my running pawtner, roommate, keeper of all my secrets, my very bestfriend since I adopted her, or she found me, however you look at it, in 2000. It has been 7 short years since then and part of me feels cheated for not having the chance to spend more time with her but another part of me feels so blessed for having met her at all. I have fostered many dogs and known many more, but have never met a dog as sweet, loving, caring and giving as Eden. Most anyone who met her would agree with that statement, and knowing that I got to share my life so intimately with her, makes me feel like one of the luckiest people alive.
I will never forget, Eden Anne, all the thousands of miles we ran together. How she would happily run right in front of me, forging the way, or the time I tripped and fell and she ran back to stand over me protecting me from a phatom attacker (or just the embarassment of being seen). I will never forget crying in her fur, during the rough times, and how she licked away my tears when I found out she was to leave me before I was ready.
A part of Eden will always be with me....I will never find another friend who will love me as unconditionally as she did, forgiving me my faults and short comings.
I hope she is somewhere where there are hundreds of trails to explore and as many squirrels to chase up trees. "In heaven dogs don't need wings because they prefer running to flying".
I hope that someday I might be lucky enough to join you, Sweet Eden, because my soul is not whole without you.
To Eden's Friends,
I plan to purchase a brick, placed at Lou Neff Point, on Lady Bird Lake http://www.townlaketrail.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=40, (where Eden spent many happy runs with me and her other running buddies) to help commemorate Eden's memory. I know some of you have mentioned wanting to donate towards the cost of Eden's brick. If any of Eden's friends would like to make a donation towards "Eden's Brick" then, please send a check to
Aussie Rescue
PO BOX 10426
Austin TX 78766-1426
Aussie Rescue is a 501c3 organization and any money received, over the cost of the brick, will go directly to Aussie Rescue.
Also, if you would like to see more pictures of Eden and even a movie or 2, please visit Eden's dad's blogsite. It will touch your heart and for those of you who do not know the many ways Eden graced our world, it will help you to understand why so many felt she was more than just a "dog". http://justsouthofthedot.blogspot.com/
posted by Marlawanda at 8:45 PM
8 Comments:
Beautiful. I dunno what else to say.
Marla (and Mike) I'm so sorry to hear about Eden. Marla your post made me cry I can't imagine how hard that must be for you. I'll do a run with Nikita in honor of Eden.
I shouldn't have read this at work. Now my eyes are all red and I can't focus. That was a very touching memorial to a wonderful friend. Thanks for sharing.
Love you Marla.
I'm so sorry to hear about Eden. I know she was a very special friend to you and I remember the couple of times running/biking with her and seeing her at running events. She was an awesome dog and you gave her a wonderful life.
Marla I am very sorry about Eden. Her love will always be with you. Sophie and I are sad but I am so glad Soph got to meet Eden and will always remember her giving Eden doggy kisses and Eden putting up with the big puppy.
Marla, I am so sad for you right now -- this is the kind of loss you don't just get over quickly. You are such a giving person, and I know you gave Eden a very special life. Bosco would be sad to know that she's gone, if he could understand. We will go for a run in her honor.
Marla,
Both Alex and I remember Eden with such fondness.
I can only imagine how difficult this was for you. My thoughts have been with you. Monica W.
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