Gratitude

I'm trying to remain grateful for what I was given, instead of ranting in anger for what has been taken from me. Still, I can't help but feel the complete futility of it - the unfairness and cruelty of it all. Seems selfish, really. So I should really focus on the good. But - I don't have enough photos of Raya to even capture the puppy-ness of her. She was such a relaxed, calm dog, except for a few bursts of her playful silly puppy energy. Not to mention those sharp puppy teeth. Unfortunately, that didn't last as she became less interested in food and just wanted to snuggle and sleep. But she still wagged her tail whenever she saw me, even if I had only left the room for a minute. Such a sweet, patient soul she was. How lucky I am to have been given the gift of time with her. How blessed I feel now to be the recipient of sympathy, empathy and love from family and friends.

What made me cry this morning was realizing that I didn't ask anyone to take a photo of me with Raya. But I have those memories with me. She is in my heart always.