I begin a new journey in writing on the day we celebrate the first day of Lent. It is a day of great sadness for me since my beloved animal companion Beamer seems like he is getting closer to his death. Many emotions stir inside of me since I love him so deeply. For the past thirteen years I have taken great care of him and he has taken great care of me, especially during important times in my life: When my mother and father were so sick and during and after their deaths, through Hurricane Katrina, through three important love relationships, and through four moves - the biggest being a move to sunny California for a wonderful calling to St Aidan’s where he has been able to come to work with me everyday.
My heart is sad but I give God thanks for allowing him to be a part of my life. The ashes I receive today on Ash Wednesday remind me that all physical life comes to an end but our love and our Spirit’s energy continues long after we are all dust. I pray for strength when the time comes for him to pass. I will always have Beamer and his brother Frankie in my heart and dreams.
“All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.”
May this Lent and this journey be one of enlightenment, love and peace.
