Life Lessons

Tonight we went to visit Carver, Grandma Lindy's dog. Carver is 16 years old in people years. He is old. He is sick. And he is a good friend to my mother-in-law. This afternoon I shared with Warren that Carver might be dying soon, that it had almost happened today. Warren was very sad. In a child-like display of emotion, he cried out, "It won't even be fun to be there anymore!" (I reminded him of video games and he stopped saying that). But he also showed some very thoughtful sorrow when he thought of Diesel, another family dog, and how "sad Diesel will be without Carver." And of course he was sad for his Grandma Lindy. So we arranged a visit with Carver. It started out with Lindy and Warren crying in each other's arms on the couch, but ended in smiles and laughter as Warren heard numerous tales of Carver's puppy days recounted. Lindy was touched by Warren's compassion and sensitivity, and Warren was lifted by the strength that comes from good company and humor. And we all believe, that "all dogs go to Heaven."