For Chris (Enchanted Oak)

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It's always amazed me how close we can get to people in this blogly community that we've never even met in the three-dimensional world. If the boundaires in the so-called real world could be as easily erased as those in this space, world peace would be in our grasp. I have friends all over the world because of this forum. Some of these people I know better than I do my next door neighbors. I have laughed, cried, celebrated and mourned with them. I've shared their triumphs and their tragedies, supported and been supported, and done all those hundred thousand stupid little things that make friendships. And yet, there are those who would have us believe that because we have not breathed air from the same room our friendship isn't "real".

But today I happened by Totalfeckingeejit's blog and saw this post, which led me to this one by Chris at Enchanted Oak. And it came to me just how very real these relationships actually are.

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Remembering Bailey

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"See you on the other side, old friend."
Raleigh, NC - November, 2003 (Click to embiggen)

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When I saw the comment I knew it could only mean one thing. An old girlfriend-turned-friend left a brief comment on an earlier post saying she had some sad news. And I knew in that instant that Bailey was no more. She passed away at about 5:00 pm Saturday, surrounded by those she loved -- and who loved her in equal measure. Her health had been failing incrementally for some time, and Lisa had already decided the time had come to put her to rest. But first, she wanted her to have one last road trip to see her grandma and grandpa (whom she loved almost as much as her ma). While they were there, however, she began seizing and within 15 minutes she died in Lisa's arms.

Despite a chronic "princess complex", she was Lisa's baby and best friend. And in the brief time that I knew her, she became my friend as well. Because she never knew a stranger, and princess or not, she was a benevolent ruler. You couldn't help falling for her on first meeting (something she no doubt picked up from her mom).

No matter how often you've been through it, losing a dog -- especially one you've had for as long as this -- hurts. And it hurts in ways that people who have never had a dog (and a fair number who have) cannot fathom.

Whether you understand what I'm talking about or not, any comments that you'd like to pass along, you can leave them here and I'll make sure they get to Lisa and her family.

See you the other side Bailey Girl.

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The Great Karma Roundup

Seems like my mission in life lately has been to channel good thoughts to people who need them. Guess what? Happened again. If you've got a minute, would you go visit my friend JC? I think she could use some company right about now. Then come on back here for 55 Flash Friday, and some more Thematic Photographic.

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