I was the first born in my family and even though my parents tried I ended up being their last… So as I went through my childhood as an only child things were sometimes lonely but I never recognized the difference. My Father was one of the most anal people that ever lived and wouldn’t even allow me to have a animal when I was young… It wasn’t until I found a kitten outside our house and showed my Aunt (and Dad’s Best Friend) that I was taking care of it that she was able to convince him to let me keep it…
As I aged and the cat became a fixture I wanted more. I wanted an animal that would really love me back. One that would follow me around and take part in everything I did… It wasn’t until the Summer before my Freshman year in High School that my Father trusted me to take care of one. So along came Malachi in the Summer of 1995. We got her on a beautiful Sunday… I can still remember the anticipation I felt as we drove out to Cape Coral, FL to meet her.
When we arrived there was 3 puppies to choose from, but only one that was ours… I knew from the start that Malachi was our newest Family member. There wasn’t a decision to be made, I could just tell. Malachi instantly took everyone’s heart. She was calm, gentle & kind.
Today a part of my family died. I am still in shock even though I have been expecting this day for awhile now… Malachi had been eating less & less… Drinking more infrequently and was slower to move… But it still felt like she was the same puppy I brought home some 12 years ago. Call it denial.
I love you, Malachi. You were the last friend my Father felt he had. You will always be an important figure in my life and you showed me things that I wouldn’t have learned without you. Things like Unconditional Understanding.
Rest my friend. Today you are with Dad, as I know you wanted from the day he passed.
