Three years ago I wrote a story about two people that touched my heart in San Francisco. I never seem to have time these days to write about the people and things that affect my inner soul– and I need to take a closer look at this issue, as I truly miss writing about these moments.
Yesterday I received an email from the owner of one of the most beloved dogs I have ever written about called “Max”. In all honesty, “Max” was not his real name, but he, along with all the other memories of the bay area have never left my mind.
The fact that “Max’s” owner took the time to track me down made my heart smile, but, it also made me very homesick for the people and places I once loved. With tears in my eyes I read the following words from his owner:
“I’m sorry to say, my Dear Old Pug Boy left here for The Undiscovered Country … from which, ever so very sadly, there is no return … going on two years ago, on Armistice Day, 11 November, of 2014 at the astonishing age of fifteen and a half, his eyesight and hearing as good as the day he was born and full to overflowing of The Ol’ Piss & Vinegar right up until the very, very last; he passed in my arms that morning, very suddenly and very, very quickly, his Poor Old Puggy Heart failing him at last … the cancer never recurred, and that despite his poor prognosis; he beat it clean, five and half years on”.
I wept for poor “Max”, and the owner that treated him like gold, knowing how much he missed him. After all, in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count–it’s the life in your years- and those two lived life to its fullest.
“Whatever you make of it, my many thanks for your reply; it’s made my day. 🙂 As I said, I had so wanted to write you when I first came across what you’d written about Dear Old “Max”, but I was unable to find an address for you. I’m pleased that I did, and thank you for the pictures”.
This was a reminder to me to enjoy the little things in life, as one day you will look back and realize they might have been the big things. But then you stop and think, and realize life is like a wave that goes in an out like the waves I once wrote about and took pictures of at Ocean Beach in San Francisco.
“Max” occupied a big piece of my heart when I wrote about him, and still does today. I will remember that little pug in his little red wagon and his owner strolling down the Ocean Beach boardwalk forever. Everything in life happens for a reason, but you can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one. In the end, the only regret is the chances we didn’t take– and I think I have taken all those chances– I hope I have.
The tears have not stopped flowing as I write this, but I know that even though I miss my former life- the people that want to stay in your life will always find a way– like yesterday’s email.
Love to the late “Max” and thank you to ‘W’ for taking the time to hunt me down, and for the great love and care you showed “Max” who loved you dearly.
There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all
Related Reading
Mighty Max – Pug Not Down!
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