My Dad

So right before I started school at age 5 we got a cocker spaniel puppy and we named him Hunter. Two weeks ago Hunter passed away at age 13. It was hard for me to see him on Skype right before he was put to sleep. He just was so weak and didn't seem like the same dog he used to be. I thought to myself "it is okay move on he is just a dog and this is life." But all of the memories of him came rushing in as I realized I would never be able to see him or give him a walk again. I cried for the first time in 2 or 3 years and it felt right. I was also afraid to cry, I had always told myself you can't cry and after awhile even if I wanted to cry it just couldn't happen. I usually try to come off smooth and having everything together and try to maintain that image. But when I read an email and watched a video my dad sent me I realized that there was no reason to be ashamed for crying. In my mind a man was someone who bow hunts, eats meat, watches football and can protect his family. Well okay my dad is all of those things but it was so surprising to me that he was so open about crying. He is my picture of a man. He has matched up with everything the world says a man except for the fact that he isn't afraid to cry and admit it. Among everything that classifies him as a man I feel like that makes him more of a man than anything.

My dad recorded Hunter's last 13 minutes which includes Hunter passing away. When my dog's head drooped down to his paw and passed away my dad sat there gazing at his companion of 13 years. As he realized Hunter was gone he broke down. And watching my dad cry like that was probably one of the most powerful things I have ever seen in my life.

I came to realize how my dog affected my father. How he was one of the ways God communicated with him. Ever furthering my appreciation for my dog and being even more in awe of God.

Kids,

How you doing? This was a rough week for me. My eyes still hurt from crying (now). His places on the floor are empty. This is my first Friday working from home without my companion. He would get as close to me as he could without bothering me just wanting to be near me. Hunter taught me about God in that way. Wanting to be with me, accepting any attention I want to give Him, but otherwise not bothering me; just waiting for me. Greeting me with perfect acceptance no matter how I had ignored Him......

Love,

Dad

My Dad is a wise dude.