*****
What if the video camera had been rolling 24/7 for these past 5 years full time on the road camping with my buddy Spirit? How about if he would do the commentaries? Goggles and helmet on, sitting in his own sidecar, nice four season tent with four motel nights a month, his CANIDAE dog food twice a day for better health than I could wish even for myself, some serious clowning and loving, and teaching me. Yes, Spirit has taught me the true values and priorities of Life. I have not heard a single complaint. He has not stopped glancing at me every 10 seconds while we ride, has not quit wagging his tail – what more can I ask or deserve from such a companion?
It is a funny thing the unfortunate dog-less are missing out throughout this Life of ours, which all too often is thought of as a rehearsal…but trust me, it is not. One Life to live and what better path than with such a mate when on these present occasions we are of each other’s help. I have had the tragedy of losing my only child, my son Lance, just over 7 years ago. Spirit himself had the misfortune of being badly abused for his first year, and while walking through the shelter, when our eyes crossed 3 days before his due send off to the other side, it was a mutual understanding within that split second look, the one imploring to save the other.

Neither of us have that answer as time now escapes us, the hands on the clock have long ago disappeared and the calendar blown away, the last time it was seen displayed only numbers from years past. The only tie has been our journal, words from the heart written from where we sit behind “that” boulder or on that mountain peak or in the valley next to the welcoming creeks and their music so soft to our ears. The camera has captured so many moments that have frozen our steps from a contemplation that never ceases to bring us peace toward the near past moments that have dealt our cards, so dark then, brighter today. The true memories, however, are all within our minds when we glance at each other and with no need for words we remember the good times we have had so far.

Spirit and I have so many stories to tell. Perhaps we will have the chance again to send out some words expressing our experiences in more detail now that we have introduced ourselves.
You be well.... Always.
Ara & Spirit
We all have our own story and our own way of dealing with whatever life dishes out to us. I was drawn to your story because of a photo of a dog wearing goggles and a helmet that said, "Bite Me." It made me smile. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. You and Spirit are Special Achievers!
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling us this story. We sure hope he will write a book about his travels. What a great thing to do. Take care.
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