Remembering Patrick

I wrote the following soon after my heart was broken and I lost my faithful friend of 15 years. It has been almost a year now, and I still miss my little dog.

“Hi. I’m Patrick.”

Silence.

“Hello? Can you hear me?”

Silence.

“Oh. That’s right. I forgot, again,” Patrick said.

Patrick shook his whole body and with a wildly wagging tail transformed himself from a white and gold cocker spaniel into a majestic angel in the midst of thousands of barking dogs, the sound thundering on the heavenly meadow. At exactly 3:00, the pack of dogs quieted and sat at attention before the Pearly Gates waiting for today’s arrivals.

Saint Peter stood at the Pearly Gates holding the Book of Life. He watched the pack of dogs patiently waiting and spotted Patrick in their midst. Shaking his head at the young angel he beckoned Patrick to join him at the Gates.

Patrick vanished from the pack and appeared next to Saint Peter, solemnly bowing his head.

“Playing with the dogs again Patrick?” Saint Peter teased, an amused smile on his face.

“Yes sir. I enjoy running with the dogs. They are so joyful and at peace.