Max

 My brother, Reese, and his wife, Cynthia, recently had to say goodbye to one of their beloved dogs.  When Reese called me up to let me know that Max had died, my heart ached for them.

 Max was one of the sweetest natured dogs, and he had been my brother's friend for 10 years.  This was the last picture Reese took of Max.  

 Reese and Cynthia asked if they could bury Max on our property since we have more room out here and will likely be living here for some time.  I chose a spot next to where we had planted a young fig tree in honor of a child we lost to miscarriage and started digging. 

Moments like these remind me that time is fleeting.  Death is always present with us.  It is shocking, in a way, to see the vivacity of my children, our pets, my husband and I running around the yard... and then the stillness of a grave.  I am glad to have this area in our yard devoted to memories, to death, and to remind us to focus our mind on life eternal. Reese and Cynthia keep expressing their gratitude at being able to bury Max here, but I think it is a gift to be able to offer some comfort during someone's loss and to walk with them for a moment through their grief. 

 It was a moving moment seeing my big brother break down in tears as he prepared to lay his dog to rest behind our barn.  Life is often full of love and sadness all wrapped up together.

 The ground is settling, covered in ice, and the fig tree next to it is bare.  

But, spring will come, the fig tree will be green once more, and we will plant flowers here.