in the NOW, Fuzzy (hamster wheel) is still present with me from a block universe perspective. I have always had the view that animals have souls and folding them in as family members. In many ways, the furry creatures are the only family members who truly give unconditional love, and Fuzzy was my emotional support buddy when I felt very isolated. The trauma from Fuzzy's unexpected death left me with scars, and in some way, distrust of my immediate family since they were involved in some capacity in it.
Over the years, I have entertained adopting (11:11 (part 3)), primarily a rescue, especially after witnessing how they provide such 'joie de vivre' to their family (phoenix rising and p(h)et-life). moments that matter (part 4) was the first time that I felt connected to a dog as family, perhaps it was the length of time we had together or perhaps it was because I played a maternal role in Bella's formative years as a pup. Although my mother isn't really a pet person (hamster wheel), she has recounted stories about the family dog in Vietnam, where animals are view more as functional than family members. He guarded us when we were left alone as toddlers (beach angel and full circle (part 8)), and when we emigrated as refugees, my uncles went to retrieve him and other valuables, only to have him escape, wandering the streets trying to find his missing family. That thought always makes me so sad.
The winter storm of 2021 brought another Bella (saudade (part 1) and in the NOW) into my life when her family realized that they couldn't properly care for the young puppy in a small apartment with a toddler. While I co-parent her at times with my sister's family, it soon became clear we have vastly different pup-parenting styles.
However, much like 11:11 (part 14), I encountered people who had similar parenting styles as mine, or at least gave me the freedom to love and guide my own way. She has made me realize that what seemed missing in my life was filled by her presence, and it solidified my decision to embrace a part of her genetic lineage, knowing that her sister was raised with love and companionship of their birth mother.
In a way, this isn't quite unsent letters (part 3) as I know she knows my thoughts at a soul level. It is a pū'iwa to me that turns out to be moments that matter (part 8), leaving me feeling as we're soul sisters (thelma & louise (part 4)).
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Dear Baby Girl -
Today marks the beginning of a three-day cycle to 'Find Joy' for everyone, and as the 'Connect To Your Joy' meditation asked me to visualize someone or something that brings me joy, there was no hesitation when you popped into my head, immediately drawing a smile to my lips that stayed for the entire 10 minutes of the meditation.
Letting you guide our journey, you showed me the secluded spot with the sign to look up and listen to hear the melodic songs of varying birds; you took us down a small ravine, off the beaten path, and somehow you guided us back to another path, as if you knew where you were going all along; you showed us a small limb full of ladybugs and the lone man sitting in a wheelbarrow soaking in the beautiful sky; and when I was concerned that you may be getting parched, you magically led us towards the water fountain.
I'm touched at how you've always checked in on me to make sure I was not hurting during physical activities with others or loved me when you sensed my emotions. Your heat and weight next to me gave me comfort when we slept, and you were a big part of why I slept better. No matter where you started when we went to bed, you always ended up next to me in the morning. My day was always great when it started with cuddles from you in the morning.
You became my shadow. From the start, even my nephew asked if I plied you with a lot of treats, as my family noticed how attached you were to me. We just connected at a soul level. While it made my heart sing to see how excited you would get when you saw me, it started to break my heart in the end as you started to get anxious, knowing that I was about to leave, and perhaps not knowing if you'd see me again.
I never thought there would be another Fuzzy in my life. Subconsciously, I had walls up to protect my heart from such unconditional love but you magically and effortlessly made that dissipate. You made me feel safe, protected and above all else, loved.
Thank you for tearing down those walls and opening up my heart again. I am forever grateful for the times, albeit short, we had together and the impact you've made in my life. I hope that I provided you some security and love during a complicated and tense time that uprooted your original family unit. I miss you dearly, and sometimes find myself waking up in the middle of the night with thoughts of you.
💞