Wendy was cremated today.
Juno, a Border Collie at the cremation center, kept me company while I waited. She let me pet her and cry into her fur. She soaked up my grief, let it swell and then slowly abate. Her fur was soft and fluffy and smelled like the rosemary bush that grew nearby.
I wanted to bring Juno home with me, but she has an important job at the center. She’s consoled many before me, and will do so for many after.
This evening, Wendy’s back, back near me while I write, but now in this box, on a shelf over my desk and not in her bed near my chair. It’s a box that was made with love by members of a charitable organization that have Down’s Syndrome.
Wendy gave us so much joy, enough to bear this sadness, and she’s now here, again, in this little box.
Postcards from Italy---Natalia Sarkissian 
I’m glad she’s back at home where she belongs to watch over you all.🐾
Thanks, Kat. We’re glad too. Love you!
Thanks for sharing your grief with such moving words and photos. Wendy is alive in our hearts!
Thanks, Martha. Love you!
Hi Natalia. Ah. My heart goes out to you on this day of hearts. Your piece and the photos of you with your comforter-from-the-universe and the exquisite box with its own story and holding your Wendy are all incredibly dear. May you be as kind and tender with yourself in this time as you would be with her. 🧡💛
Riba, what a sweetheart you are. Thanks for your very kind words. xoxo
It is all true. An aching sad and sweet delight. 😉