Expiring
I have never been with a person who is dying and who breathes their last breath.
But I did see when the last breath left our sweet dog Chrissy, at the vet’s, turning her in an instant into just a thing, a rag doll of a black poodle.
It was so quick. All the animation left her.
It was like her spirit flew out the door of the vet’s.
She had been with us for 12 and a half years, since she was a baby.
We all cried and held her, and as hard as it was, we were all so glad we were able to be there.
Because no one should die alone, or with a doctor they don’t know.
That night, I felt her up against my back, lying there as usual, keeping me warm as I fell asleep.
Some would say I imagined her, but her softness felt so real.
When my last breath leaves my body, may someone be there for me, someone I love, and someone who will feel me around them, lingering after.
Not wanting to go.
Just yet.
