Hi, Lucy --

I just wanted to write a note telling you I thought of you today. Did you hear me tell you I miss you and love you? I hope so. I hope you can hear me, or somehow just know I'm telling you those things.

Anyway, the reason I thought of you is, I'm packing to move, sweetheart. I've found a great condo that I love, and I'm so excited -- it's going to be so much fun to decorate! And I was going through some stuff today -- you know, what to keep, what to throw out -- and I found a picture of me and you! I've had days where I've been so sad not to have a picture of you from so long ago, but today I found one! I even remember when it was taken -- it was Christmas, and I would have been about 10 years old, and I'm wearing the dress with the long yellow skirt and I'm on the floor holding you next to me. Yup, Christmas 1974, and yup, anyone reading this can do the math, I don't care!

Anyway, I was so happy to find that picture, Lucy, I actually cried. So, so happy! I went right away and scanned it into my computer for extra-safe-keeping, and I found a little frame for it. And now, when I move, that picture isn't going into any box that could possibly get lost. It's going with me in my handbag and will be with me at all times. Because quite frankly, Lucy, if I were to lose that picture, I don't know what I'd do (though, yes, it is scanned, but that's not really the point). It is now one of my most prized possessions -- that's what I wanted to say, Lucy. That's what I want you to know.

Anyway, it'll be sweet little Josie who will have the task of getting used to another new place since we adopted her last year. She'll do fine, though. But you'll be there with me in spirit, won't you, Lucy? Because no matter how much I love Josie (and I do), you, Lucy, were my first little girl, and no other dog, no matter how wonderful, can take your place in my heart.

I love you.

-- Michelle (Lucy & Josie's Mom)

what a find! Keep this treasured picture in your handbag all the time I'm sure it will bring you luck. Sweet Lucy will see to it that it does May all go beautifully for your move.

Fantastic stuff. I can imagine the huge jump in your heart when you found that. I'll bet you spotted a part of a frame or something and thought.. "it can't be... is this a photo of us from '74?"
Maybe something like that anyway..I know when I'm out in the shed, I find something and go "oh wow!".

I'm going to tell anyone who stands still long enough, to just talk to them. Talk to your loved ones,both 4 and 2 legged. I find it sooo comforting.
All the best with the decorating too.

kind regards

Doggy Daddy.

Thanks, you guys! In a world where my days have been pretty much taken up with looking for good boxes and trying not to get overwhelmed at all there is to pack (one room at a time, I keep telling myself, just take one room at a time!), it was absolutely WONDERFUL to come across that picture!!

And you're absolutely right, doggy daddy, about talking to them. What a great thing, that we can always do that!

Take care!
Michelle

I'm so happy for you!What a lovely letter,thank you for sharing this.Keep her close to you always.Someday we will be with our babies again.
imissjoe

Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see your post until this moment....you must be moved in by now, & if you're like me, still trying to make heads or tails of the boxes & crates.....but yes, it is just so much fun, moving into a new place & making it yours!!! I'm so happy for you!

I'm sure Josie will adapt quickly to her new surroundings. I found during my moves (too many, but you gotta try to get it right) my Peaches & Zusha were happy just to be with me, & with each other, and after my last move they realized they weren't enemies(!) & started to get along with each other......imagine that! I never thought that would happen.

I am so glad you came across that precious photo of you & Lucy. Hang on to that, always. I think Lucy has moved into your new place right along with you, in your heart....she will always be with you.

Thanks, Kimm! I'm closing on my new place this week, and am living in the middle of boxes and bags right now. I keep thinking there's more I should be doing, but there's really not that much more -- just the waiting to move now, I guess.

I can't wait for Josie to see the new place. Can't wait to take her from room to room and show her everything. She's such a sweet, smart little girl!

And thanks for your words about Lucy. She is with me in my heart. I whisper to her sometimes.

-- Michelle