letting go

Instead of a recipe that I usually post every Friday, I wanted to share part of an enlightened conversation I've had with a customer. I normally don't invest more than 20 minutes, however, this conversation was inspiring. Often I am the one who helps potential and existing customers emotionally on their situation and rarely is it the other way around. In all my years of customer service/admin work, I've only had this happen less than ten times.

My black lab Freedom is the center of my world, my best friend whom I would do anything for. My heart wants him to live forever, however, I know that there will be a time to let him go at some point. At that point, it will be about him and less about myself.

I speak from experience when I say that I've lost a few pets, mostly rabbits and rodents, some who have slowly faded in my arms in pain.

Years ago I was selfish in forcing one of my pets to carry on living for my gain. It wasn't until the vet said, "It's not about you, it's about them, and you need to stop being selfish." Those were harsh words to hear, especially for a 17 year old, however, what he said made sense and stuck with me.

I am glad that he had said that 'cause my memories of my pets have been filled with positive, fun, loving memories. I am glad that part all my memories didn't involve them in pain 'cause I was unable to let them go.

Speaking with the customer on the phone and having her agree and relate to her stories made me appreciate the existing time with my dog. In the end what I want most is if he were ever to get really ill to be in comfort and when the time comes, having the confidence and courage to just let him go for his sake and not mine.