In her Last Photo

She loved Christmas. She wondered every day why her entire family couldn't all be in the same room at the same time. Of course, while paying proper attention to a freshly carved turkey. She was always happy to wear a costume for me. To do anything that I ever asked of her. This isn't even close to being one of her best pictures, but I will treasure it always. Not because it is her last. But because of the way that she is looking at me. She would keep those trusting eyes on me every second that it was possible.

I remember the first night that I brought her home. She'd been abused before and then moved around. We brought her home and took her for a walk. She came into my room for the night, but would not get near me. She hid in the closet. I left her alone and fell asleep. Something woke me at 2 AM and those eyes were right next to my bed looking at me - just like that.

I patted my hand on the bed, offering her the empty side, she hopped up and fell into a deep and motionless sleep. She knew that she was finally home. My best buddy of them all.

July 26, 1999 - November 24, 2013