by Jeanne Mansolillo
Dear Emily and Winston,
How do I begin to tell the world about you...my "Delightful Duo", my heart and my heartbeat?
Winston, do you remember that Mother's Day, 1982 when Daddy, Paul, Papa and I drove 50 miles to get a basset hound for me? When we first arrived, the 6 pups I saw were not exactly what I wanted. I was disappinted, but then the breeder said he had one more in the back. He brought you out. Daddy knelt down and said, "here boy" and with a skip in your step, you ran into his arms. My heart knew instantly that you were the "baby" I wanted on that Mother's day. You came home with us that day and changed my life forever!
Emily, do you remember that day 4 years later when we went to the pet store where you were? We were only killing time while Paul ate his pizza when we noticed that you were in a double cage and 12 weeks old. For the next 2 days I wondered what happened to the dogs that weren't sold? Two days later, on Daddy's birthday, we went back and brought you home.
Winston, do you remember when Emily arrived how she followed you everywhere and did everything you did? Thank you for potty training her for me. I'm sure you remember how she would take the biscuits right out of your mouth! You were so patient with her. Not even a growl from you! You had the patience of a saint.
We really had some good times together. Mostly, for me you were the best company I could have had. Being home so much because of the M.S., I never felt lonely because of the two of you. Winston, your bark was deep and melodious. Emily, your howl would bring a smile to even a stranger's face.
Do you remember the time that Daddy and I took you to Church to get Blessed on the Feast of St. Francis? Along with about 50 other animals, as soon as the priest began the service, Emily, you started "singing" along and didn't stop until he did! He remarked that we had an unexpected "choir" for the service.
Winston, you gave us 16 years of joy and love. Okay, sometimes you were stubborn and thickheaded, and we could have done without the 3 a.m. potty trips, but I wouldn't give up one second with you.
I used to say that there was Eastern Standard Time, Pacific Time, Central Time and Winston Time!
I hope you like the portrait we had done of you? It's hanging in the living room with Emily's. They are the most priceless pieces of art I will ever own.
Emily, what can I say about my "little girl"? I didn't expect you to leave us so soon after Winston.
I know you had your problems. The insulin injections, the cataracts that stole your vision, and all of those cystic tumors we kept having removed. You were a tough little cookie and such a fighter. I learned so much from you. You had courage, determination and you never gave up! Your spirit was always an inspiration.
Emily and Winston, I stil can't figure out how you managed to get all of your Christmas presents off of the dining room table and open them without disturbing the ones that weren't yours? Which one of you was the brains of the operation? I do think I know who got the carrot cake down that other time. One of you wasn't very hungry that night. Right Emily?
I guess it's time to end this letter. Remember, you both are a part of me that will never die. I love and miss you so much! I know that you are together and happy at Rainbows Bridge. I received your message. Very clever. The last 3 digits of the confirmation number for your residence are 629, my birthday.
Here's a poem for you:
MY DAYS ARE LONG AND LONELY
NOW THAT YOU'VE LEFT MY CARE
YOU WERE MY HEART AND HEARTBEAT
BUT YOU'RE NO LONGER HERE
RAINBOWS BRIDGE IS WHERE YOU MUST BE
RUNNING, PLAYING AND WAITING FOR ME
Love and hugs,
Mommy
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