In the crevices of our soul
and heart,
thoughts spider out,
filling the empty spaces
with the residue
of darkness from loss
and pain.
Sometimes, it feels so thick
that it seems impossible
to see the flickers of light
that remain.
Yet, buried beneath the
grief
are the smiles, the laughter, the
warmth expressed and
experienced
throughout this shared
lifetime.

In the moment of transformation—
the passing of a body—
seek out that flickering light
as if you were in a movie
theater,
watching the story of your
love unfold.
See the day you brought him home.
The frustration of his
stubbornness
The laughter at his silly
antics
and quirky personality.
Remember the countless
hours
spent walking together,
playing together,
and those quiet, wordless
moments
when his presence comforted you-
proving that actions speak
louder.
Recall the security of
snuggling close at night,
the birthdays celebrated,
the joy he brought to others
simply by being himself.
Think of how he healed
heartbreaks
he didn’t cause.
How he made you a better person.
How he taught you about
life-
and about yourself-
in ways you never expected.
Most of all,
remember how he showed
you
the depth of your capacity
to love.