This is a chapter from a short story that was written by my ten-year old grandson. The story is a rather long adventure about a Snow Leopard named Shadow who is searching for her lost cub, Sparky.
The chapter I am sharing here is special because, as he writes, “When I wrote this my dog Darby was dying. I dedicated this to her. I cried writing Ol’ Chuck.”
The dedication reads: “Dedicated to – Darby the dog. I love you Darby. You are the most perfect being I have ever met.”
This touched my heart, and that is why I am sharing it with you.
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Shadow saw an old snow leopard. Shadow looked sad to him, so he said in an old voice, “What’s wrong? Why are you sad? Oh, and by the way, my name’s Ol’ Chuck. Shadow answered, “My name is Shadow, and my son Sparky is gone.”
Ol’ Chuck said, “Sometimes life seems unbearably tragic, you feel like every second is being wasted, you are so sad you can’t even cry, you are cried out.” Shadow replied with a simple “Yes”. Then Ol’ Chuck continued, “The problem with love is what makes you so happy makes you so sad. Losing one you love is more painful than any wound. Saying goodbye is something no one does well.”
Shadow said “yes” again. Ol’ Chuck continued, “You may think those are enough reasons to give up love, but they are not. Love is what you need to live because no love is painful, and with no love, there is no life. If you don’t love, you might as well not live, for loving is living.”
Shadow said, “I know – love is wonderful – I agree.” Ol’ Chuck wasn’t done yet. “Don’t get me wrong, it is awful to lose who you love. Others say it gets better, but it doesn’t. It will always hurt. I know Sparky is alive, but it won’t be long before he’s not, so avoid unnecessary pain and save him.” Shadow stood there thinking and she said “Thank you” and left.
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To Darby Girl, “The Fastest Dog In The Park”