Another Cycle of Death....

In the past two weeks we have lost two very great souls. Shelia Chaney was the mother of a friend who was taken suddenly last Saturday. She had a stroke in her garden and passed away. She was the most self-less person I think I have ever met. She gave her entire life to her kids and, later, to her grandchildren. She loved gardens. She was a avid gardener and organized garden tours in Britain and Europe in the Springtime. I always wanted to go on one of her trips, but never made it. I also feel sad for I have had a sort of falling out with my friend, her son. It was not 3 weeks ago that I noticed she was appearing on my suggested friends on Facebook, but I figured she wouldn't want to hear from me for my spat with her son. I also saw her this summer walking in Aspen with her grandchildren, my friends' kids. I had a thought to cross the street and say hello, but I didn't. I lost my only opportunity to talk to her again and I feel sad about that. I figure that the only thing I can do now is not make that mistake again and try to reconcile with my friend, her son. I have to remember to follow my gut instincts and forget the voice in my head. This voice tells me silly things, made up thoughts about others I have because I ashamed I have let down a long time friend. Thoughts like everyone hates me know because of our fight. Petty issues are so not important in lui of life changing events like losing a parent. You just never know when it might be your last chance to connect with someone. It shows me the importance of living in the now and not letting past or projected thoughts hold you back.
The other soul that was lost this weekwas the most amazing dog Mingus. He was my sister and Gary's dog for over 14 years. I grew very close to him as I was the default dog sitter when they were out of town and lived with him and my sister and Gary for a spell as well. He was a mutt, some combination of Malamute, German Shephard and god only knows what else. He was Gary's faithful companion and the house guard for so long it is hard to imagine their house without him.
Mingus was hurting for quite a while. He had a tumor in his spine and one in his neck. He lived over 2 and a half years longer than anyone thought he would, having been diagnosed with the first tumor, the vet told them to prepare for him to not last much longer. That was 2 and a half years ago. He struggled to walk, but was quite the happy dog when my sister quit her job and found herself home everyday. He perked up and seemed to almost looked relieved that he was not in charge of the house all by himself anymore.
So, it was not a surprise that a few weeks ago my sister told me he started peeing blood. Even in the last day when my sister called in a visit with the vet to euthanize him, he still seemed reluctant to go. His poor body was just failing him and couldn't follow through with his strong will to live. He had the will of an ox, but in the last week he was either sleeping or gently whining at my sister's feet. That was his sign that it was time. He was just in too much pain to carry on any longer. It is just so hard with the death of such a loyal dog. They never have stupid petty fights with you like humans do and are always there to support you, keep you company when you are down. It is just so hard to take that they do not live as long as we do.
So, it is a sad post today, but I must pay homage to two great souls that have been taken this month. Shelia; will always be remembered in our hearts as a wonderful, beautiful mother. And Mingus; will never be forgotten for all his loyal days at my sister and Gary's side. Both these events I think have made us think of living in the now and not delaying the important things in life, for you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring us only a sense of accomplishment because we have taken these events of passing as our personal opportunities to seek fulfillment in our lives. Carpe Diem. RIP lovelies.