Open Letter to My Friends – 11/24/2011

Dear Friends,

Yesterday morning, Keesha left her body and crossed the rainbow bridge. It’s been one day and I keep expecting her to nudge me and sing a bit asking to go out.

Keesha is a once-in-a-lifetime dog for me. My soul companion of over 10 years in so many adventures. Climbing Mt. Elbert in Colorado and Medicine Bow in Wyoming. Meditating on the shores of Lake Superior and camping along the Temperance River. Thanksgivings and Christmases in Glen Ellyn and Winter Park. And of course, Travels with Keesha across Canada and up through the Yukon, crossing the Arctic Circle into the Northwest Territories. Then on to Alaska, taking the ferry back and driving back across the Western US. And many more – too many to list. Our mantra was “on the road again” and we were happy in the tent together.

At home, we played on the frozen lakes of Minneapolis and Eagan. Keesha’s favorite was Cedar Lake, a wild feeling area in the heart of the city. Keesha led me to TTouch, back into writing, an attempt at skijoring, and the Husky Hike. She introduced me to friends both human and canine and was my solace during lonely nights as I navigated a decade of change.

Those of you who knew her know that you could barely walk a few feet before someone stopped you to comment on her beauty or want to pet her. “Is she a coyote?” “Is she a wolf?” “Is she a snow dog?” And Keesha would bask in the attention. She lived to run and I learned quickly what most husky people know – never let go of the leash. Doing that gave me a torn rotator cuff.

One thanksgiving in the Rockies, after we’d just arrived and were hauling stuff in the house, someone left the door open and Keesha seized the moment. After a 15 hour drive, she was running. All I saw was a red and white husky tail as she bounded down the x-country ski trail. I grabbed my coat and boots and ran after her. Lucky for me, she would stop and burrow into the snow before running again. I tried to make it a game and called joyfully to her as she ran. Soon she started running towards me too, only to veer away in a spray of snow as she turned at top speed. Eventually, I got closer. When she stopped to roll in the snow, I dove on her. Then we walked the half-mile back to the house where all the kids now knew to not let this dog out without a leash.

Such a friend. Such a deep love between us. The bond I had and continue to have with her is so deep and soulful.

During her last months, she returned to her wild nature, wanting to be an outside dog. So we spent the last month of her life together in my tent, her lodge. Once again, she helped me through change as my relationship ended abruptly.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by people who care about her and me. My deepest gratitude to Elaine Garley for healing touch and friendship, to Dr. Karen Randall for hospice care to the end, to Karen Lawson, Marty Wilson, Lily Wilson and Susan Guest for sharing their home, back yard and welcoming us as family, and to Eda Schmidt for being there in so many ways. Thanks also to the Duncan family for helping us transition from Rochester. And over the years in Rochester – thanks to Chad Andris, who dog sat when I had to leave.

I can’t write about Keesha passing without mentioning the sudden end of my relationship last month that caused such turmoil and grief. Keeshe waited until she knew I was going to be okay. Though my life has been uprooted, I will be okay. When Keesha knew that, she knew she could leave.

So many friends wrapped me in love and kindness and helped in practical ways. I feel wealthy, blessed and humbled. Thanks to all who helped me move and find a temporary place to land. Thanks to those at First UU for all the support. Thanks Mary Hayes Greico for teaching me the power of forgiveness. And to my dear ones around the world, your love touches me daily.

And as always, my Mom and Dad, for unconditional love and support.

So I begin a new life. Keesha ushered me into life after 50. And I wonder what new adventures await me now.

My desire is be there for the people in my life the way you have been for me. Until then,

May you be well
May you know an end to suffering
May you know joy
May you be at peace

In gratitude,

Laura

My love, Keesha