"Dearest Dad," it began.
This is not the birthday I had planned for you and the last thing I would ever want is for you to be sad and grieving on such a special day. One thing being part of the White Dog Army taught me was to take every opportunity to celebrate life and the bonds of love that make it rich.
From the first day I felt your gentle touch and looked into your eyes, I have given you my heart and soul; I have felt the warm alive feeling inside of me that made me certain of your same commitment to me. For the first time in my life I became a part of something wonderful...a network of such amazing giving and sharing. I knew I would never be ignored or abandoned or afraid again. I was part of a miracle from the moment momma laid eyes on my scrawny matted deathrow photo until the very moment at the end when I found peace wrapped in the arms of my family. You know that I will be a part of that miracle always.
Someday you will join me. All bodies eventually fail the eternal soul. Until then feel me with you in spirit and love...blessing you with a gentle breeze, kissing you with the precious rain, reminding you in the sparkling stars that shine on your nightly walks with the Army. I am ever at your side.
I will not ask that you not be sad...I know humans feel such pain when it is time to part. But I do thank you for being so compassionate and brave to give me release. Look to my brothers and sisters; give each other comfort. I will live forever because you all took me in, accepted me, and loved me. Please when your mind is clearer and your heart starts to heal consider giving this incredible gift to another dog in need...a second chance to an unloved would be the greatest tribute.
Remember dad, I am the Mighty Quinn, the Miracle Boy. You saved my life and gave me a forever life filled with more than I ever hoped for. See the connection, dad? It is LIFE...in all of its complexity and wonder and pain. It is an amazing thing.
Celebrate it! Celebrate yourself today for your part in the wonder...
And feel with every fiber of your being that I am celebrating you! I wish you a birthday free from tears and full of love...Your Q-Man
25 comments:
Wishing Steve a very Happy Birthday. We know that the Mighty One is celebrating at the Bridge today. Our hearts are with you.
Happy Birthday Steve!! I hope you and your family can celebrate your birthday the way you feel fit during this time. (Dessert does help!!)
Much Love,
Mama Mindy & The Slimmer Puggums
Truly, what a beautiful letter! We hope that it lightens up your heart a little.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
Happy Birthday! Quinn certainly has a way with words, certainly a tribute to the love that he finally had when the WDA came into his life. What a gift to receive
Happy Birthday to Steve. The letter from Quinn was eloquent and so true. It is LIFE, as he said... and somehow, we all find ways to keep dancing even when a loved one has passed. I wish that for all of you, as your hearts very slowly heal.
Happy Birthday, Steve! So long to the Mighty Quinn, free of all his little bodies hurts and discomforts. I always take comfort in saying So Long, because thats what it is, you know, just so long until we meet again.
Until then, to the White Dog Army, God Bless!
Jo
We know how tough today must be, but we wish you a Happy Birthday Steve. The Might Quinn will be looking out for you. Hugs from all of us.
Please give Steve the best from all of us. We hold all of wooos in very high regard,
RA, Isis & Nanük
Oh, Steve...we know what a bittersweet birthday this must be...sweet to have Sue and the other WDA there, but so bitter that your boy Quinn is not physically with you. That card is exactly how Quinn feels and he is still sending you love from beyond the Rainbow Bridge. He would want you to celebrate your birthday, to celebrate you...you who give so much love with Sue to all of the WDA, and all the love for Quinn. May you remember today all the wonderful things in life, including having an eternity of love from Quinn and the WDA.
I am dedicating today's blog to your beautiful furangel, our furpal, The Mighty Quinn.
May these words bring you some comfort and know why Quinn is not there in physical form, he is all around you, today on your birthday, and always...
I Am Not There
by Mary Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
So sorry to hear about Quinn. I know he died in loving arms and had a wonderful life because of you, Steve and the WDA.
Run free, Mighty Quinn
Mighty Quinn wanted you to celebrate each day Steve- so today we celebrate you,,, and we give you time for your hearts to heal.
Angel Mighty Quinn is so wise.
love
tweedles
We are so sorry to hear about Quinn and hope that Steve is able to celebrate Quinn's life. Hugs to all of you ... with love....xoxo Chloe and LadyBug
Happy Birthday Steve. Yes, we too want you to have a wonderful day as your Quinn wanted. We just know he must have given you some laughs and our present to you is to remember those memories and retell those stories to your family. Hope you have a yummy cake and get spoilt (we know you will!). No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
Lovely letter from Quinn... It was obvious in reading it that there is much love in the White Dog house.
Happy Birthday to Steve.....
So very sorry for your loss of Quinn. This was a beautiful post.
Happy Birthday, Steve! What a beautiful card. We imagine he cried when he read the words. We did. Hugs
Happy Birthday Steve. Quinn said it best and is so true. I remembered someone told me a Dr. Suess quote when I was going through so much loss a few years ago. They told me Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened. So very true but sometimes hard to remember. Love to you all from all of us.
Our hearts are breaking. Only our faith and our belief are helping.
Your friends in Colorado truly care. We love you, and we feel so lucky and blessed to have met the Mighty Quinn.
xxxx
A very beautiful letter and a beautiful tribute. Happy Birthday Steve. Love to you all xx
Tough times for sure, but love is all around you and will help you all get through it. Happy Birthday, Steve - you are one great leader for the WDA.
Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning
What a beautiful letter, not that I am surprised, you all are beautiful people. Know that we all feel your pain and are with you in spirit. Have a Happy Birthday, Steve, knowing that "The Mighty Quinn" is with you in love & spirit.
Prayers,
Lucy (Troy, Ohio)
Happy birthday to the doggie daddy. We are so sorry to hear about Quinn, but know that he is with so many wonderful furry friends up in heaven.
Much love to all of you! We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! <3
Woofs & huggies,
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)
Wishing you a blessed birthday, Steve. We can only imagine what you are going through today. But we do know you will be reunited with the Mighty Quinn one day, and we hope that is some comfort to you. And for now, surely your sweet Quinn is watching over you all.
Big hugs,
Wishing you many happy memories on your birthday and love from your family.
Sam
Yo, my little white brofur, what can I say? I am so sorry. When you are ready all woo can eat salad is on me OK?? Take care,
Nanük
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