Mozart, I hope I never stop finding your sparkles around the house. They bring me your unconditional love and the understanding of the importance of visibility. 

Your gentle presence in this world created a safe place for others to come towards you for connection, safety and a moment to be seen by your luminescent blue eyes. I will never forget the line of people that formed at a local hardware store. Neighbors and workers paused their busy day to wait patiently to meet you and share in the joy you brought to the world.

The way you softened my fear and anger by moving toward me to guide me back to myself was something that I never expected from your companionship. I am grateful that you were here during this chapter of my life where I  faced the reality of chronic illness. Thank you for protecting me and always checking in with me to see how I was doing.

Mozart, with your love and through your example I learned to love without judgment or scorekeeping. You made me feel worthy, capable and ready to connect with other people. Thank you for creating a safe place for me to discover my true self.

When we met I was wounded, unsure and hiding. Through your guidance toward connection I have learned to love, become visible, and feel like I deserve to be alive.

Your last day with us was the most emotional day of my life. Our bike ride to the park began with you barking “faster, faster!”.  I’m grateful you got to sniff at the park, meet people and dogs. In your usual way, you got one last “hump another dog” before we rode back home. We had no idea we were going to be able to have your celebration of life with you. It was wonderful to be surrounded by neighbors, friends, people and dogs. They stopped by to share stories about you and say their farewells. You brought people together while you were so sick and in so much pain. Even at the moment of your last breath you brought our family closer with your Auntie Carmela being a part of  your farewell. She said she wanted you to be surrounded by more familiar faces than strangers as you passed to your next chapter.

Although you are no longer with us in the apartment, on bike rides, at the beach and on walks, I feel your presence. It’s with every sparkle I find on my clothing a memory of you comes to me for an instant. When I am on my way home looking forward to seeing you and then a moment later I remember that you are not home. What will never leave me is what you gave me through my self discovery, need for visibility and connection with others. You helped me become who I am now. I promise I will keep growing, discovering and building the world we want to live in.