It is fitting that Rider and I are saying goodbye to your ashes today, at the end of a frightening and disparaging year. It’s also Rider’s 2nd birthday (he was born, as you may recall, about 30 minutes before the end of the year.)
You had been so excited for this pup. To pick him out. To ride with me 14 hours to meet him. I said “Heelers are big energy. Don’t you want a calmer puppy?”
And you wouldn’t hear of it. You had fallen in love with the heelers that came before Rider. You wanted a heeler and nothing else.
I couldn’t say no to you. You rarely asked for anything.
And though you were murdered, and Rider and I lost everything, we are safe now and I hope you are at peace. No more fear for you either.
The day you died, we had also just celebrated your birthday. I called people to sing happy birthday to you so that you knew you were loved.
I wish I could have done something more, like save your life. I wish real justice could be served.
Instead, the best Rider and I can do is continue living. Remembering you. Loving you. Your ashes are in a beautiful place. They are a part of the land now.
We put you to rest, and hope that in doing so our own souls heal and find peace. We are taking this day to celebrate letting go. And life. And saying goodbye.
Goodbye 2024. Goodbye Dad.
Climate Wary Homesteader 