Dear Dopey,
I’ve thought about writing this a few times. Started and stopped in my head many times. This is going to be sappy, but it’s ok I guess. It’s hard to put into words what you brought into my life. You thrust additional responsiblity into my life and made vacations difficult and expensive. You pooped, ate, and slept. You were my kid and I loved you.
It’s true that at first we didn’t know each other that well, but over the past six years you’ve crept into my heart and became one of the constants in my life. I’m glad to have met you and hope you feel the same way. I hope that you enjoyed your life right up to the end. Forgive us for being selfish and keeping you here so long. You must have known that we didn’t want you to go and so you never complained. You were always brave and gave 100% no matter what happened to you. It was a challenge learning how to take care of you, but I’m glad we learned anyhow since it kept you with us a little bit longer.
I know you’re grateful to work and my coworkers. Without them you probably wouldn’t have stayed with us so long. I only wish I’d brought you in a bit earlier so they could meet you pre-wheelchair days. Even so, they put up with your clackety wheelchair when you used to run around the office and were nice about it even when you had that accident that one time. And then, when the wheelchair was no longer an option people didn’t judge you (or at least they kept it to themselves). I know some people must have thought it was odd when I would take you to the restroom…I mean you’re a girl…going into the men’s restroom. Weird right?!? Oh and the visitors, always feeding you, especially the kids. They all treated you so well and this past week so many came to visit you to wish you well on your way.
We knew this day was coming . I thought that’d help, but it’s still much harder than I expected. You’ll be glad to know everything went well and quickly. You fell asleep in Mom’s arms and even started snoring (that was our fault haha your head was in a funny spot). We left you in your bed and with my clothes (dirty the way you like them) so you don’t feel lonely or scared. Just remember that you were very loved and we’ll miss you very much.
Love,
Dad