Even though I couldn’t save him, I made the decision to love him till the end.
My name is Andrea, and I had the honor of living with Luca for nineteen years. He was more than a dog. He served as my home, compass, and quiet source of light during the darkest times.
Even when I lost my identity, he was the one who knew me the best. His body was gradually extinguished by the years. His strength was being stolen by arthritis. It took a tremendous effort to get up, and his legs gave out. His soul stayed pure even though his sight darkened. And it was always looking for me.
I also never abandoned him.
The water was the only area where he appeared to feel some relaxation. I held him in my arms every day and we went to the lake together. With his back on my chest, I held him up. He closed his eyes and drifted. and temporarily ceased to shake. As though the years, the grief, and the weight of time were washed away by the river.
I was unable to heal him. I was unable to alter the situation.
But I could be there for him. My dear. My focus. Right up until the end.
And I did just that. I remained with him. silently. Only the two of us.
Because the decision to accompany, despite all the pain, is where true love is measured.
🕯️The final days were the most difficult. He hardly ate and slept a lot. However, his eyes continued to sparkle whenever he saw the towel. He was aware that we were returning to the lake. He was aware that there was only one more moment of tranquility.
And it was true. Until he exhaled.
As usual, I held him close. Nothing mattered anymore, not even the cold, the exhaustion, or the tears.
There, in the water he loved so much, he dozed off. However, he didn’t wake up this time.
The last picture we took together is this one. I don’t share it because I’m depressed. I give it away because I love it.
Because some farewells break you apart, even though they don’t hurt.
And even after the body departs, certain relationships last forever.
I was unable to save him. However, I decided to attend. Until the very end.
You know that you have adored an elderly, frail, and affectionate friend.
Perhaps when you read these lines, a memory that has always been a part of you was rediscovered.
