Finality – The wisdom of youth in a powerful piece of writing.

Welcome back everyone to another Tuesday blog.

Today I want to share with you someone-else’s writing. A piece of writing that really struck me to the core and provided me with some real calm and thought provoking insights into an interesting topic.

A topic that effects us all at some stage in our lives.

A topic that is somewhat inescapable.

For now, I do not wish to expand upon what the piece of writing is about though, as I feel that doing so may rob you of the full experience of reading it.

But trust me when I tell you that it is a piece of writing that will most likely touch the hearts of many of you. And you – like me – may feel the compulsion to share it, just as I have been doing with all my family and friends. The reaction is always the same. A deep and abiding connection to the words on the page, that somehow come alive and truly reach in and touch the deepest part of your soul.

But all you need to know, for now, is that the piece was written based on the stimulus of two dogs  - two puppies – playing in a garden in the sunshine.

Needless to say it is a wonderful, textured, layered and thought provoking composition.

So – without further ado – here it is. An amazing piece that I can say most proudly was written by my nephew, Mackenzie, at the grand old age of 13:

FINALITY – by MACKENZIE CALLAN 2015

Why are you crying?

What’s happening?

Why are you picking me up? Are we going to play? I’m too tired to play. But I’ll play, happily.

Why are we in the backyard? I remember the backyard. When you first brought me home, when I was young, this is where we played, wasn’t it? I used to love playing here. With the little ones. They would throw the ball, and chase me, and hug me all the time. But they grew up.

And so did I.

We’re going to my favourite spot now. The little sunny patch of grass, where I’d sleep as a young one. I miss those days.

My sister’s here too. Rosie. She’s looking really tired. She’s fifteen now, isn’t she? She’s wagging her tail slightly. Me too. I guess twins really do, do everything together.

Wait, are they the little ones?! I haven’t seen them in ages. They look so much maturer. And they have people with them. More little ones. Very little ones. One of the little ones is holding one of our young ones. It lies sleeping, quiet and still, in the young one’s arms. It looks like Rosie did, a long time ago. He’s lucky, being with these people. I hope he’s happy.

I’m being set down next to Rosie. The grass is warm and soft. So is Rosie. I like it here. We cuddle up closer together. We always have. All the people around us smile slightly.

One of the new little ones crawls towards us. He sets his hand out. I sniff it. He smells nice. I lick his hand, eliciting a giggle. I like that noise. Giggles.

This man is new. He is tall. I don’t recognise him. He looks kind, though. And he’s hugging you, friend. I don’t know what to call you anymore. I forget. I used to know your name, but, now it’s gone. Slipped from my mind like a ball out of my mouth. I’ll call you friend. You and your woman friend.

Why are you crying? Why are the little ones crying? Why is everyone crying? You’re talking to the stranger man. He has a needle in his hands.

Oh.

I understand. It’s my time. Me and Rosie are in pain, but we’ve lived a great life. I just want to play one last time.

I’m nudging the ball for a reason. You can see it, right? Yes. You can. Let’s play.

 It’s been a good hour, friend. We had fun, didn’t we? But I’m tired. So is Rosie. And we want to sleep. It’s been coming to this, hasn’t it? Well, either way I just want to say thank you.  Thank you for the fun times. Thanks for bringing me home. Thanks for bringing my sister so I wouldn’t be lonely. Thanks for the food, shelter, play, and love. But this is my time. I hurt. But I feel good. Scratch me on the head, where you would to put me to sleep when I was a pup. Yes, right there. I wish I could speak to you now. Tell you it’s alright, that I love you, that this is what I want. But the best I can do is yawn and lick you. I think that that gets the point across good enough. Let me snuggle up to Rosie. Rosie, put your paw on mine. Yes, like that. I love you, sister. Lay your head on my paw. Friend. Please don’t grieve. Don’t cry. We had a good run, didn’t we? Fifteen years together. Not once did we hurt each other. Not once did we anger each other. And you, little one, come here. Thank you for loving me. For letting me sleep on your bed with you when it was cold, although I would wriggle and wake you.

Thank you all.

Thank you for letting me go like this, happy and surrounded by you.

Thank you for the food.

Thank you for the love.

Thank you for the countless hours spent with me.

Thank you for the comfort.

Thank you for everything.

There’s the needle. Me and Rosie at the same time.

Remember we used to run together, sis? Leashed together, down the street, barking and wagging our tails.

Remember the good memories. The fun times.

I’m getting sleepy now. So are you, Rosie, aren’t you? I feel happy. Do you, Rosie?

Thank you all. For everything. Goodbye.

I love you so much.

by Mackenzie Callan

2015

I suggest you take a few moments now, to just sit back, relax, let your emotions flow freely and take in everything you read on that page. If you are like me or anyone of my friends – you may now find yourself quite overcome with emotion. I know I was, as I sat in Sydney Airport waiting for a flight, not at all expecting what I got.

I mean –  my nephew is only 13.

How, I wonder, can he show such insight and compassion into such a topic?: FINALITY as he so powerfully chose to name his piece.

Whatever your views on leaving this Earth, or whether you are dealing with the grief and sadness of saying goodbye to a pet or a loved one – in whatever circumstances – this one piece of writing, for me,  seems to gather the entire experience up into a colourful bouquet of sorts for you to hold. Each blossom representing a thought, a feeling, an emotion, a coping mechanism, reflections on a life gone by, the certainty of it all – and that wonderful sense of acceptance that is so very powerful.

A generous commentary that allows you to view the entire process of grieving and saying your farewells in a dignified, accepting and joyful way.

An expansive grand overview of a topic not often discussed freely and openly.

A compassionate and comforting commentary.

What a gift.

It covers so much and it embraces a level of certainty and acceptance that we all know will reach us one day.

So – I invite you to share this incredibly touching piece of writing with those around you too, as it may just help them through a difficult time one day.

And I thank my nephew, Mackenzie Callan, for writing this piece and for giving me permission to publish it here on my blog today.

I truly believe it will help many people now and in years to come.

So until next time

#DiscoverYou, #LoveYou, #BeYou

 - Christine -