I Miss Him...

Tonight I got an email from the couple that adopted Lincoln when I moved to California. They were kind enough to send me some photos which makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I'm happy to hear that he is doing well and is healthy. He has adjusted well and has even gotten a new little play buddy to hang out with during the day so he is not alone. Here is the current photo of him (I'm not sure why he looks a bit pissed):

Now here is the way that I remember him:

I'd always wanted a puppy and Lincoln was my first pet that I got as an adult (aside from Hamilton the Goldfish - R.I.P.) Lincoln was a find from Petfinder.com and I fell in love with him immediately. For the next 15 months he became my best friend and the day I had to give him up I bawled like a baby. I knew that it was the best decision for him but it still doesn't make it any easier. I often think of him and it makes me realize how much I miss him. I miss our nightly walks around the block and us stopping to look at the stars at the end of the road. I miss him being so excited for me to come home and play with him. I miss taking him to the park. I miss how easy it is to meet people when you have a dog! I miss seeing him play with his toys - all 500 of them. I miss chasing him with the vacuum cleaner. And the list goes on...

It struck me tonight that in some small way Lincoln represents the final stage of me letting go of my life in Nashville. I miss so many things about it but the thing I miss most was the feeling of having a HOME. Not just a house with flowers but a home. Do you know the difference? It's a funny feeling that I can't quite explain when you realize that you don't have that anymore. My house that was always full of friends and laughter has now become an apartment that I barely see. Hotel rooms, airports and highways have replaced my house, my neighborhood and my dog. My family & closest friends are all over 2000 miles away and I miss them like crazy. They say that 'home is where your heart is' and if that is the case then I guess mine is in my suitcase traveling around the United States.

All this to say, if you truly have a HOME to go to this Thanksgiving, don't take it for granted. Soak it up. Tell your friends and family that you love them. Take the extra minute to call your grandmother in the nursing home when you think of it. A gesture so small to you could mean the world to them...