Rhododendron Bush.

The night that our beloved Penny the Jack Russell passed away, is a night that will be forever etched in the hearts of my son and I.  Her passing impacted on the both of us in ways that I believe has made us better human beings.  Penny taught us lessons of pure love that shall always resonate.

When it came to the spreading of her ashes, my son wanted to be alone.  Alone with his thoughts and the magic of Penny's spirit.  I respected his decision. Tristan spread a portion of her ashes at the places that meant so much to the both of them.  The date was April 6, 2019.  Slightly over five months since she went to sleep.

He then brought over the remainder of her ashes for me to scatter.  On April 9, 2019, I spread her ashes in the wind.  I went to the places so symbolic of Penny's buoyant enthusiasm for the allurement of the great outdoors.

April 9, 2019, was a breezy day.  Her ashes whirled and settled in the open field.  A field so fitting for the inquisitive nature of a curious dog.  I sensed her still playing, still running, in that open field.

I kept some of her ashes to scatter back at the gardens of the place I live.  On the journey home, I wandered through the local park.  I noted a rhododendron bush in full, magnificent bloom.

I felt compelled, felt an overwhelming desire to get closer to the rhododendron bush.  I lovingly sprinkled, in a circular motion, some of Penny's ashes around the roots.

I showed the above photo to my son and told him of how I'd had this powerful, spiritual sensation that seemed to emanate from the rhododendron bush.  My son recognised the bush.  Until then, I had no idea that, three days earlier, part of his ceremonial journey had led him to the park.  Tristan felt compelled, felt an overwhelming desire to get closer to the rhododendron bush.  He lovingly sprinkled, in a circular motion, some of Penny's ashes around the roots.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019, marked one year since the passing of Penny.  My son and I think about her lot.  Yes, we both shed tears.  Yet through those tears, there be joy for all the love she shared with us.  There is no finality.  Penny's love lives on forever.  The sanctuary of the rhododendron bush is such a special place.  A special place that makes us understand Penny's spirit, Penny's love, is watching over us.

Thank you, Penny.  We love you.