Dear Casper

It’s been two years since you left us but it seems like much longer. Each day in these two years has weighed in heavily on me - there isn’t a corner in the house that doesn’t have a tale to tell of you and the heart is simply filled to it’s brim with your memories. 

A few months back, I rescued a small puppy from the road and brought her home. Spooky was quite well behaved around her and you would have been proud of your protege! Sihi was with me for only two weeks, but my heart broke as I had to give her away. I really admire how your kind make a place in the hearts of people, to the extent that even sending the sofas you cuddled on for refurbishing becomes one big emotional experience.

Spooky has developed a problem with his spine and is undergoing laser therapy. He doesn’t jump as much anymore but loves the walks along the lakeside. Occasionally, he picks out your favourite toys from the basket and lays down next to them. Each one of us remembers you in our own way, most times warming the cockles of our hearts and sometimes just enveloped by these long silences of grief. 

The mango tree you loved running around has grown bigger and I sometimes sit on the strong branches recollecting the many football matches we played in the yard. You would be happy to know that I have sponsored the upkeep of a few monkeys in a shelter and thank God that I have had the opportunity to get to know some more about life and loving. It isn’t surprising anymore that I find myself exclaiming “They’re so much like us!” or “They’re better than us!”, when I watch them. I can’t thank you enough for coming into my life and helping me understand that the essence of life lies in loving unconditionally. 

Before I go, I have a confession to make - about six months after you left, I came across a Beagle pup named Casper in the neighbourhood; so convinced I was that it was you reborn that I plotted a ‘puppy-nap’ plan. Please do not hang your head in shame….

With Warm Hugs and Lots of Love,

Shobha

(I think it’s time you know me by my name, else how would you find me in heaven..?)