When I first went to meet Jackson to determine whether we were
compatible candidates to be buddies, it was obvious from our first look
into each others eyes and the subsequent shake of a paw that we were
enamored with one another. In addition there were two 'woo-woo' signs that indicated we were meant to be friends.
I was running late to the appointment; stuck in traffic and getting
antsy. Although Jackson couldn't tell time his family could, and I
worried about making a favorable impression. Traffic slowly inched
forward and I was unfortunately positioned staring at the rear of a big
semi truck. There was nothing I could do but listen to the radio and
look at the sky. Scanning the horizon, I was surprised to see a
cloud shaped like the profile of a child propped up on it's
cumulonimbus arms. As the truck pulled ahead, another cloud hidden
behind the truck was revealed. The second cloud looked like the head
of a dog, nose to nose with the child shaped cloud. I shook my head as
if stuck in a dream, took off my sunglasses and evaluated the shapes
from the few angles possible while sitting in place. There was no
denying the weather-made image, and I took it as a good omen.
When I arrived hands and paws were shook, and within minutes I was
covered in orange dog hair. The interview went well and it was agreed
the Jackson adoption would be completed on the following Saturday. I
paused at the door as I went to leave and asked, "Oh, what day is
Jackson's birthday?"
"We adopted him in October and the vet said he was about six months
old, so we decided to celebrate it on April 14th," his owners informed
me.
"You're kidding me," I replied in a moment of shock "That's my
birthday too." We all smiled at what had to be a sign; our friendship
was meant to be."
A couple months later we shared our first birthday together with a
long walk and a trip through the drive-in for a hamburger.
A year later my birthday was heavily dog themed. My co-workers went
to great lengths to decorate each another's desks at our birthday, and
they chose a Scooby Doo theme for me. I was a bit worried whether
the cake would be made of dog food, but luckily the gang did not carry
the theme that far.
That evening I opened presents from friends and family, discovering
that I not only was to share a birthday with Jackson, but also the
birthday loot. Jackson helped to tear the wrapping paper off (one of
his favorite things in the years to pass) creating confetti in the
living room while revealing a dog cook book, dog toys, a leash and
books about dogs. Jackson looked at me expecting his own slice of
birthday cake, but I had to draw a line somewhere-instead he received
a small finger tip of the icing. Our shared birthday wasn't totally
one sided, Jackson shared with me as well. My mom had sent him a
stuffed animal and for the next three weeks I was blessed with polyfill
stuffing was all over the house.
Each year we celebrated together and I took great joy in sharing my
special day with my best friend and commemorating our day with a run
through the drive thru.
As my birthday approaches this year, I'm dreading it rather than
anxiously looking forward ahead. The Happy Birthday song seems
misplaced when it's not really as happy a day without Jackson.
Confronted with a cake and candles I'd only wish for one more day or
even one more hour with my best friend. Knowing that the wish can't
be fulfilled, I'll set my sights a little higher. The only thing I
want on my birthday this year is to look up and see a dog made of
clouds, then I'll know my buddy is out there somewhere romping and
playing in the fields of heaven. If you see me this year, please
don't wish me Happy Birthday, instead just say, "I hope you see your
cloud."
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