msalvetti
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Glad that we are finally at the end of what has been a very tough week.
It started last Saturday, with the shocking news that my uncle in Arlington, VA had died from a fall. He spent his entire adult life in service to his country, first in the Air Force in Vietnam, then at various very high level intelligence and national security positions, including a stint on the National Security Council. But he was very much a family man, universally respected for his friendship, compassion, and ethics. A true patriot - Family, God, and country. We are going to miss him very much.
There are about 10 of us up here on his side of the family, two brothers (including my Dad), wives, nieces, and nephews. So we decided to drive down for the funeral Mass (we'll have to go back - interment will be at Arlington National, and that process takes months). That's when the week got worse.
Our German shepherd Kelsey has been in decline, and I knew the time was approaching. The plan was to leave her home with our kids - we decided not to bring them down to VA for the Mass, instead we'll all go back for the ceremonies at Arlington. Early this week Kelsey took a turn for the worse - she started having a really hard time getting around (her back legs have been failing). Wednesday morning (when we were supposed to leave for VA), I tried to get Kesley outside, and I realized that it was time. She was struggling so much it was heartbreaking, and I couldn't leave her for 3 days. I had to call the vet, take her in to have her put to sleep, and then pull myself together to drive to VA.
My vet is great. I've been going there 30 years. By the time it was over, we were both crying. But somehow that all helped.
We adopted Kelsey 10 years ago, in December 2002. She would have been 15 in April. She had a full and happy life, enriching mine along the way.
This was taken this past November. I was kicking myself for clipping the tip of her left ear, but I captured that little tuft of fur on it that she has always had (7D, 70-200II).
A couple when she was younger, first from 2007 (30D and I think a 28-135), then 2005 (10D, 85mm f/1.8).
We got back from VA last night, this weekend I need to come to grips with her not being around any more. Her footprints are still in the snow in the back yard - part of me wants them to melt, and part of me doesn't.
Thanks for letting me get all this off my chest.
Mark
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