Bob, that was beautiful. I was reliving the death of Shasta, our mini schnauzer. Digging the grave fell to me. I just could attend the graveside service ... missed her too much already.
That should read could NOT attend ... she was a really special little Lady.
It is a rather compelling piece.
It skirts a few issues of what duty and friendship are, or at least commitment.
I tried to set the proper emotional tone as well, the feeling of connectedness and kinship, even with the desired emotional distance ... “my wife’s cat”, for example — not admitting to any ownership myself.
We try to keep a brave face in this adversity, but we’re more Jello than we like to let on, and there is a secret kinship of spade-turners and pall-bearers which no one willingly joins.
Don’t forget the sweet-smelling root for me. I don’t want to have to haunt you about it.