My Childhood Friend, a Letter-F

Dear Jack. I see you running toward me with a smile on your face when I call your name. I never saw you in a bad mood, sick, sad, or lonely, or angry for any reason. When we met, our hearts connected and merged together like glue. It's been more than 60 years ago, but I feel you in my heart still. I have always treasured the few years we shared together. The hardest part of our parting was the way of your demise. You were shot by a hatter for simply walking across his land. I think you were the greatest gift that anyone has ever given to me. Oh Jack, my whole family loved you deeply, but we moved on. Albeit, a few years ago, I began to question if I really moved on. When we buried you under our front-yard tree, did I really let you go? We were taught that The Lord gives and The Lord takes away. But Did I release you to God? I can't say that I understand it, and you probably would not have wanted it that way. But the truth is Jack, I have never been able to love another. After you, something locked up inside of me, and my heart never opened again to love a pet or a dog. Jack, I tried my best when our kids were young. We bought a Collie that reminded me of you. We named him Jack. I wanted to give my family a taste of you, Jack; or was I really searching for you? I have missed you Jack. You have been a treasured memory most of my life. Anyway, everyone became too busy, and we gave him away. I don't know if dogs go to heaven, but it's a nice thought. I can't imagine what it would be like to see you there. 080821PS