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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Great (07/06/06)
What was so difficult about leaving him standing there was the look in his eyes. Darkened and shining from unshed tears, he stared back at me without saying a word yet saying so much.
Daniel had always been the greatest friend one could ever have. What was so great about him was not his ever cheerful disposition or his kindness. No. What was most remarkable about him was his heart - open and always ready to forgive. That was nothing like me. In fact I liberally used up this trait in him always sure that there is nothing I could do that would jeopardize our relationship.
This would be the last time we would be together. After seven years and three months of companionship it was time to let him go and start again. When the vet advised me about this and gave me three weeks to think about it, I thought my world was collapsing around me. I had known he was unwell after all we spent so much time together and I was always aware of any slight changes in him. But when did things get so bad?
The questions in my mind did nothing to change the fact that he was dying. I could not pick him up and run away with him to a safe place the way I was wont to do anytime trouble arrived on my doorstep. This time, there was no running away from pain. The worst thing was that in the final moments of his life when he needed me, I could not have the courage to be there for him even as he’d always been by my side throughout my troubles. Great big tears fell unhindered from my eyes as I reached out and held him for a long moment then without another glance walked away - a coward as always. As the smell of sickness lingered on my mind, I knew that something in me had forever changed. My heart was at last ready to love without holding back.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Marilyn Schnepp 
07/15/06
First I would suggest spacing between paragraphs to make it more reader friendly. Then it turns out to be a very sweet story of Man's best friend, and the sadness of losing him. A bit weak on the Topic (great), but a very heartfelt story.
Jan Ackerson
07/17/06
A tender tribute to a dear friend. Take a look at your first paragraph, where three sentences begin with the same two words ("What was...") I'd definitely like a longer story about Daniel, telling more about your lives together.
Lynda Schultz 
07/18/06
You had me right until the last line (I've had to put down a much loved pet too). What I didn't quite capture was why you walked away and THEN concluded that you were now willing to love with a whole heart. But in any case, good job.
Donna Haug
07/20/06
You had me wondering what kind of a relationship was so "one-sided" for 7 years and 6 months ... now to be ended. Enter the vet. Ha! Great move. I definately agree with the spacing suggestion. I love dogs too. Good work