Sophie Up, Up & Away!
Last night as I was getting ready to turn the light out next to my bed, I leaned over to say good night to Sophie. Her bed is right next to mine, and she was looking straight at me. She blinked her eyes a few times, and I was startled by the intelligence staring back at me. I felt she was getting ready to say good night to me as well. It caught me off guard, and I haven’t been able to get that look out of my mind.
Don’t get me wrong, Sophie and I communicate all the time. When she wants a massage, she nudges my hand and gives me the “massage look,” which is big puppy dog eyes looking at me as she places her back prominently in front of me. When it’s time to play with Blue Dog or Bone, she’ll put them in my lap, sit down, and give a little bark. When it’s love she wants, she’ll back up against my legs and wait for me to scratch her ears. And what a wonderfully attentive listener she is. Whenever I’m having a rough day or just need to blow off some steam, she’s all ears, literally. She’ll give me a “so sorry to hear that” look as I prattle on about my frustrations. After I run out of steam, I always feel a bit more peaceful. Talking with Sophie has that effect on me.
But sometimes I wish we could really talk. I’d love to hear what she thinks about life, the stars, and cats. I’m sure her philosophy of the world in which we live would blow me away. She’s already been the most compassionate and brilliant teacher I’ve ever had. More than anything, I would love to tell her how much I appreciate her and thank her for all the wondrous gifts she’s bestowed on me. I do my best each day to let her know these things and how deeply she’s enriched my life. I wonder if she knows that, but then, I think of that look she gave me last night, and I realize she probably knows more than I ever will.
