I lost a good friend today. After many years and two double lung transplants, her body couldn't fight any longer. I knew it was coming, but I didn't want to believe it. I knew it in my head, but my heart wasn't ready to accept. I still don't think it has. I don't like to think of her in the past tense. But I also know that she would kick my ass if she knew I was sitting here filled with sadness at her passing. She lived life as it should be, treasured for every moment that we have. And, I'm going to try to follow her lead.
I first became acquainted with Lora back in 1998 or so on the various APBT/AmStaf forums of the internet. I was always impressed with her dogs, and when it was time to get another, she was the first breeder I contacted. I was in love with MeMe, and was thrilled to find that she was breeding to a dog that I loved equally as much. The wait for that puppy was agony, but he was well worth it. The pup she presented me with was Grant, a noble dog of amazing character, and the one all future dogs will never compare to.
Lora was more than just somebody that sold me a dog, she was a friend. The kind of friend you ogle guys with, and make fun of stupid people with (we never claimed to be mature). Then we could turn and discuss genetics and legislation like the grown ups we were supposed to be.
I was thrilled when she finally met the man of her dreams, and ecstatic when she married him. I was sad that I was unable to be there. Tim is one in a million, and I am so happy that they found each other. My heart aches for him tonight, and I wish there was something I could do to ease his pain, as well as the rest of her friends and family.
Tonight I look at Grant in a combination of disbelief and denial. He is my link to her, and I find it hard to believe that I will never talk to or laugh with her again. I'll never again argue with her on whether or not Jon Bon Jovi and Johnny Rzeznik are hot or not (eeew!). I just can't believe it, and I am not looking forward to the moment that it really hits.
Goodbye, Lora. I will miss you terribly.
