OE

I met OE in june, 2004, when i first attended a retreat at Earthsprings. Even though it was our first meeting he behaved as though we'd known each forever .. and as i am consistently observing we have ALL met before in some form or other.

OE ran to meet us as we got out of the car and he immediately rubbed up against me and began to lick the hand i extended to him.

Perhaps this is the place to describe OE - a big, beautiful black lab. Buddha dog. Guide of the land. Happy - a smile on his face almost always.

OE was the most reverent dog i ever knew - maybe the most reverent being i have met, actually, when i consider how oblivious to sacred life a lot of humans seem to be.

OE would attend circles and ceremonies with a sense of controlled play and a knowing when it was time to just be still and absorb the energy. There ought to be a monument on the land to honor his loyalty, love and grace.

OE crossed over to pure spirit on Friday, Feb. 13th, 2009. He had experienced the pain of cancer for some time and it was changing the quality of his life. I received a note today from LH saying he had gone. My heart goes to her and to Chris and to all of you who knew and loved OE.

Death is so much more a part of life, i am learning, than we ever really imagine.

For me personally i have yet to digest the fact that when i arrive in april for another retreat there will be no big bear dog to hug and kiss me. I will miss the walks in the dark with only OE's white smile to lead me. I will miss just being near him.
The consolation for me comes from my great blessing to have had this fellow in my life ~ because once there, he will never leave me.

Earthsprings will seem a very different place without him, but i know my memories will give me solace and, after time, peace.

Merciful spirit, mother, father, creator of all, welcome OE into your pure light with gladness. That light will certainly glow more brightly now.