“She’ll survive. She’s got her dad. And she knows Daisy was loved.”
We did it on a Sunday. Madison held Daisy while Amy administered the injection. Daisy went peacefully, tail wagging to the end, looking at Madison with such love it broke everyone in the room.
We buried Daisy in my backyard. Have more room than Tom. Madison visits every week. Brings flowers. Talks to Daisy. Tells her about school.
“Mr. Bear Angel?”
“Yeah, kiddo?”
“You saved her. She got one more year. One more year of love.”
“Your tooth fairy money saved her.”
She smiled, gap-toothed grin. “$7.43.”
“Best investment ever made.”
Tom got a better job. Nights at a warehouse. I watch Madison when he works. She does homework at my kitchen table. We got another dog. Rescue. Named him Duck. Madison insisted.
She was right.
I’ve got Madison’s drawing framed in my living room. Me with wings on a motorcycle. Right next to my brother’s picture. Two angels. One in heaven. One on a Harley.
Madison’s twelve now. Still calls me Mr. Bear Angel. Still believes in miracles. Starting to notice boys, which terrifies Tom. But she’s good. Strong. Like her mom, Tom says. Like Daisy, I think.Continue reading…