After the Storm
Thunderstorms have been a recurring theme in major events in my life, including the day I was born, so I knew waking up to stormy skies on December 22, 1997 was more than a random occurrence of nature. After 19 years of unconditional love and companionship, this was the day my beloved cat Libbey was scheduled to be cremated. She had been my foundation. My best friend. Every decision I made in life had involved her well being.
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1997 |
Thunder. Lightening. The chaotic Arizona winter sky split open like a broken pinata, spilling its contents over the desert valley floor.
I was numb, but choosing to witness her individual cremation is what began the process of healing I so desperately needed. Not everyone would make that choice, but it was important for me to experience every last detail of her death. As I left the building, Libbey's cremains were still warm in my hands. I walked slowly to the car, and it was then that I noticed it had finally stopped raining.
About a mile from home, the sun peeked through the clouds and a beautiful full rainbow emerged. It was at that moment that I was no longer able to hold back the tears. This difficult journey was coming to an end but, more incredibly, time stood still as I rounded the corner to witness this bright and stunning palette at the end of the cul-de-sac. I was in awe, and rainbows would forever hold new meaning.
Long before digital cameras were commonplace, I was grateful for film in my camera. I captured that moment and would do so again two days later on Christmas Eve, when another rainbow appeared in the identical spot it had that day. I looked up into the sky, and gently whispered "Merry Christmas, Libbey, I will always love you."
If you've ever loved and lost someone you loved, or have felt overwhelmed by the lessons life has presented, you no doubt understand where I am coming from. Whether you find hope and messages in the stars, the rain, dancing butterflies, or elsewhere... may you always be reminded that love begins within you, and it is that same vibration that will carry you through loss.
Libbey Lion Keaton
12/1978 - 12/20/1997
Libbey was such a meaningful part of my life, I wrote a short story that shares how she came into my life in 1978 when I was 10 years old. If you'd like to purchase an electronic version of Loving Libbey - The
Greatest Day, it's available for just $1.99 via Amazon Kindle as well
as in PDF format via Paypal.