Robin's Egg

Charlie was with us almost 10 years and was raised with Sebastian (also 10) who did not know life without him. Sebastian regularly called Charlie his "best friend." Charlie sent Sebastian off to school with an encouraging look every morning and greeted him when Sebastian returned as though he had not seen him in weeks. To say that Sebastian leaned on Charlie through our move to Italy is an understatement. Charlie is, in fact, how I learned the importance of dogs in the lives of people and see them as gift from God deliberately crafted and generously given. We lost Charlie on the Feast of St. Sebastian--it seemed like a message from God: "Charlie loves you, Sebastian!" 

Sebastian tried to stay steady. He didn't even tell his teachers or classmates that his dog had died when they asked him what was wrong. But under that courageous exterior, the boy was in pain. Ron took charge. He coached him, listened to him, encouraged him, consoled him. Ron has been magnificent, maintaining a firm, guiding hand while supporting him, planning camping trips, hiking adventures, and--you guessed it--getting a new puppy. 

In truth, this new puppy is about the sweetest little dog I have ever seen. He is absolutely precious. Ron found golden retrievers in Tuscany, and we went twice to see the puppies. We chose one little boy and brought him home just a week or so ago. Be still my heart! 

We named him "Nilo" after San Nilo, one of our favorite churches in Italy. It was, rather incredibly, built only 50 years before the Great Schism between the East and West, and remained steady as a Catholic Church (because it is in Rome) with a Byzantine rite (because it serves a Greek population) and never endured change due to the Schism. It is a symbol of unity of the East and West, and we simply adore its heavenly liturgy. Annie even sings in their choir!  

This puppy can never replace Charlie's place in our hearts. But Sebastian is getting stronger. Yesterday morning, Sebastian and I took Nilo out, and fed him along with our bunnies. 

[Here is Annie with our bunnies]

We spent an hour outside as the sun rose. Sebastian got ready for school and then we were off. As he approached the school, Sebastian pulled a robin's egg out of his pocket that he had found that morning and wanted to show his classmates. Seeing Sebastian with that little, delicate blue egg in his cupped hand, feeling so tender toward the idea of a baby bird, my heart melted. A wave of hope washed over me. Thank God for grieving, for healing, for spring time, and for new beginnings.