Goodbye is an interesting word. It can mean, “I’ll see you in a few minutes, hours, weeks, months, or even years.” It can also mean, “I’ll never see you again,” although in that circumstance someone is more likely to say, “Farewell.” Too often with the first meaning, the future is not known. The assumption is that you well see each other again. That can change at any time.

My sister Sophia Harlequin has been sick for the last four months. Mom has taken her to the vet many times, but Sophia continued to decline. Last month, she seemed to rally a bit after another vet visit. We got to play outside together where she at least got to roll in the dry grass. She has always loved dirt, but the dry grass seemed to work for her. I was glad that she was enjoying herself. I didn’t join her in the grass rolling, but did try a few turns on the sidewalk. Earlier I managed to slip outside unnoticed to roll on the sidewalk all by myself, but that is another story.

Her trip to the vet at the start of the week didn’t work as well this time. There was no rally. By the end of the week, she had gotten weaker and no longer wanted to eat anything. She would just lay with her head down. Mom and Dad spent time talking to her and petting her gently. She rarely even raised her head for the pets. I didn’t know if I should have sympathy for Sophia or for Mom and Dad. They clearly hurt for her.

That ended when Mom carefully wrapped Sophia in a pink blanket to take her to the vet for one last visit. I got a chance to say “GoodBye” but it should have been “Farewell, My Friend.” I will miss her.