Charlie Brown
February 12, 1998 – November 7, 2008
Today we said goodbye to Charlie Brown. He lost a long battle with lymphoma and renal failure. We knew a few months back that this was a battle he couldn’t win. We gave Chemotherapy a shot but his cancer was too advanced for it to help. After consulting with the vet we stopped Chemo. I know he was glad to not be poked and prodded and shot full of drugs every week. He even rebounded and was happy and playful. But it was only a matter of time before his health deteriorated to the point that we had to make the decision to put him to sleep today. As much as we had prepared ourselves for this moment it was still gut wrenching. He hadn’t eaten for a week and we couldn’t let him starve. He slipped away in a few seconds and I know he was so tired and glad to finally be able to rest.
What can I say about Charlie? He was my best friend and was always with me since I got him as a puppy. I still remember bringing him home when he was just 6 weeks old. He lined up all his fuzzy toys in a row and slept in between them. I remember the night I came home frustrated and weary from work one winter night and Charlie wanted to play. So we went out and sledded in my back yard on a trash can lid and played in the snow for hours. And all my frustrations and petty worries just melted away. I remember how he would go trotting across the street to mooch off food from the neighbors. During some of the lowest moments of my life when I was down and depressed, Charlie was the one that kept me going. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I owe him my life. Charlie loved everyone and never knew a stranger. He always wanted to be with you and would follow you wherever you went. He couldn’t stand it if people in the house were in separate rooms and as Kim always said he had to have all his “peoples” together.
Charlie Brown was the most loyal, trusted friend I have known. He showed me a glimpse of what Jesus’ love is like – unconditional and everlasting. You always knew that no matter how mad you got at him when he got into trouble he would always be there for you. Charlie Brown to me was a gift from God, and I am truly blessed to have known this kind and gentle soul. I have been looking for Charlie Brown all day long today and I know it will take time to heal this hole in my heart right now. One of the last things I told Charlie is that he doesn’t have to worry about taking care of us anymore, and it was time for him to rest.
So Goodbye old friend. We love you and we will truly miss you.