In loving memory of "Woody" A few words about "Woody". In 1989, we got him as a cute little Golden Retriever puppy to be Woodland's mascot. At the time, we had no idea how much of an impact he would have on our lives. He became part of our family, part of the team, and part of everything we do. He worked late at night on projects, went to photo sessions, traveled to conferences in other states, and even had room service in Chicago hotels. Through the years he became a Woodland icon and brought us more laughs and happy times than we could ever count. But most of all, he taught us what a real best friend ought to be. Always happy to see you, always forgiving, never hold a grudge, and loves nothing more than to just be with you. Woody gave us peace, and taught us to take time out of our busy schedules to go for a walk and sniff some flowers. He helped us see the little things. Sadly, we lost "Woody" on February 24, 2003. Losing him has left a deep hole in our hearts that can never be filled. But his memory that lives within us is a blessing beyond what words could ever describe. So to our friend Woody, we love you with all our heart and soul and pray your spirit will stay with us always. Woody had a better spirit than any human we ever knew! |
"Hole In My Heart"
- Written for my beloved Woody Woody, I tried to come up with the right words... that would tell how much you meant to me. But I realized what you taught me most... is not spoken in words. You told everything... without saying a word, but with just a look. When there didn't seem time to go for a walk... somehow there was. When there didn't seem time to look at the stars.. somehow there was. When there didn't seem time to look at nature closely.. somehow there was. The gift you gave me, took your lifetime to teach... I will spend my lifetime using it. For that I thank you! Woody I love you and will always miss being able to touch you. There will always be a hole in my heart... but I will never forget how much you gave to me. Love Mom (and Dad too!) Pumpkin Butt, Pumpkin Bottom, Do Butt, Do Bottom, Doo, Smudge Face, Bud, Hon Bun, Good Boy "Time To Rest"
- For my beloved Woody, 4/27/03 Tonight, I looked up to the stars searching for a sign of where you might be. And you kissed my face with the whisper of a breeze and caressed my skin with a cool soft breath that spoke to me with your love and reminded me of the truths you taught while you were still here for me to touch. And when the soft wind gently rustled my hair I remembered the moments we spent sitting up on the hill enjoying the breeze together. And I would look at you, your curls ruffling, and eyelashes fluttering in the wind, you looked back at me with peace and wisdom in your eyes you spoke to me with love saying… "I'm tired now, but it's ok. My time has been a blessing, and you are in my heart from now until forever. We've traveled together in the past, we travel together now, and will again through many tomorrows. Although this time now passes us by… have faith that we are one, joined in spirit and that we will touch each other again. But for now, it's time for me to go, Don't worry about me, I am happy, and my heart is filled with the strength of your love. So peace is coming to me, promising rest to my weary bones. But you must go on, because it is not yet your time… you still have things to teach, and love to give. You must learn to find peace and happiness without me. Try to believe, in what you already know, yet sometimes doubt. That our love makes us as one… As soul mates bonded we travel together through the mystery of life, ride on the wings of the wind, are comforted by the warmth of the sun, and humbled by the stars that let us gaze into the eternity. We are old souls joined long ago, before the memory of this time, yet made stronger by this time. But now, although we turn to a new chapter and may walk different paths we must both find peace in our love, and strength knowing our spirits are always together as one. And even though we must sacrifice the pleasure of each other's touch, we must now find strength and happiness in the forever-ness of our tomorrows. So I must go because it's my time, and I do so blessed with joy for the love in my heart that has enriched my soul with the pleasant memories of this time. And you must stay, at least for awhile… I worry a little about you, because you have to believe that it's ok. We all have our time, and this is mine. And my time has been good. You must hold on to what we've shared… Remember to always believe in the good. Keep your faith, listen for truth, live with love, And receive the blessings that life brings. When you do these things remember me in your prayers and you will feel my spirit reaching out, whispering to your thoughts, speaking your soul, and bringing my sweet love to touch your heart." -------- And so tonight… Now with you gone from my touch, I gaze up to the stars, praying that you'll come to me, because I am so cold without you. And in this moment of loneliness I hear your voice rustle through the trees, and with the breeze caressing my cheek I hear you speak to me, comforting me, telling me it's ok, and to remember… Although the body that carried you is gone from my touch… and the one that carries me, keeps me trapped in my emptiness… I know these bodies represent only the shells of our togetherness, but the life we shared lives on, and our love never dies. Yet the hole my heart will never heal, because part of me died with you. My prayer is this… Please help me to live, what you came to give. You taught me to love… And to see the little things. Somehow, I believe you're still here. I love you Woody… Sweet dreams my sweet boy. |