Saying, "Good Bye" is not easy

Saying, "Good Bye" is not easy. Over the past few years, we have had to say good bye too many times.

In 2000, Megan had to say goodbye to her mom. About 5 years ago, we said good bye to one of my uncles. In  1 1/2 months, April 23rd, we will have the 4th anniversary of saying good bye to my dad. Last spring, on the day of the opening of baseball, we said goodbye to my uncle Rob. All of these good byes were caused by cancer.

This past summer, we said good bye to Richmond, VA and all the friends who have meant so much to us over the past 25 years.

Yesterday, Megan had to say good bye to Meli. Meli, Hawaiian for Honey, was a honey colored retriever and lab mix, my Megan has owned since she lived in Hawaii over 11 years ago. Once again, cancer is the culprit of plucking a loved one from this world.

Meli is survived by her brother, Mac, short for Macadamia Nut.

Saying good bye is always tough.

Saying good bye also causes one to stop and reflect on what is important. Traditionally, it causes me to once again to stop the rat race that seems to consume my life and refocus on family and family values. Those that know me, know I am not a pet owner... I married a pet owner.

The reason I am not a pet owner is because I prefer to spend my time doing what I want with my family, when I want with my family, and for as long as I want with my family. I consider pets as an inconvenience to what I am doing or want to do.

I love animals and understand I am too selfish with my time and energy to be a good pet owner.

This was still a tough good bye because ... I am married to a pet owner.

I wish Megan the best during her time of grief. Jack's immediate response was "I have Mac and he doesn't have any boo-boos". I hope Mac enjoys and can handle the extra attention!

Sleep well and play pain-free Meli.