17th May before going to the park
Today’s newsletter is slightly different.
This morning, my dog Patch passed away.
If you’ve been reading for a while, you’ll remember I wrote about him last March. It was just before a run he collapsed, and in that moment, nothing else in the world mattered.
Since then, his heart condition slowly got worse. Coughing fits. Collapses. Fluid build-up. The past year, we gave him even more love, more patience, more presence. Because we knew, deep down, we didn’t know how long we had.
Yesterday, something in me said: “Take him to the park.”
It had been over a month since his last visit.
He couldn’t zoom around like he used to. His heart was swollen, his pace slower, his little paws tiptoeing across the grass. But even in pain, he smiled. He munched on grass. He looked happy to just be there.
This morning, he didn’t wake up. Peacefully, he passed.
The Heart of the Matter
Loss hurts in ways words can’t touch. The house feels quieter. My heart feels heavier.
But here’s what I keep coming back to I don’t have regrets.
We showed up for him. Every single day.
And I’m so grateful that yesterday, I listened to my gut. I’m grateful he got to feel the air on his face and see the place he loved one last time.
Because sometimes, we think we have more time than we do.
We assume there will be another walk. Another day. Another hello.
But we don’t always know when the last moment will come.
That’s why this week’s message is simple:
If you feel something nudging you to show up, to make time, to reach out do it. Don’t wait.
Your Toolkit for Change
Here’s what I’m reminding myself of, and what I want to pass on to you:
Follow your instincts: That gut feeling? It’s not random. Trust it. Especially when it involves someone you love.
Show up when you can: Even if it’s small. A walk, a call, a quiet moment. You won’t always get a second chance.
Love through the pain: Watching Patch struggle hurt. But being with him through it mattered more.
Don’t wait to be reminded: You already know what matters most. Don’t wait for loss to prove it.
Making It Personal
Maybe there’s someone in your life you’ve been meaning to check in with.
Maybe there’s a moment you keep putting off because you think you’ve got more time.
This is your reminder that moments don’t last forever but love does.
Why This Matters to You
Because one day, we’ll all be sitting with memories.
And in that moment, the only question that matters is: Did I show up?
For Patch, I can say yes. And that’s what’s helping me through the pain right now.
Wrapping Up
This week’s been hard. But I’m grateful.
Grateful he’s now resting. Grateful we gave him everything we had. Grateful I listened in when it mattered most.
So if there’s something pulling at you a person, a moment, a feeling lean in. Make the time. Be there.
Until next Sunday,
Justin
💡 Don’t wait for a reminder. Trust your instinct. Say the thing. Do the thing. Show up while you still can 🕊️
