My Guardian Angel

I know that a lot of people think it is silly to equate emotions to animals. It is obvious that they have either never had one or have had the wrong kind. The truth is that animals, in many ways, are better at communicating their thoughts and feelings than are their human companions.

Pepper, my Shih Tzu, has been a part of my life since she was just four weeks old. As far as she knows, I am her mother and she responds to me in that manner. She came into my life just before my mother's Alzheimers set in. I have always felt that it was God's way of offering me some new comfort to replace that which I would never again feel inside my mother's arms.

Today, Pepper continues to take care of me in her own special way. When I'm having one of my migraines, she senses it right away and moves into immediate action.

I'm in pain today and there you are
Right by my side; never leaving me;
Offering me your gentle comfort
And fluttering kisses on my arm.

I know it breaks your heart when I cry
Because I can hear you crying too.
You nuzzle even closer to me
As if to say, Mommy, I am here.

As I run to the bathroom to heave
I know you are there right behind me;
Making certain that I'll be okay;
Reminding me that I'm your whole world.

As I pray for darkness to surround
You creep with care onto the pillow.
And encircle my head so softly
As if that act might take the pain away.

I sense the depth of your love for me
As you lay there not moving a muscle;
Trying with all of your tiny might
To make me feel better once again.

I am not sure that I deserve you.
I feel lucky every single day.
You are such a precious gift from God
My very own guardian angel.