This morning, I kissed her sweet, soft, beautiful forehead for the last time as she took her last breaths peacefully, in her very favorite spot.
She almost made it to sweet 16. But Bhakti had chosen her time. She was ready to leave, and she made that abundantly clear.
On Sunday, she was playing. By Sunday evening, everything had changed.
It’s a strange feeling holding grief and happiness at the same time. Heartbroken she’s gone, but so incredibly happy for the life she lived and the spirit she brought into the world.
Bhakti brought immeasurable joy to us and just about everyone who met her.
She was complex from the beginning. We joked her first three words were me, mine & I. At eight or nine weeks old, she’d put all her toys back in her basket, climb in, and go to sleep. Sharing wasn’t part of her plan.
She was wicked smart, fiercely devoted, sassy, opinionated, sweet and affectionate. A nature girl through and through. Rolling in sand and running her nose through cool, wet grass were pure happiness. She loved playing, hide-and-seek, and was an incredible swimmer.
She also had some very particular fears: umbrellas, tarps, woodpeckers, toasters and eventually eggs. 😂 She figured out the toaster was going to pop, and since eggs came out just before the toast, they became suspicious, too.
One of the beautiful things about watching her grow old was seeing her sharp edges soften. Her fears faded, her little snaps toward True turned into sniffs, and she grew gentler with age. Such a gift to witness.
She started out as Mama’s girl, then became Poppy’s girl when True came along. Mama was always her rock, though, and she never turned down affection.
Our home will never quite be the same without her. But alongside the heartbreak is immense happiness knowing her spirit is free to move on to its next adventure.
We are so deeply grateful she chose us. For every quirk, adventure, laugh, snuggle, bit of sass, and every single day we got to call her ours.
Almost 16 years. What a gift.
We love you, Bhakti. Always. ❤️