The Visit

 i struggled to sleep last night, but in the brief moments that i did, i had very vivid dreams.  The strongest that i recall was me sleeping with SADDI cuddled closely against my belly (as she so often did).  Scruffy, who helped me through my high school years, sleeping above my head.  Something she did when i was sick with the flu and she didn't leave there all day.  And Frauline, who was with me after Scruffy died and we dealt with it together, sleeping against my back.  i remember waking up and feeling so safe.  But quickly, that overwhelming feeling of loneliness returned. i learned something from each of my very special fur babies, too often it was after they were gone that i realized what they had taught me.  But when they visit me in my dreams, especially when it is so realistic, i understand i have much to learn ... much to share ... much to give.