Losing Her

Smile, though your heart is aching.

Smile, even though it’s breaking.

When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by

If you smile through your pain and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness.

Hide every trace of sadness.

Although a tear may be ever so near

That’s the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what’s the use of crying?

You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile

I’ve been sitting here, listening to this song over and over for the last hour - crying and looking at pictures of my beloved Brina. How can my heart still hurt so much? Has it really been a year? I’ve started writing about her, but couldn’t bring myself to finish my work tonight, so I borrowed someone else’s. Originally written by Amy Waggoner, I’ve tweaked it a little to honor my girl. I hope when I finish my personal tribute to Brina, it will be as beautiful as this one.

                         Losing Her

There’s a hole in my heart where my dog used to be.

She nuzzled my soul and is now a part of me.

Her pain is her life and I know what to do.

But when I release her, I’m losing me too.

The puppy I cradled five short years ago

Is a ninety-pound bundle of love and I know

That she’d lick away all my tears if she could.

It’s her sense of duty to make me feel good.

It’s my obligation to do what is best.

The love of her “master” is put to the test.

It’s a wrenching and sorrowful way that we part;

It doesn’t hurt less when the head rules the heart.

There’s a hole in my heart where my precious baby girl passed through.

Brina, when I said “goodbye”, a part of me went with you.