We all have people and pets we miss. Those dear ones that are forever woven into our hearts and souls. Today I miss Robbie and Ayrabelle and wanted to share this blog about them from 2017. May you be encouraged in the middle of your own “stuff.”
The other day while walking the pup at the local park, I ran into Robbie. He adores Ayrabelle and immediately ran up to us. We first met Robbie last spring when he, his mom, and brother spotted us at the park. They had recently moved from the East Coast and love dogs.
But on Monday, I could tell something was just off with Robbie. He’s normally a gregarious teen and instantly hamming it up with Ayrabelle. She stands up and hugs on Robbie’s shoulders—it’s their little bonding time. But the other day at the park, Robbie seemed distracted. Then he blurted out the news.
The Abrupt Announcement
“We’re moving,” Robbie stated, almost like a somber Secret Service officer.
“Wow! Really. Where?” I asked, surprised by his abrupt announcement.
“Virginia,” Robbie replied, leaning down to quickly scratch Ayrabelle’s ears. “We have family there. We’re moving in March.”
Moving in the middle of the school year? That’s seems odd, I thought to myself, not quite sure what to say next. Robbie beat me to a response.
Looking left, then off to the right, Robbie glanced at me a second at me before diverting his eyes again. “Yeah, Mom got a divorce.”
Thud. Robbie’s blue eyes started to glisten. He shuffled the brown Big Lots! bag stuffed with cat food and toilet paper to his other arm. Then he roughhoused with the pup.
We All Have Stuff
“Ohhh…uh. I’m sorry to hear that, Robbie, I truly am.” I reassured him. “Man, we sure will miss you guys.” Fortunately, Ayrabelle took over our conversation with her playful antics and lightened the moment. We chatted of running into each other again a number of times before March and Ayrabelle gave Robbie quick kisses on his cheek.
Even now I get teary just writing about Robbie. Sigh. I will miss this young man who lives just a block and a half away. You know, Robbie’s situation reminds me that “we all have stuff.” We all face things that can bend our heart in sadness. Divorce. Illness. Job loss. Goodbyes.
On the other hand, we all experience highs that bend our heart toward joy. Sometimes we shift through ups and downs in just seconds. Sometimes our eyes glisten and we just don’t have words. And. It’s. Okay. That’s when we need a fellow sojourner to just pause…listen…and let the stuff settle where it may.
Sad and sweet. He’ll remember you and Ayrabelle. And that you cared.
Such a great young man, Nancy. I plan to get his contact information and make sure we stay in touch. Maybe he can come back to Colorado Springs for a visit and get a special Ayrabelle hug.
Thanks for the reminder Beth! We do all have stuff. I will remember Robbie in my prayers.
Thank you, Shelly! I plan to stop by their house and make sure I get their new contact info.
Too many children today are experiencing divorce and then later trying to fit in a blended family. Too bad he will not be able to benefit from your relationship with him and the love of a dog. Bless you for trying to keep in touch and to continue to encourage him! He will know he is cared about!!