Missing My Loyal Companion: A Tribute to Prince

Words fall short of capturing his true essence. If only the strength of love could have anchored him here, but now he’s gone. He was never merely an animal to me; he was a steadfast companion whose very presence became a lifeline I perhaps leaned on too heavily. Day and night, he stood loyally by my side, a constant shadow of comfort and companionship. Now, I find myself grappling with the profound realization of how much I depended on him—a realization that weighs heavily on my heart like a stone.

I reflect on how he always seemed to possess an uncanny ability to understand everything, bringing me a profound sense of peace and kindness, especially during my darkest moments when the world felt like it was closing in. Yet now, I grapple with the quiet times, those moments when his unwavering loyalty was my steadfast anchor in the storm.

Even though he’s no longer with me, his presence lingers in every corner of my life, a bittersweet reminder of the love and companionship I’ve lost. There’s no longer a need to stock up on his favorite treats or patiently wait as he searched for the perfect spot to do his business, but I deeply miss the comforting routines we shared. From the solitary ritual of early morning coffees to the warmth of nighttime cuddles, these moments shaped me in profound ways that I’m only beginning to comprehend.

From the moment I adopted him from the shelter, with his wide, hopeful eyes and wagging tail, to his later years sprinting joyfully around my grandson, his spirit was a vivid, radiant force that perhaps only old men like me can truly appreciate. His love was as deep and unfathomable as the ocean, a boundless well of affection that flowed freely without ever asking for anything in return. In quieter moments, when the house is still and the memories come flooding back, I often ponder if I took his generous nature for granted, not fully realizing the depth of his selfless devotion until it was too late.

Certainly, I understand that Prince might always be seen by many as just another of Papa’s animals, and perhaps to some, this ode might appear to be penned by an overly sentimental old fool or snowflake. But you know what… I simply don’t give a shit because after my wife, my children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren, Prince was one of the most profound blessings in my long life filled with remarkable experiences.

Though he’s no longer here, a part of me struggles with the decision of whether to let go of the past or hold tight to these treasured memories. They envelop me like a comforting mist, whispering tales of moments we once shared, and I ponder whether they somehow anchor me to a sense of stability amidst the ever-shifting sands of my present life.

This is what life feels like now… a journey without my best friend by my side.