Sully's Story

Morning was about to break. It had been a long struggle, but it was over now.

In the final weeks of her life with her children and loving husband, Jim, by her side, Cheri had lain in her home, hospice bed battling the last stages of an eight year war with cancer. The family's small dog, Sully, had also been there through the ups and downs of those eight years, and his devotion to the family had grown very strong. He seemed to sense what was happening with his "Mama" for he would often lie next to Cheri as if to comfort and guard her in her hour of need. Now his job was done; she was at peace.

A couple of weeks rolled by after Cheri's passing. The days and nights were hard for Jim. He and Cheri had been together for so long and many memories flooded his mind. By now Autumn had deepened and the days were getting colder and shorter. But all that seemed lost in the magnitude of life's realities.

One day Jim decided to go to the cemetery to visit Cheri's resting place. He took Sully with him. When they arrived at the cemetery, Sully began scouting things out, running here and there to see what he could discover. After his curiosity had been adequately satisfied he came romping over to where Jim was standing quietly by Cheri's grave. Looking down, Jim said gently to his inquisitive pet, "This is where Mama is".

Another week passed. Jim began to feel sorry for the fact that Sully was often home all alone while he was busy at work. He thought to himself, "this is no life for a dog." He considered how much nicer it would be for Sully if he lived with someone who could give him the kind of attention he wished he could bestow. It was then that Jim remembered a friend of the family who lived not far away. Her name was Shirley, and she happily welcomed Sully into her home.
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Christmas Day was fast approaching and Shirley had been thinking of Cheri a lot. Cheri was a beautiful and loving person in so many ways and had touched the lives of countless people. Shirley was one of those people. The weather was nice so she decided to take a drive out to the grave site and spend some time there in quiet reflection. Jim had explained the cemetery's location previously, but this was going to be her first visit there. Sully went along, of course. He was excited to be traveling through the countryside where he could observe the passing trees and hills and the fluttering birds foraging in the brown, harvested fields.

Upon arriving at their destination Sully jumped from the car, raced to a spot in the cemetery, and began to walk rapidly in circles. Curious, Shirley approached the spot he was circling. She carefully read the inscription on the posted marker. Sure enough! It was Cheri's grave.

Sully had not forgotten.

***Many thanks to my friend, Jim, for providing me with the information and permission to publish this story. May the memory of Cheri live on.