Last week in the middle of the night, I heard a crash beside my bed. Quito had come into my room, and had knocked something over. Too groggy to check at the time, I failed to inspect till morning light arrived. What I found was my old purple rodeo clip board case, was laying on the floor beside my bed. I'm not sure how it even had found it's way to my bedroom, (or why I still have it) but there it lay, not having a home yet in my new abode. Curious as to if there was still anything in it, I opened up the case. Sure enough the rodeo program from the last rodeo Tyson competed in during High School was still inside, with my various, pens, marker, extra safety pins, for those rodeo numbers that never stayed on your back. But also in the case was an out of place item. The above drawing that I did when I was 10 years old. I must have given it to one of my cousins for Christmas, and somehow through the years it has made it's way back to me.
Snoopy, he was my favorite. I would draw Snoopy and all the Charlie Brown characters by the hour when I was that age. I loved to draw, and especially loved cartoons. So I would try to draw all my favorites. During that time, I even came up with my own set of cartoon characters and comic strip. The Higgins Family was their name. Unfortunately, I have none of those drawings in my possession any more.
But back to Snoopy. It was dated Dec 22, 1971, Forty-five years ago today, I had a happy moment in my life, and drew a picture for a gift to my cousin. My cousins were my best friends growing up.
Today, 45 years later, is an anniversary of loosing my very very best friend ever. My cowboy-hubby Todd. It's been three years since he crossed that veil and entered into his heavenly eternal home, while I stayed behind to figure out what I'm suppose to do in life now, without him by my side. That empty spot is still there, though the pain somewhat lessened with time. There isn't a day that goes by, that I don't miss him. While to others he may be long forgotten, every day is painful reminder to me that he's gone from this present life. My hope in healing is the knowing that I'll see him again someday, and he's in a far better place than I am right now.
Though I can't do the happy Snoopy dance and say, "Happiness is being with you." I can say, "My life was richer and fuller from being with you. Happiness was knowing you!" With that, I'm so glad I married that ole cowboy, and had all those adventures together. We were best friends, pards, and nothing is better than that.
Love and miss you Todd.