My Dearest Friend, Gus

by Alec
(Spokane, WA)

Good bye, my brother, my friend, my son. When we were together we were simple and uncomplicated. Your friendship to me is holy and sacred and I choose to believe that we will be together again, literal and whole in each other's company.

You were never much of a travel companion, preferring to stay home, guardian of my hearth and children. Who knows what your vigilance prevented over the course of your life?

It is said that heaven is perfect, and so you must be there. When I see you again, I will know that I am home.

This world, this life, and my own species are so complicated and taxing, and stressful. Your friendship to me has been a sanctuary and a refuge from all of the worldly worries that seem to bear down on me with more weight now that you are gone.

I miss you. I miss you smiling with all of your teeth, your groans of pleasure when you were eating or getting scratched, and I even miss your smell.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for your protection, your loyalty and your friendship. You are with me still in spirit, but I do suspect that we will be together again, as my faith in God and hope of heaven with you there is the only way I can even begin to accept your loss.