Roy’s Sunday Letter for September 13, 2026
Something new, different this Sunday. I am sending forth a writing about a sister, a dog, and an unexpected, surprising part of life. Again new, different, a try out…let me know if this works or does not work for you.
Henri, Not My Dog
I stared at my sister’s coffin…it just can’t be. When I leave this grave side service today, I will leave without my sister. I will leave today with Henri, her senior mixed Terrier. Jeannie entrusted me, now, as Henri’s owner.
How could Jeannie fall over, die, while washing dishes. John, her forever neighbor and occasional movie date, found her, a broken plate and Henri lying beside her.
Sure, I knew Henri and I were in Jeannie’s will, but all that was for twenty years from now, not today, not at my sister’s grave site. I need a list, a Henri list, dry food and any special needs? We will begin with throw and chew toys, treats, and a small bed. There will be more lists, but Henri is enough for tonight.
Henri, where are you? Quick search, no dog. Another search, Henri found deep in the bedroom closet, shaking and fearful, I am scared too. I always had a sister. Henri always had Jeannie. We are both lost, finding ourselves through the other.
“Henri, Jeannie wanted us to be together. I am looking for your leash. We are going for your first walk around the block. Matlock is on TV tonight. We will hold on to each other, tell Jeannie stories, share tissues for our tears. Now, where is your leash.”
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There are important lessons from the unexpected. Henri was a surprise, unexpected gift from her sister. Unexpected events can be challenging, but also, a learning experience, touching new parts of our lives.
This story is a reminder that it is natural to feel sadness and to experience grief with the death of family member or close friend. Henri is a connection between Jeannie and her sister. Such connections can be an opportunity for new beginnings.
The important lesson in this story is that even in the midst of major change, growth and renewal are possible. The energy of change can restore us and help us to move forward with our lives. Thank you for letting me “Tell You a Story.”