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.”
_______________________
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.”
I love this story. Because of Henri his sister lives on. All of us are undergoing changes but that can be a good thing. Change makes us more aware, sharpens our senses and gives us new challenges. At our age you think you will be settled but that is not the case. Hopefully we can adapt and grow with all the changes.
Beth encouraging my showing myself in new ways.
Not my natural way. Learning.
Your words support my continuing.
Together.
Roy
Readers tell me the story idea works.
will do so again a few weeks
appreciation for your helpfulness each week.
We find common ground together……RCB
Beautiful story, Roy. We know each of us will face something similar and it helps to read an account of that.
Thank you,
Martha
Thanks for encouragement to write and share. I am feeling along on this new path.
Yes, pets, familt, friends. peers…..all teaching and learning moments.
We continue together……RCB
Encouragement to show more. Not my natural way. Learning.
WE share, we learn. We continue….together.
RCB
And so are your childrens stoties.
Send us one if you can.
your encouragement is most helpful and needed……Best to you both.RCB
Thank you, Roy, for warming our hearts.
Roy, thank you for your continued connection with us through your Sunday Newsletter. A death in our lives can create a profound devastating emotional crisis that can be most difficult to process. The changed world for those grieving may need emotional assistance to process the loss that changed their world. Caring friends and/or professional assistance may help in the grieving process. We sometimes find ourselves and alone in a crisis. The importance of friends connecting and finding healing paths could be most important in a changed world.
Peter and Marcia…..you both are wise and experienced.
I value you both greatly.
Grief can indeed over=whelm.
Best to share the day in day out, up and down of the missing.
You both special…..RCB
Beth pushing me to show myself in more personal way.
Not my natural way. Learning. Continuing.
My world is the better with you in it….always.RCB
THe story idea worked. Encourages to do more in a few weeks.
WE have a proven ground to know the other. I am grateful.
We continue on…..RCB
I love this story. My brother-in-law has cancer and likely won’t live much longer. He has three dogs. One is at least 18 years old, blind and deaf, with dementia. He was my late parents’ dog so a link with them. The other two are long haired dachshunds. We are trying to figure out what to do with them when he dies. I have a small apartment but I might be able to take one of them. They are used to a yard, and I don’t have that. I hope the solution will be a blessing like in your story.
You encourage me to include a 2nd story
will do so in a coup;e of weeks
what are you writing????
Sharing our common paths helps us both.
RCB
Exceptional in the way you draw the reader into the identified grief and the wonderment of the future. Keep working on the story Roy ————It’s good!
Friend Jerry…..THanks for giving Peter back to us.
He keeps wanting to wear swathers in 101 temps!!
Telling a story was a risk, so far well received.
Thanks for the encouragement to do a 2nd…….
You be special. RCB
Roy your words and those of your responders are moving.
thank you all.
bruce
An encouragement to receive…..thank for your presence whether in a chair or on screen.
We do so together……..Roy
Encouragement appreciated
each week a challenge of what best to write about
The story idea I will do again
Thank for reading and showing up each Tuesday……
Good morning Roy and great story and letter.. losing loved ones, whether family or friends, is something we all must and will face.. Dying is part of living.. we can’t waste a day, even a moment. Thanks so much for this perspective and your wisdom to approach the uncomfortable. Big hugs Roy, md
A Yes back to you
Beth pushed me to transform the SL to personal, 1st person.
Not my natural way. Still learnng….We continue together.
RCB