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Noble by birth more noble by deed
Costumes never hid your nobility
even when you sat at teaparties
entertaining a child of three
or portraying a knightly steed
Always with tolerance and humilty
A gentle giant with a heart of gold
He sure is big we were often told
His heart is huge was my reply
So few saw the many feeble hands
that stroked your massive head
or heard them softly cry
for missed pets of long ago
Some early dawn when I could not rise
You'd come to me with knowing eyes and
loan your strength to power my feet
with legs protesting they were too weak
St Peters was one of your favorite places
You loved so many of those smiling faces
Wednesday was always a winner
Lots of children to greet and even dinner
The memories are all so clear
That day at work when you stood near
While my patients' meth crazed neice
ranted and raved and waved a gun
You stood between us until she was done
Not a sound you made but the message was clear
Leave now, don't come near.
That winters night when you barked an alarm
I knew you sensed there was some kind of harm
I ran to a room filled thick with black smoke
Too dark to see but you was there when I spoke
Out we rushed into the sleet and the snow
Two humans and six dogs with no where to go
How could we know as we watched the flame
Nothing in life would ever be the same
It would be months before I knew
How much damage that smoke did to you.
The kindness and generosity of friends
returned us to Florida once again.
Old friends and new friends near and far
came by plane and by car.
Even a movie, you were a star
Time and again you were at death's door
Skilled hands and prayers pulled you back
I was joyful to see you healthy oncemore
My prayers of gratitude did not lack
The miracles were profound
One in the form of six newborn hounds
That last night when hope was a glimmer
I held you and whispered you were a winner
Don't give up, keep fighting.
We've much to do on our sojourn
You've a young son with so much to learn
That last visit you raised your weak and wobbly head
As I arrived to speak those words of dread
Again I held you close and whispered in your ear
Our miracles have all run out
It will be ok, please don't fear.
Your battle will soon be through
I will try to be as strong as you
Go ahead and wait for me
Your doctor lingered when the deed was done
He spoke so kindly of his miracle one
I've wept often these few days
But there is solace in the gaze
from young eyes with your familiar ways.
The spirit of you lives on in the miracle of
your young son.
I love you El...your mom Catherine Varidel
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