Kylie loved her toys. She had a whole basket full that resided in the kitchen where she could choose which one she wanted at any given moment.

This past year, the red heart, which had been at the bottom of the basket for quite a long time, all of a sudden, became one of her favorites.

The white bear was one I picked up about six months ago at a second-hand shop. It just called out to me to bring it home for her.

They now bring me some comfort as they rest on our bed. Though the presence of Kylie being gone is such a large void. Crawling into bed last night, my heart heavy with grief. I so wanted to hug her again.

Realizing it is #Giving day today I thought what better way than to celebrate not only giving, but giving in honor of someone you love and something that is meaningful to you.

Most of Kylie’s toys, except for the heart and bear, I am giving as a donation to a second-hand shop for another dog to love. 

I tend to get overwhelmed with all the charities that need help because I wish I could help everyone.

Which to choose?

And then it came to me. I decided to donate to a local organization, Holyland Donkey Haven and Sanctuary, that rescues, rehabilitates, and teaches about donkey care.

Why donkey’s?

John and I always fondly referred to Kylie as our little donkey because of the way she sat on her haunches. While she wasn’t pessimistic like the donkey character, Eeyore, she did have that relaxed, laid back way about her and so often she just reminded us of a donkey.  And also because of my love of donkeys and hoping that someday I can volunteer and help with them, as this is a dream of mine.

And so this becomes so meaningful as a way in which I could narrow it down and give what I could for this day of giving in memory of Kylie, who gave John and me so much…and it’s her beautiful heart and giving that will remain in our own hearts for eternity.

And in the spirit of giving, I want to say a grateful thank you to each of you that reached out to us and your generous giving of love and support with the loss of Kylie. Thank you so much. We are never alone in this journey of grief, as we have all walked this path more than once…and so your understanding helps as we journey forward.

Much love and gratitude,

Barbara