The last five summers Frankie and I were a staple at the farmer’s market. People would come from other cities just to visit Frankie if they knew she was going to be there. The vendors and community embraced her. In many ways she became Elkhart Lake’s community dog. Everywhere I went in my village if I didn’t have Frankie with me on a particular day, they’d ask how she was doing. So many loved her like their very own. The news of her passing was in our monthly paper, The Depot Dispatch, which came out this past Tuesday.
It was hard for me to venture out to the market without her today– knowing I’d have to talk with others about her and re-live the details of her passing. I wasn’t sure I was up for it. But I knew I had to be there for each of them because of all the caring and kindness they showed to us over the years. And Frankie taught me to be positive no matter what and to put one foot in front of the other…. so off to the market I went.
Many hugs and tears were shed– a few had not yet heard of the news, so breaking it to them would have them feeling bad for asking “Where’s Frankie today?” Many asked if I would be getting another dog. One vendor said, “You know, Frankie completed you.” That warmed my heart. Indeed she did. While I feel rather “naked” not having her in front of me in her doggie stroller, or having her in my basket on my bike, I’ve found a completeness about myself the last few years because of all she has taught me.
I’ve also made so many new friends because of Frankie while we were at the market. People I may have never, ever met if not for my wheelie dog, and now my life forever enriched because of it. One such friend named Morgan who has special challenges of her own who we met several years back who is now going to be in the 6th grade I believe. I got to see her today, hug her, and thank her for the sweet note she sent me about Frankie…
Dear Barbara,
Frankie will always stay in our hearts, our minds, our memories, and our friendship.
Frankie will stay in heaven forever.
I miss and love Frankie just like a family.
Also I have some memory pictures that are on here.
Your Friend Truly,
Morgan
She also painted this picture below of Frankie, which things like this used to be quite the challenge for her– but look how far she has come! Morgan’s mom told me in a note that Frankie was such an inspiration to her. And Morgan is an inspiration to me.
Each step, just like the visiting the market today is a step in healing… another step in moving forward and continuing to embrace all the good there is in life.
