Every year John and I make a date to drive around in the nearby cities to look at the holiday lights. We bring along our favorite Christmas CD's to add to the spirit of the season. One of our favorite CD's is singer Jewel's holiday CD. We especially like the song, "Life Uncommon." That song evokes deep emotions for both of us.

The holiday after our chocolae Lab, Cassie Jo, died from bone cancer, we were esepcially missing her. The line in the song that says, "set down your chains" had us thinking of her battle with cancer, and how she was now free. Though she really didn't seem to be in pain until the very end, at the end, we knew she struggled. Knowing she no longer had those chains of pain upon her made us happy for her– though we missed her dearly.

That Christmas season, driving around, I received a gift I remember clearly to this day. As the song played, tears streaming down my face lost in the sorrow of no longer having Cassie Jo to hold, I looked out the window and saw her. There was a full moon high in the sky… and there she was running in a field next to me– her ears flying in the wind. She was so happy. I knew then that she would be with me always– and she stopped on by to let me know she was okay. Maybe some wouldn't believe I really saw Cassie Jo, but as the song says at one point, "move out of the way all you unbelievers- there's a new army coming and we are armed with faith" and so it is that I know without a doubt, I saw her. It's all I need.

So every year when we drive around to look at the twinkling lights, I think of Cassie Jo. I no longer see her, but I feel her in my heart. This song is ours- our connection to her spirit- which shines just as brightly as the day we brought her home as a pup.

As we discussed when to do our annual tradition which we did last night John said, "I'm not sure anymore where all the good holiday lighs are." When he worked more on the job sites for his construction business, instead of his home office like he does now, he would see houses lit up at night on his drive home that he wanted to show me. I said, "It's not what matters." To me, it's our time of deep connection- words often not spoken, but there is a spirit of love so full in our car that it is palpable.

Wishing you each a life uncommon this holiday season and beyond….