Two days before Christmas, my 14 year old Boston Terrier had a stroke. I thought, “This is it. This is the end.” I cradled her and wept — waiting. But she was resilient. I took her to the vet. And waited again. Christmas morning I was back at 7:45 and got the news my old girl could go home. Maybe the best Christmas present ever. So I have most certainly been thinking about death, depression, loss, fear, loyalty and love. She’s not going to win any races, but she is walking, sniffing and wagging. And I got a really good lesson on what really matters in life. And your thoughtful story just helped hone it.