My fondest memory of Wally came about 8 years ago. On my way passed Julia’s room one day, I paused to see what she was up to. There I found my little 4 year old hosting a tea party for a few stuffed friends and her guest of honor, Wally. She had dressed him in a bright pick feather scarf and he sat content and happy, waiting for the cookies she was sure to share with him. It was one of those moments when everything just stops, and all you feel is the sweetness around you. I quietly watched them play for at least another 2-3 minutes. Such joy!
I have to add that the pink feather scarf met an untimely end about a week later, when I returned from work to find it destroyed and feathers scatter throughout the place. Wally was not big on girly things. He was too tough for that!
Not among my fondest memories is the Canoeing Adventure of 2004. Myself, Jay, his sister Dana, brother in law Tom and Uncle Mark all set out on adventure down the Brazos. Our journey started out on a rather chilly, rainy Saturday morning. I had not prepared for rain and although it was not a down pour it was a steady drizzle. I made adjustments with my coat and hat and managed to keep myself rather dry, and warmer. That was until Wally decided to jump out of the canoe. My cat like reflexes quickly reacted as I leaned back, caught the handle on Wally’s life jacket and pulled him out of the water and into my lap. In doing so, I saved Wee Wally from the cool river water, and drenched myself in the process. We both huddled at the front of the canoe soaking wet and shivering for the next couple of hours. Quite the adventure!
The sweetest of memories happened almost 4 years ago when Jay and I brought our brand new baby girl Elle home. We had taken little Elle grocery shopping and like most newborns she was sound asleep in her car seat when we got home. I simply took her, car seat and all into the house, set her down in the living room and proceeded to help take the remainder of the groceries in. When we walked back into the living room no more than a minute later we found Wally, sitting right in front of her, guarding her. His usual stance was jumping and talking as schnauzers do to greet his Jay. Instead it seemed like he knew she was our little baby and was protecting her. Such a good boy!
Today we sent Wally on to Heaven. Seems like an ending to more than just his life. It is an ending to a wonderful chapter of our lives. He’s brought more joy, adventure and love than we could ever express. It’s just not the same without him and we miss him so.
