When I moved from my large house in Huntington and had to downsize, I donated over 50 Hefty bags filled with clothes, some current, some vintage, but all were hard to part with.
In the past few days, I’ve been thinking about a favorite jacket that would be perfect for this increasingly brisk weather, and I’ve felt so melancholy that I left it behind.
I agonized, why would I do that?
Today, as I went to get a coat to take Moe out for his walk, to my shock, I found the very coat I had been thinking about. I had actually taken it with me, but it was jammed and buried in the rear of the coat closet.
But that wasn’t the best part.
As I slipped on the coat I hadn’t worn in 3 years, I reached into the pocket, about to put a plastic bag in for Moe’s walk, but there was already one there, ready.
It was for Stanley. My beloved dog, who died over 2 years ago.
As were the dog treats in the other pocket.
Suddenly, Stanley was there with us.
As happy as I was to find the coat again, it didn’t compare to being reminded of sweet Stanley.
These small moments of joy have never been more important.
© Sally Edelstein and Envisioning The American Dream, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sally Edelstein and Envisioning The American Dream
Envisioning The American Dream 
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In this climate of daily despair, small life joys are cherished and appreciated more than ever.
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Oh Sally, how wonderful, you didn’t donate your jacket and the pockets were ready for a walk with Stanley. I have so many cherished memories of sweet Stanley – from the time he was a timid puppy, throwing his toys down the long hallway over and over so he could retrieve them – a favorite game of his, the long walks with people stopping to comment on his beauty, playing in the pool and the time he jumped in right on top of my head, but the best of all was his greeting me at the door with such joy, matching my own happiness to see him, and hugging him good-bye when I had to leave.
I will never forget Stanley, the sweetest boy. Yes, these are memories to cherish.
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Oh Riva, reading your words and memories of sweet Stanley brings tears to my eyes and the sweetest smile. Thank you for your memories and for your love. It means the world to me.
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Thank you for your sweet reply. My “Like” button is not working – don’t know why!
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Your words are better than any like button.
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