Text messages with Rachelle

Sunday was a hero day for me.

The weather in Toronto was brutal, calamitous, even, but as I am strong and responsible I took Heidi, our Miniature Dachshund out for her walk in the morning. Just so you all know, Rachelle could have easily taken the dog out but chose not to, as God is far from her heart.

And so I, alone, stood in a muddy, fecal park, throwing the ball over and over and over again—in spite of my crippling tendonitis– so that our little dog could run after it and then deposit it in some far reach of the squishy field. The wind was biblical in intensity and the rain horizontal.

After ten minutes I sent a text message to Rachelle.

Michael: Disaster! Fetch accident! Both Heidi and I suffered severe injury. Fractures look to be compound! Come quick!!

Rachelle: Be there in 45 min. At the Dark Horse drinking coffee. Cute barista Basu working. Hope you understand.

Michael: I will let the Lord take me, but will try to save dog. Hope she can absorb last of my body warmth.

Rachelle: Very thoughtful of you. Basu just gave me free cookie!!

Michael: Have wrapped our dog in my sweater. Blood not too bad. Heidi young and strong, she could go on, but I am lost. The chariot swings low, coming for to take me home.

Rachelle: Xoxox

Michael: It is God’s will to now send me ice pellets. I hope you can go on and live your beautiful life without me!

Rachelle: Think might order Indian tonight, watch movie.

Michael: Mean Asian woman with cart just took change out of my pockets while I lay in mud. Did not seem scared of bone sticking out of my boot.

Rachelle: Basu is adopted. I had no idea. I wondered why his English was so perfect.

Michael: Very cold.

Michael: Rachelle, remember the movie Ghost, with Patrick Swayze? I want you to know it’s like that. I’m Patrick Swayze. It’s amazing, Rachelle. The love inside, you take it with you.

Rachelle: That’s amazing, dear.

Michael: Pain pretty bad.

Michael: Allergies starting to bother me, too. Feeling congested.

Michael: Hope people in Japan O.K.

Michael: Care so much about suffering of other people.

Rachelle: You were a good man and it was a nice run while it lasted, now go to the light! Jesus and old pets wait for you!