By Jeff Baird
When I used to travel frequently for business, I enjoyed sending Reiki from the plane to let Sylvie our beloved Labradoodle know that I was coming home. I had to stop doing it because shortly after I sent the energy she would get so excited and run to the door looking for me and anticipating me walking through the door at that moment. My wife had no idea what was going on. And, I was still far from home.
I would send Reiki during my return flight and then fall asleep for a quick power nap. After landing I usually still needed to get my luggage and make a drive that was just over an hour, depending on traffic and the weather. So, it wasn’t fair to my wife to send Reiki like I was doing. I stopped after we talked about the whole experience one night. I told her how I had been sending Reiki from the plane and then she realized why Sylvie was getting so excited – hours before I got home. Sylvie loved her Reiki.
A friend once described Distance Reiki perfectly when she said to me, “We’re just a thought away.” Whenever I was away from home, I always thought about my loved ones. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.
When I would finally make it home from the airport it was always quite the homecoming. No matter how tired I was, Sylvie and Sandy, who are together again, always made me so grateful to be home. Sylvie liked to walk between my legs. This was one of many ways that she showed her affection. The suitcases were set aside, plenty of big hugs for everyone, and then I would let her walk between my legs. It was like a happiness parade.
Sylvie’s facial expressions were like no other. She could have stolen the show in any Disney movie with one of her classic looks. She would look at my wife in such a way that said, “He’s here! He’s really here!” She beamed with joy and so did I as she went back and forth between my legs while I pet her and called out her name. Happiness is contagious and we caught it from each other every time we were reunited after being apart for a while. I love Sylvie so much.
The first time I ever wrote anything from the heart was when my Grandpa died. I was in so much pain and the writing somehow made me feel better. I was 15 years old when he left us. I didn’t stop crying as I wrote a tribute to my dear old Grandpa. Through tears, I embraced his memory and let everyone know how much I loved him. My family was moved by the poem. The day of my Grandpa’s funeral, my Uncle Ronnie came up to me and said, “You really have something with your writing. I mean it. You really do.” He died of a massive heart attack about three months later. But, I will always remember and cherish that moment that we shared. It changed my life.
Sylvie left us last night. Once again, writing is helping me through a difficult situation. I love her so much. It was a blessing in so many ways and for that I am eternally grateful. I was giving her Reiki when she left us. It was an experience that I will never forget. It happened less than 24 hours ago and it’s hard for me to put into words as I am still processing everything.
I’ll describe the scene for you. My wife Tami and I had to carry Sylvie out of our house wrapped up in a blanket. She was still alive but barely. Tami was driving us in her Subaru as it would have been way more difficult to get her into my Jeep. The Subaru is close to the ground and that was going to help us at this moment. Sylvie was wrapped in a blanket in the back seat, breathing hard and gasping for air. It was so painful to see her suffering. She’s my girl.
As we were driving down Turkey Creek Road taking Sylvie to the emergency room, Tami said she wanted to pull over to say her goodbyes to Sylvie Girl. She was concerned that she was going to leave us before we got to the emergency room. Our Guides know how much we love our dear old Sylvie and thankfully they nudged her to pull over. What an amazing gift that was, demonstrating yet again how our Guides help us when we need them most.
After Tami said her goodbyes, it was my turn. I got on my knees and put my head right next to Sylvie’s as I told her how much I loved her. I told her again that she was not only a good girl, but she was also the best girl. Always has been the best girl. I always whispered it in her ear so any other dogs nearby wouldn’t hear it.
I was giving her Reiki as I hugged her. She could not move. Yet, at that moment, her legs straightened out and she raised her head and she looked at me. I said, “Look at you!” At that moment, she left her body leaving a trail of golden dust behind. I have never seen or felt anything like I did when that happened. It’s hard for me to describe the exchange of energy. But, it was so powerful and ran so deep within me as our souls touched at a new level. Sylvie and I had a special connection. They say that a dog is a man’s best friend. I can’t argue with that statement.
Sylvie ran to a higher level and I got to see it! It was time for her to leave that 14 year old body behind. Sylvie loved to run and in her younger years was an athlete extraordinaire. One of my favorite memories is her running into a huge flock of geese. We had some happy times together, but I think that was the happiest I ever saw her. Smiling ear to ear as the geese took off making all kinds of noise.
A few years ago I thought we were going to lose Sylvie. I spent the weekend laying next to her and giving her Reiki. Her recovery was nothing short of a miracle. Since then, she has overcome many challenges cursed with aches and pains. We did everything we could to bring her comfort every single day.
And, she was such a trooper. Recently, she started wearing these little boots that I laughed at a few years ago. But, they helped her so much. It was funny watching her parade around the deck at night hearing the boot sounds and watching her smile ear to ear as she showed us that those boots were indeed made for walking. And, that’s just what they did! The boots gave her much needed traction and helped with going up and down the stairs.
Sylvie was such a unique loving soul who was very comfortable in her own skin. She got along with everyone except for the foolish dogs who tried to get right in her face when she was on a walk. Sylvie was an absolute sweetheart, the best dog anyone could hope for. One of the many traits that I loved about her was that she never backed down from anything. She was a warrior right up to the very end and I am so thankful for being able to witness her transition to The Rainbow Bridge thanks to Reiki.
At first, Sylvie didn’t know what to think of Reiki when I started sharing it with her years ago. But, then she came to embrace it. She would come up to me and let me know that she needed some healing energy. Then, when she had enough, she would move on after giving me one of her classic Sylvie looks that said, “I’m good. Thank You.”
Sylvie, we share so many great memories that I hold close to my breaking heart. Thank You. I miss you so much already. Tell everyone Hi. It makes me so happy to know that you get to play with them again. I am confident that you will be making your presence known around here and I look forward to those moments – especially in the sun room by your favorite spot. You were always by my side when I sent Distance Reiki around the world, and I know you’ll still be there with me. I am going to leave you with the final line that I wrote for my Grandpa and I will change the “him” to “her.”
Take her O’Lord
We thank Thee for her
A knight has just surrendered