"Hello there, Sid. This is Josh. Shall we talk today?" I asked. "Yes, I've been waiting." "For me or just to talk with someone?" I wanted to clarify. "Both," he said simply. I hesitated to ask him why me, as I didn't want it turn into an ego thing. "I prefer the gentle approach," Sid said in response. It didn't feel like he wanted to skirt the topic of "why me." "You are careful with your words, thoughtful in your outlook, caring in your interaction," he explained. "Thank you, Sid," I told him. "I appreciate knowing that is your view of me. I do try to put a lot of care…" Sid bluntly inserted "love" when I said "care." "Okay, a lot of 'love' into my interactions," I conceded. "I can feel you have a lot of love to give, too." "Yes. My family loves me and I love them. We're all very loved," he said. "Can you show me something you like to do?" I asked. A very sparkly ball or sphere comes to mind. "Do you like walks," I asked. "I like getting out, but my world is at home and I'm happy here," he said. It feels like his body is stiffer these days and is more difficult to move around. Once he gets going, it's fine. "Is that true, Sid — your joints are giving you some trouble?" I asked. "Yes, but it's not a big deal. I'm happy with how things are," he replied. It feels like he really likes his current situation, the routine, the surroundings, the life, and doesn't want any of that to change. "Where do you usually sleep?" I wondered. I was just trying to see what images would come to mind. I see a couch and also a nearby dog bed that seems to be in a common sitting room, like a family room. I pictured him in the bedroom at night on the bed and that didn't quite feel right. He prefers his own bed on the floor so that he can come and go with more ease. "Is there anything you want to tell your family?" I asked. He thinks a moment, then said, "Thank you. Thank you for taking such good care of me. For showing me what a loving home is like. For giving me such a good life here. Don't worry, this life isn't nearly over. But there will be many more together as well. Just so you know." "How is it that you know you will share other lifetimes together, Sid?" I asked. "I just feel that's how it is," he said. "You know? That feeling — like when you feel something is right or in the groove?" "Yeah, I know the feeling," I acknowledged. "Well, enjoy your wonderful life — or lives — with your family," I said. "I'm very happy you all 'found' each other," I said, knowing it wasn't chance, but all planned that way from the start. "And I'm very happy we met and had such a nice conversation," I added. "Me too," said Sid. "Come back anytime." "Thank you for that open invitation," I said, knowing it wasn't one he extended lightly. "See? Being a gentle, loving guy comes in handy," he pointed out. His demeanor was soft, even, and gentle, as well. "Yeah," I agreed. "I wouldn't want to have it any other way." Based on information Sid's people provided in advance (but that I hadn't yet looked at until after this conversation), I discovered that many of the facts in this connection were not true! For example, he loves long walks, he sleeps in bed with his people, he is often cranky and snappy, especially around the other dog in the house. Not the sweet, gentle dog I talked with! I was very curious as to what had happened. When things like this occurred before, there always turned out to be some other pieces I didn't have yet that made up the big picture, finally creating some sense. So I decided to have another conversation with him the next day. You can read it here.
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