Gator

Gator.  We love Gator.  We adore him and his quirky and funny ways.  We know we’ve been truly blessed to have him in our lives.  Our hearts are heavy that I have to do this post—and I don’t want to even write about the end as it’s not the memory I want to hold onto.  Gator passed away on March 2nd.  And he has left a gaping hole in our lives—he has been a part of our everyday moments and routines for over 10 years, and such a special part.  I’m finally getting to the point where I can focus on the happy and wonderful times we had with Gator and get smiles instead of tears…ok, maybe with the tears…instead of just feeling robbed because I know we lost him too soon. 

Maybe one day I’ll be able write the post Gator deserves.  A few months out and I’m still unable to write a past tense verb with Gator as the subject.  I’m putting together a memory book of images of Gator so I’ve been going through a lot of old photos.  These are some of my favorites through the years.  I’m very, very sad now, but I’d do it all over again for the joys he has brought us.

{We met Gator on Christmas Eve of 2003.  I was 6 1/2 months pregnant with Ella and Gator was a Christmas gift for me from Jonathan, with a red ribbon and all.  It was love at first sight.  I’ve always told Jonathan that he’ll never be able to top that present.}

{The day Ella was born.}

{And along came Jack.  Gator put up with a lot from the kiddos.  Such a wonderful pup.}

{love the smirk of this picture.  if a dog could’ve rolled his eyes, gator certainly would have at us on a daily basis.}

Gator Williams (October 17, 2003 – March 2, 2014)