Luke was given to our family when he was full grown, so we never experienced his younger years. I often find myself wondering what Luke must have been like as a puppy.
Luke was born California, and I was told that he "grew up" in Baton Rouge, LA at a home near a lake. He doesn't seem at all afraid of the water, and I remember the first time we went for a walk near a river. He waded right in up to his chest, and stood there with the water rushing under him. I recall being surprised at how comfortable he was in the water.
Occasionally, I get a glimpse at the "kid" in him ... like when we're chasing each other outside, or when he's chewing on a toy. When I reflect on my life over the last decade, I think about what age he would have been, and what he might have been experiencing. I wonder if he still has memories of his former life.
I'd give anything to have had Luke since he was a puppy. Maybe the fact that Luke came into my life late, is the reason I cherish the time we have together.
Sometimes when we're alone, I pull him up close to me and ask him to promise that he'll live just one day longer than I do.
