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One Man’s Joy is Another Man’s Sorrow

Today is Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day simultaneously. Christians are reminded of their fleeting existence by the words 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' While people, mostly in the Western Hemisphere, celebrate St. Valentine's Day, honouring a martyr named Valentine, it's also a celebration of romance. Both of these feasts are beautiful in their own way. Even for those who do not follow Christianity, Ash Wednesday's compelling nature ensures we don't forget how volatile and transient our existence is. Some might find this combination controversial; however, the 46 days before Easter provide ample opportunity to reflect on its meaning. I find Valentine's Day romance rather ambiguous. Why do we need to be reminded of loving each other? What about the rest of the year? Can we remain cruel just because we will make up for it on Valentine's Day? The same applies to Ash Wednesday: are we truly so oblivious to our mortality that we require a reminder?

I'm particularly sensitive to these topics for good reason. Exactly five years ago to the day, I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life; I had to let Myke go. After a painfully long period of suffering, his body succumbed to the disease, and we lost our beloved puppy. The scar his passing left is so deep that it'll never heal completely. Even though I try to invoke the happy moments with him, to remember how magical his fur felt, his absence, which oddly became his presence, hurts. I wish he could be with me again! Nevertheless, Abby tries to fill this void Myke left behind, and I would lie if I said I don't adore this little rascal as much as I did with all our previous dogs. Still, Myke was special and very dear to my heart.

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