Jackson Ropp

My letter to you Jackson,

Baby boy. Every moment that has passed since you went to heaven I think of you and miss you. My mom once told me that the second she knew she conceived me, she loved me. And it was a completely different type of love than she had ever experienced. And I know in my heart I understand what she meant because you were my son. And I was so proud to be your mom. I was proud of how gentle, loving, and kind you were. You couldn’t hurt a soul. You even loved on the guinea pigs we had.

I loved that we shared a love for the beach and for fishing. I loved how content and happy you were to be in the salt air. Watching you run into the waves and get the zoomies was the highlight of my day. 

 

I loved that you would show us gratitude at all times. Every time I came home, you had to find a gift to give me. And at the end of every night you had to make sure you were snuggling, even if you kept nudging your head for just a few more moments of affection before you fell asleep.

 

You were so full of joy. You woke up every day so stoked for life. Every adventure was so much more exciting with you. Walks with you down the beach were our thing. It reminded us to enjoy the moment with each other and to just be still.

You defined loyalty. You never left my side and I loved your constant looks of reassurance. Some of my favorite memories were of you always waiting for me right outside the shower. You loved everyone but you always made sure that everyone knew that Levi and I were your best friends.

 

You were the shining star on how to love, just like Jesus loved. And if the world could learn to love the way that you did, the world would be a better place. It’s a testimony of your love and the bond that we had with the amount of people that have reached out since you left us. You were truly a special boy. No regular dog has been allowed on so many golf courses, in restaurants, and spoiled with food from the Bev cart (thanks Aunt Betsy). That’s because you were never really a dog. It’s no surprise that the vet said that the organ that was still the strongest was your heart. Biggest heart I’ve known.

 

I loved how much you loved Levi. That you made us a family. And I know how grateful you were for the life Levi gave you, and the moments that you two shared. I will forever be grateful to him as well. You had the best life a dog could ask for.

But most importantly, I loved how much you loved me. You were my angel on earth, always protecting me. I love how you talked to me and understood me. You have always been my rock and given me so much comfort. Your life purpose was to make sure that I was OK, even in your last moments. And I promise I will be.

 

I am at peace with where you are and I know how happy you are to eat whatever food you want and swim in whatever pool you want. I hope you’re still catching sharks for me and that you’ve been reunited with Harley and Dixie.

I love you so much honey. You left a legacy and you were the King. You are always with me Jackson.