This past week my family's dog, Dude, passed away. After I heard that it happened I sat down to write down some of my memories of him and it ended up turning into a small history of my childhood. The story started even before Dude, leading up to the day we got him. Memories of other houses, other dogs, wood paneled station wagons, and the closeness of my family when I was little. I have been overly reflective and have really missed home. It is not the kind of homesickness that makes me want to completely run away from life here back to home in the States, but more of a recognition of what I have at home and reasons to look forward to going back. Though it won't be the same without Dude there. I am sure most people think they have the best dog and I feel the same way about all three of the dogs that I have had. They were good companions, loyal, and brought completion to my family. I don't know what it will be like to go home without dog at my home--we've had one since I was four. My walks over the land will be lonelier. No dog to bark at my heel and get paw prints all over my jeans. Land needs a dog--and I am sure my parents will see that in time. 
Brussels has been gray, cold, and rainy. I ride the tram to French class twice a week looking at the same cold, gray buildings going by. Strange how we tend to look out the window at the same old view when we could be looking at the people around us who change almost every time. Such a mix of random people here. I wonder how often I see an actual Belgian in Brussels. There are plenty of waffle trucks to see that serve as a constant reminder of where I am. The best waffles are the ones sold from these trucks--one euro fifty and I am satisfied. No cream, no chocolate--just a waffle at it's best. If I made a list of things I will miss from Belgium I think that waffles might fight for first place. How surprised the mom was when I told her Belgium is known for their waffles in the States--she still seems flabbergasted by this.
This weekend I am going to Amsterdam--then I have no major trips planned for the month of March. Dad is supposed to be coming to visit in April (!!!) and who knows what kind of adventures we'll have. Just four and a half months of work to go. Then a month of wandering and I will be home.
0 Responses to “Dude”
Post a Comment