I am so tired Draft 1

Readers Note: Shaq is 16 in this story, living in Austin.

The End is Near

I am very tired these days. I often need help getting up and getting my legs under me, but once up I can shuffle around. Ray is never more than a couple feet from me. There are ramps so I can get down the stairs into the yard.

It takes a long time for me to lie down as it is painful on my joints. I circle and circle until I finally sort of fall over. Often Ray comes over and picks me up and lays me down. He makes sure I am comfortable and often comes over to help me roll over. I tell him I can do it myself, but he insists.

As I lay here I think back on the amazing life I have led over the last 16 years. I have traveled all over the United States with Ray. I have flown on commercial planes and on private jets. Together Ray and I have driven all over the United States together as well. I have stayed in some amazing hotels like the St. Regis in Aspen and the Helmsley in New York City. I sailed on a boat out in the ocean. I got to see my namesake Shaq play basketball.

I have met some of the most wonderful people on my adventures. Many only have one family; I have been blessed to have several families. There is of course Ray, but I also have my Texas Family, my Montana Family and my Florida Family.

As I lay my head to rest, I dream of puppies and puppy breath.

As I close my eyes to sleep I dream of all who love me and all I will meet.

As I go to bed tonight I think of all and all the delights.

I am so tired




 
The End is here

Hi, this is Ray. Shaq can’t write. Today is his day.

I am lying with him. Cuddling him in my arms like I did when he was a little puppy. I never want this moment to end.

I whisper in his ear.

I love you so much; soon you will be reunited with Shasta, Zoe and Nanda.

You will swim forever in warm ponds and roll in green grass.

I love you so much, thank you, thank you, thank you.

I love you so much, we will be reunited.

I love you, I love you, I love you

Goodbye dear friend

**Tears**

The End