My Friend Nel

I was first introduced to Nel a little more than two years ago from the time of this writing, in December 2007, by a friend of my daughter. She warned me before hand that he was shy and difficult to approach, but nevertheless bearer of a very pleasant character. Since then, my friendship with Nel has never ceased to grow.

But it was only recently, when Nel got sick after an accident with his paw, that I realized how much I appreciate his company and how much I became dependent on it.

We don't talk much when we are together, usually sitting near to each other, doing our own things or watching a movie or taking a nap. It is the sheer power of his presence, his peaceful but inquisitive look, his beauty and his sweetness that have captivated me all this time we know each other. I am a very lucky person because I have many friends, all very nice and very sweet to me. But Nel stands out, probably because of all my friends he's the one who is more fragile and needs me most. Even so, he's the one who's always there to cheer me up when I feel a bit gloomy. Seeing him sick, disoriented and sad, had a big impact on me, I felt very anxious and afraid. I have lost many friends in the course of my life, some of them in tragic circumstances and every time such a loss occurs, it is hell.

Before meeting Nel, I had sworn not allowing any more friends living with me, to avoid this pain. When one gets older, one gets also more vulnerable and more sentimental; the loss of a good friend becomes an unbearable grief. However, I must admit that life without friends is far from being ideal, although being perhaps emotionally safer. Having Nel around, seeing him waiting for me at the top of the stairs when I arrive home, is a sign that all is well, the world hasn't changed, it is safe to come home and enjoy his company. No man can decently live well alone, and having a friend like Nel is a real blessing.

I called him Pimpernel, because he's red and elusive (to others), but it soon became Nel, for short. Today I'm celebrating: I will take off the awful collar that he wore for over a week and give him back his freedom, hoping that his foot is cured for good. And I will enjoy again his cheerfulness, his presence around me in the house, and the restored beauty of his movements.  My friend Nel will be there at the top of the stairs, waiting for me when I come home from my other friends tonight. We'll hug each other and go about our own things. The world will be back to normal again...