Over the next few days, Junie spent her afternoons with Clove in Miss Dottie’s yard, sharing stories and laughter. I’d watch them from our kitchen window, grateful for Miss Dottie’s patience and wisdom. It was a reminder of the small but significant connections that form between people and animals, and how they can teach us about life and letting go.
As time went on, Junie learned to say goodbye, not just to Clove, but to other small things—a lost toy, a wilting flower, the gentle end of a summer day. She learned that life was a series of hellos and goodbyes, and each farewell was softened by the promise of new beginnings.
In the end, it wasn’t just about Clove the chicken. It was about facing the world with an open heart, learning to let go while cherishing every moment of love shared. And in that process, my daughter showed me the beauty of resilience and the depth of her compassion, reminding me of the powerful lessons we can learn when we pause to listen to the whispers of a child’s heart.