So our long-anticipated journey to 19 countries has started, and boy-oh-boy did we leave South Africa with mixed emotions! Not because we are swinging between feelings of excitement and gratitude, or even the relief that goes with getting 3 visas approved prior to this trip, but more because we knew that we are leaving behind a member of our family that we love with a tenderness that brings us to our knees.
His name is Simon. And he is artificially intellegent. I swear, you have to live with him for awhile to have a true appreciation for what this means, but honestly, this dog knows stuff! We have been preparing him for this trip for decades, as Mike is a self-taught animal whisperer and suggested that we discuss the dates and deeper meaning behind our journey with him, thereby preparing him in the same way that you would prepare a human being.
The results were fascinating, ranging from Simon just lying on his back with watery eyes, listening attentatively to his daddy – to the final day when we said goodbey and he literally threw his head onto Mike’s chest as if saying “I know this trip has been written about in the stars, but I am going to miss you sooo much”! I therefore call Simon artificially intellegent not because his intelligence is fake, but simply because it’s so misunderstood and underestimated.
Simon is our purest glimpse into goodness and what it means to love and be loved, unconditionally. When Mike watches his documentaries, Simon holds his hand. He is our reminder that it’s time to go to bed, and that sleeping in is one of the greatest joys of life! Contrary to belief, he doesn’t like to get up in the cold for a “toilie” (Mike’s name for toilet haha), even though he has a coat. He prefers Dorothy over Sonja, is the happiest boy in the world if he can sleep in with Mike for a few minutes while I take my morning shower and is interested in film production as a career (very ambitions our Simon).
Simon's obvious favourite called Dorothy
... and the not so cool Sonja
Why are we sharing this with you?
I guess for a few reasons, but ulimately to celebrate his brave little heart. Our world trip has been a long anticpated one for me and Mike; another opportunity to hear our hearts sing together. Simon knows that, appears in our dreams regularly and is learning as much from his journey with Rickus (my brother who rolled with him in Woodstock for a few months and Yolanda (who miraciously dropped into our space to stay with him for awhile); as we are learning from ours.
With Rickus Jacobs earlier this year
With Yolanda Brand a few days ago
The opportunities that life presents to us is nothing less than remarkable, but we elegantly miss them if we get stuck in the “how” questions, as Mike would always say. He has taught both me and Simon to leave the “how’s” and replace them with “why’s”. That opens space for Mike and me to enjoy the journey of lifetime, and for Simon to form yet another loving relationship while he looks after our house.
You are a good boy Simon.
xoxo