By Rebecca Yee
One year ago today, I had to say goodbye to my baby girl, my Pookie. As I sit here writing this through tears, I can only think that I am blessed to have had her in my life. She taught me so much about love and life.
If you ever had a chance to meet Pookie in person, you will know how much she loved people. She taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. In my opinion, love is the foundation of life. Love keeps you going when everything else seems to knock you down. Love can turn a bad day into a great day. She was that for me. Some people know, that 17 years ago, I was married to an emotionally abusive, sometimes physically abusive husband. Six months into that marriage, we rescued Pookie. She became my escape. She loved me. She didn't hurt me. She was always happy to see me. That marriage ended in divorce 5 years later, but Pookie stayed by my side and helped me heal.
We were together through 7 moves across several states BEFORE we started traveling full time. When Eric and I started dating, she took him in without fail. She loved him. We were a pack. Then we rescued Thor. It was so good for her. She loved him too. She finally had a little brother she could pick on and play with. (Thor doesn't look too happy in this picture having to share the toys, LOL)
Pookie had an amazing spirit. She was so carefree. Something I often envy. So when I decided at 30 years old to start writing children's books, who else would I use as inspiration. She would go into schools and libraries with me to read to kids.
With the stories I would tell, the kids always asked me if it was real. What do you say to that? I always told them they were real stories with a twist of imagination. I always imagined what Pookie would say in different situations. My favorite part about sharing my author journey with Pookie, was seeing all the smiles she brought to the faces of kids. No matter what, she gave all of the kids love.