Forever Duke

There are seasons of life when one faithful companion is enough.

We were never lonely because of Duke.

When Matthew accepted a new job in Asheville, Duke became his first friend in a town where he knew no one. Not long afterward, my schedule as a physical therapist had me working nearly every weekend for more than two years. While everyone else gathered with family and friends, my days off often fell in the middle of the week.

So, Duke and I made our own adventures.

Whenever we could, we'd head for the trails in search of waterfalls. He moved across rocky streams with the confidence of a seasoned climber, effortlessly hopping from boulder to boulder while I carefully tried to follow the path he had already chosen. And once we reached the water, there was no question what came next.

Fetch.

Not in the backyard. Never in an open field.

Only in the water.

The waterfall behind him isn't simply part of the landscape—it's part of his story. It reminds me of countless afternoons spent exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the sound of rushing water, muddy hiking boots, and one endlessly happy Labrador turned ordinary days into some of my favorite memories.

We miss this special boy every single day. But whenever I see a mountain stream or hear the rush of a waterfall, I can't help but imagine Duke already waiting in the water, hoping someone will throw the stick just one more time.