I'm Sorry: A Letter to Kona

​You taught me patience and confidence,
And how to stand up for you,
And for myself.
You protected me from pain, and sadness,
From loneliness and isolation.
You protected me from scary people and dogs,
And even those vicious squirrels.
 
But I could not protect you…
I’m sorry that I could not protect you from fear,
That I could not keep you safe.
I’m sorry that you ever had to hurt,
That you ever had to feel pain.
Everything I did, I did for you,
But I could not protect you in the end.
 
I’m NOT sorry that you were mine.
I’m NOT sorry for the time we spent together,
Or for anything I gave up for you.
I’m NOT sorry for the grief,
Because it means I loved.
And I’m NOT sorry for the memories,
Because you will always be a part of me.