Tori’s Story
As told by Carol …
Tori was beautiful, spirited, intelligent and loving. She was content to be a quiet companion, and she was delighted to be a rambunctious playmate and a ground-covering hiking partner. But more than anything, Tori was joyful. Everyone in her circle felt it.
Tori radiated joy. She had an unequaled zest for life.
Tori is short for “Satori”, a word often used in Buddhism. It translates roughly to sudden enlightenment, or a moment of clear comprehension and understanding. What could be more joy-filled? The first time I read the definition of satori, I thought, “What a perfect name for a dog!” After all, it encompasses how most, if not all, dogs – and animals – live their lives: in the present. So, Tori had her name many years before she came into my life at 7 weeks of age. She lived up to it.
When, as a puppy, Tori gazed and wagged up at the geese flying overhead on our daily walks, I couldn’t help but think that she must want to fly with them – and how happy she would be if she could! I imagined her glorious wings, her effortless flight and her ecstatic grin. And I thought WOW, what a fun story. I told my author friend Pattie about my idea and asked her if she’d be game to write the story. “You should write it!”, she retorted.
Fifteen years later, I did. I had to.
Tori would say that the tale of how she got her wings is a true story. As would I.
More About Carol …
Tori, Carol and Anna
Cady, Carol and Mirage
Photo by Patricia Jarvis, Jarvis Images
I come from an Italian-American family. When a family member dies, we grieve big, but we also laugh big. We tell stories, we sing, and we dance at the graveside. Sadness is not all there is.
When Tori died, I felt nothing but sadness – for two solid months. I didn’t know how to let the sadness go, or to at least let something else in. Then I recalled some of the beautiful stories of animals’ passings told by Rita Reynolds in her book Blessing the Bridge. Reading those stories, I had learned to see the remarkably beautiful ordinariness of death and the gift that it can be to our companions, and I had learned that peace can come to those who relax their stranglehold on sadness.
And then I knew: Tori would have wanted me to celebrate her joy-filled life! And what better way to do that than to give her the wings she’d always longed for? Five minutes after this realization hit me, Tori’s essence was pouring out of me and onto the page (wet with tears of sadness – and of joy). In about 2 hours, 95% of the story was written. Five years later, I’m finally able to share Tori’s story in a masterfully illustrated book. I hope her story helps you as much as it helped me.
More About Patrizia…
Patrizia in One of Her Watercolors
Patrizia ‘s illustrations have been recognized internationally, in particular her animal and botanical artwork for children's books, and she has won multiple awards for her work. She currently lives between Liguria and Piedmont, carrying on her activity as a freelance illustrator, and teacher of illustration and watercolor.
Learn more about Patrizia at https://patriziadonaera.myportfolio.com