My journey to Angkor Wat was quite an emotional one. If you
have met me even for a minute you know I love animals. When the gods presented
me with one of the kindest ones I’ve ever met, it broke my heart. She first met
me at the steps of the 2nd temple into these ancient grounds and
decided I would be her companion for the day. She was the first dog to let me
approach them in Cambodia without barking in fear. She followed me up every
step, through every walkway so I decided not to climb to the top of the temple
knowing she would struggle or even fall and hurt herself. Once I knew it was
time to leave I bought her some meat in hopes that eating would distract her
and not notice us leave. After our failed attempt here she came running after
us not wanting to leave my side. Once we found our “tuk-tuk”, and her struggle
to jump in, I said my goodbyes knowing I could not rescue her from the
struggling life that laid ahead for her. It was like a scene from a movie, her
aching body ran as hard as she could after us, as we drove away not wanting to
leave my side. I could not hold the tears back as they started to run down my
face. I was embarrassed to show this new connection I had made in just a short amount of
time with a simple dog. Being in one of the most spiritual places in the world
I thought nothing but positive thoughts for her the rest of the day.
The second day I came to Angkor Wat brought a beautiful
sunrise, patience and meeting my old friend but letting go the of the
opportunity to meet her again. As we waited for the sunrise my heart ached
knowing she would be wondering around at any moment and that she might find my
familiar face or smell and not leave my side again. In one moment I saw her
walking through the crowd of eager foreigners as if looking for something. I knew I could
not handle the heartache again and turned my head towards the sun praying she
would find love through another and that she would be taken care of. I still
hope today that she is.
Day three brought the sunset over a distant mountain on top
of the temple. To celebrate our first weeks in Siem Reap, Dad bought us a beer
to drink at the top of the temple to cheers all that we have done thus far. I
know this is not the last time I will see these beautiful temples and am glad
they have been restored for the whole world to enjoy. I will see you again,
until then, Chum Reap Leah…
