Peanut

Peanut James Monroe was my best friend. He passed away in my arms on November 23, 2020. We discovered a heart murmur had developed three years ago, and it progressed into congestive heart failure. He was gone in six days. When I knew the end was coming, I prayed and prayed for my little man. God answered every prayer exactly as I wished. What a blessing. Peanut just fell over and was gone. No struggling to breathe. No decision had to be made. I am so very thankful for his quick and peaceful passing.

My eyes are overflowing as I write this post. So many of you knew Peanut personally. He was a certified pet therapist and visited several nursing homes. He could also be found at church Trunk or Treats through the years. (Who remembers the kissing booth of 2014?!) He was also the best companion for my son Liam.

I’m sure this post is picture overload, but please bear with me as I remember my best friend. I had him just shy of 7 years. Many of you think he’s been around longer, but just the 7. Our seventh anniversary together would have been the day after Thanksgiving. He was 12 years old.

Have you ever felt like you were just smothered with love? He was.

The face of one anxiously awaiting dinner.

This was from the night we took our engagement pictures – Peanut had to say yes, too!

We did countless hours of Bible study together.

This was from his last of several family reunions. He was the best traveler.

Nut loved going on golf cart rides with my dad.

These black and whites are from his headshot photo shoot.

This may be my favorite photo of him ever. It captures his inquisitive little personality. Mom even had this one framed in her room at the nursing home.

I couldn’t have timed this photo better if I tried. (And it proves once upon a time he still had his teeth!)

To say he was a bed hog would be an understatement. Woe be if you accidently bumped him while he was asleep under there. His bites were like clamps on a bear trap that never opened. You could lose a toe!

He loved Liam from the moment he came home from the hospital. If Liam cried, Peanut came running. If I took Liam to change a diaper, Nut followed. P was very protective of Liam.

 

 

 

 

I wasn’t the only one who lost her best friend – Liam did too. He’s been hollering for “NutNut” and searching for him every day. It literally breaks my heart.

That one time I convinced him to write a paper for me for Seminary.

 

 

One of his best photos ever. He never missed a Fallelujia party.

He also stayed busy at Christmas!

 

 

 

This was my very last photo with him the day before he passed. I loved on him a ridiculous amount on those last six days. He got bubble baths, snuggles, McNuggets, everything he loved even as my heart was breaking. I loved that puppy straight into heaven.

And this was the real last photo of us together after he passed. Judson built him a casket, and my dad made him a headstone. He is buried with Sadie and Callie in our yard. My best friend is gone. My mom is gone. It’s been a really sad year for me (and add all the covid devastation too). I never ever expected to lose Peanut this year, but I have peace knowing he was loved to death and has had the best life imaginable. He made me a better person. He changed my life. And he loved me too. I truly believe God will allow me to see Peanut again in heaven one day.

Until then, sweet boy. I love you!