Homer’s eyes said everything important.
Joy, patience, and unwavering love for a boy who struggled to have any of those things himself.
Named after Homer Simpson, one could easily overlook this handsome lab’s commitment to his Scooby Do watching, Batman obsessed, very troubled boy. Despite his 120 awkward pounds, Homer was utterly at peace with himself, his boy, and his unspoken job, even amidst the tumultuous drama and upset he lived in.
He was a golden hued guidepost through a long and transformative journey. He took his role seriously, but without burden; religiously nudging his own thick head into his best friends’ arms to calm his tantrums, lending his velvet ears for a decade of tugs, simply because it made his raging and confused boy feel better—all the while reflecting nothing back but joy in his deep brown eyes for the love of his boy. His boy who raged wildly and needed him excruciatingly, but who also took him utterly for granted.
Many of us, especially boys who are struggling while unraveling the swathed clues to their own sexuality, overlook the importance of our furry companions. Sometimes it takes time, a new lens, or even a terrible loss for us to see what gifts they bestow on us.
Homer did not let dismissiveness or boyhood emotions sway his mission. He loved his boy harder– with the love he wanted his boy to have for himself. He selflessly lent his ears when patience was needed, nudged limbs when they flailed with grief, and used gulping speed to teach that breakfast is “good” but exploring the backyard is better.
Throughout the decade his eyes conveyed what his words could not- that regardless of the rage there would be patience, that despite terrible pain there would be joy, and that while his best friend struggled to learn to love himself, that he would love him enough for both of them.