And then, there she was…

At the moment that I met Little Belle…
I had a hard time. I was heartbroken, and only traveling around the world could bring me some comfort. I cannot say it was a flight from life, as I enjoyed traveling too much for that, but there were a lot of setbacks, and unfortunate things, that needed to be compensated by traveling (which means I wasn’t often at home :)).
And then, there she was… Little Belle. This tiny creature. I don’t even know how she crossed my Facebook, as I always try to set my settings as strict as possible, but she had found her way, squirming herself through the small opening of my facebook, straight into my heart. I’m not the ‘fate’ kind of person, but she was a ‘meant to be’.

I saw her movie, crying. For the pain, for the love, for the beauty, for the simplicity.
When I started following Belles page, it stroke me how easy it seemed to be (it still is, as for me, she’s not gone) to love her, to love Irene, to get love from them. No strings attached, no profit reasons. Friendship and caring were enough. Also, Belles friends (Françoise) were so sweet. Effortless, all of them gave me strength, love, stories, emotions… only nice things to look forward to, every day.
And in the meantime, I met my husband Xavier, got baby Seppe and all the clouds disappeared. A lot has changed in my life, but little Belle, and her stories, and her warmth stayed the same. I kept on following and enjoying her stories, and bought her necklace, for a specific reason: I am grateful, and I wanted her to be a part of my, Xaviers, and Seppes life.

As we (small family) kept traveling, in our yellow Fiat 500, named ‘Emmeke’, we hung the necklace on the front mirror, and Belle is dangling there, and traveling with us. I never thought I would ever have to write a tribute to her, as any tribute is inadequate for her. But the day has come, and this is my tribute to her.

Belle, as long as Emmeke is driving, you will travel with us. To work, to Belgium, Holland, France, Spain and even further away… as far as I can bring you. In the meantime, you have adopted a seal together with Seppe, who has also been released in a healthy state! I promise you that Seppe will know who you are, as he sees you every day swinging your way around in my tiny car. I promise you that you will never be forgotten, and even though we never met in real, you will always have a special place in my heart, and you will always live.
Dear Belle, thank you. I love you.

Mieke

11 comments

  • Barbara Slavinsky

    That was absolutely beautiful and touching and perfect. I’m crying. I feel the same way. ❤️?

  • Charlene A Strysko

    That was beautiful and I cried throughout the whole ting myself. Little Belle has touched many of us and will never be forgotten. If she only knew how important she was to so many people, and she will forever be in our hearts. <3

  • jjooajoanne toopnjo

    How very moving your post was Mieke; just to join you in friendship and love in this private post – all through little Belle, of course. How beautifully you have put into words just such a universal story of hope and kindness. I (me and my 3 little dogs) share you thoughts completely and we are living our simple life in the southern county of England. I wish you well and much happiness for you and your family and with the many journeys you make in life in your little yellow car. x

  • Sue Bishop

    What a beautiful tribute! Little Belle was always a voice of reason for me and still is. I’m so glad that she came across my Facebook page also Zeus and I have enjoyed everyday sitting down together and reading about Belle and her family and her adventures ?We have a Belle necklace hanging by the bed and we talk to her every day and night, it’s very comforting knowing that she’s by our side always ?Thank you Little Belle and Irene for all of your wonderful words of encouragement they also came to me at the perfect time in my life ?You’re always in our heart ❤️ Belle, much love always, Zeus and his Mom??❌⭕️??

  • Lucille

    I love this sentiment about Belle. I too ran into Belle’s Facebook Page so unexpectedly. It kind of came out of nowhere. I was in a sad place, knowing my Emma only had a few months to live. I still love following your page and always think that Belle and my Emma are great friends, playing together and watching down on us! Thank uou for still posting, Irene. xo

  • Pam

    I don’t know what to say. Belle’s tribute is heartfelt and so lovely. It seems many of us stumbled upon Belle by chance, but now I know we’ll be together forever. Belle, your strength, your courage, your love has given us such hope. You are our special, magical Little Belle-now and for always. A special request-please look for my little Bear and give him a hug from me. Much love to you all. Run free and play in the sun and sleep snuggled together in that magical place over The Rainbow Bridge called Heaven. Wait for me……..

  • Mayke van Wijk

    Beautifull ! ❣️❣️

  • Greg Adams

    Beautiful…as someone else said….perfect….thank you for keeping Little Belle and her magic alive, as long as we spread her story…she lives…I will never stop telling people abouts her…

  • Jennifer Collins

    Dearest Mieke: Your words are a beautiful tribute to our little angel girl. Like you, Little Belle has found a small corner of my heart to rest her head. I have her necklace on the wall in my office so when I look up from my computer she is there watching over me. Thank you and bless you.

  • Dawn E'Orio

    That was beatiful and authentic and heartfelt. Thank you for sharing that with us.

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