You have likely encountered a video or advertisement showcasing the cleaning or remodeling of a home numerous times. I doubt, however, that an online post like this has ever prompted you to grab a tissue to dry your eyes.
Nonetheless, the video that forms the focal point of today’s narrative is precisely that – it evokes tears, even though it begins as a commonplace showcase of painting the stairs in a residence.
I needn’t even mention that the lead character of this brief yet poignant tale is a furry companion.
Heart-Wrenching Reason
On January 21, 2024, a TikTok user, @shariblivin, uploaded a video that garnered significant attention. Just as I mentioned in the opening, the video commenced as a typical narrative about renovating a home – specifically, painting old stairs.
However, anyone who glanced at the caption of the video prior to skipping it and proceeding to the subsequent one in the sea of social media content might have perceived it to be about something far more extraordinary.
“I refinished my stairs… I painted the steps black.” the caption states, then continues. “But there was one step I could NOT paint over.”
In the actual video, this is the moment when an emotional twist occurs; an old photo of Shari’s cherished Golden Retriever, Max, resting on that step, is shown with the caption: “This is HIS step he would even sleep here.”
Clarity washes over when Shari discloses that exactly one year ago, her Max passed away. He departed this life beneath the staircase – under his beloved step, lying on her lap.
Though there is no “tissue warning” at the conclusion of the video, I shall caution you to get yours ready. The closing remarks are certain to bring tears to even the toughest hearts.
“I did paint the stairs. I do adore them. But I simply could not endure the thought of covering up that step,” Shari expressed, on the brink of tears. “So now it’s forever his.”
These are the words that turned eternal and, although they may no longer share this existence, Max and his human will forever be linked.
@shariblivin I refinished my stairs… I painted the steps black. But there was one step I could NOT paint over. One year ago today, my dog Max, passed away. He put his head on my lap and went to eternal sleep. He adored his step. He even napped on it. Haha so I made it a timeless tribute to him. The best dog, ever.
“Cry Me A River”
I’m not sure about you, but for me, it was challenging to view this video until the end, even though it lasts no more than a minute. The depth of emotion conveyed in just a few visuals and words is astounding.
The responses and remarks from numerous viewers captivated by this video reveal that they too were deeply moved.
“I JUST cried at this TikTok because of Emmy or Emma’s duet 😭,” one viewer remarked.
Another echoed similar sentiments: “You have no right to break my heart first thing in the morning 🥺🥺🥺”
And a third added: “This was the perfect way to commemorate Max ❤️”
While this video undoubtedly touched the hearts of all who viewed it, it must have been particularly hardest for those who have also lost their treasured furry companions.
Fortunately, sadness does not need to linger indefinitely because there exist many methods to honor your pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge.
From contributing his favorite tennis balls to the nearby dog park to visiting a Real-Life Rainbow Bridge, there are numerous ways to keep those memories vibrant.
Therefore, you need not weep a river for your dear companion, but instead commemorate him in a way that allows the wound to mend. Sometimes, it is simply enough to extend your step over one stair for your souls to reunite once more.
This brief video stands as the longest testament to that.