Halloween is right around the corner, which means pumpkins on porches, candy in bulk, and yes costumes. This year, as I was thinking about all the disguises we put on for fun, I remembered one of my favorite photos of Spice. She’s sitting on the living room floor wearing a fuzzy lion’s mane around her head. And when I say “wearing,” I mean enduring.
Spice sat there frozen, completely still, looking at me like, “Mom… seriously?” The second I took it off, she sprang to life, tail wagging, zoomies engaged. She was back to being her happy self.
And that moment got me thinking: Spice always knew who she was and she never tried to hide it.
The Masks We Wear
Unlike Spice, we humans are pros at wearing masks. We put on smiles when we’re sad, act strong when we’re scared, or play it cool when we’re feeling anything but. Sometimes we put on “perfect” masks trying to fit in or impress others only to end up feeling disconnected from ourselves.
But Spice reminded me that life feels lighter when we just… don’t. She was comfortable in her own fur, mane or no mane. She taught me that the best gift we can give the world is showing up as our true, unmasked selves.
Putting On a Brave Face
Here’s the funny thing: Spice may have hated the lion costume, but she had the heart of a lion when it came to protecting me.
On walks, if someone seemed suspicious, she would bark with the ferocity of a 150-pound guard dog (even though she was half that). Halloween decorations? Inflatable black cats? Plastic scarecrows? Forget it. She stood her ground, letting the neighborhood know that these threats, real or imagined, would have to get through her first.
That was her version of “putting on a brave face.” And it made me realize that bravery isn’t about never feeling fear. It’s about showing up anyway, for the ones you love.
When the Lion Got Scared
The only thing I ever saw truly scare Spice was thunder. The first rumble of a storm would send her running to the bathroom, where she’d sit in the tub, shaking. That was our cue: blanket, singing her favorite song softly to her (“You Are My Sunshine”), and lots of hugs.
Those moments reminded me that even the bravest souls need a place to retreat. And sometimes, the most loving thing we can do for each other is just sit in the storm together until it passes.
Standing By Each Other
So maybe Halloween isn’t just about costumes. Maybe it’s a reminder that we all wear masks sometimes and that it’s okay to take them off. It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to be brave. And it’s okay to just be you.
Spice taught me that whether we’re roaring like lions or hiding from thunder, the important thing is to stand by the people (and pets!) we love.
Final Thought
This Halloween, I’m taking a page out of Spice’s book: no masks, just me: brave when I can be, honest when it is hard to be, and ready to stand by the ones who make life better.
What mask are you ready to take off this season?
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