Darwin came into my life when I least expected it, yet exactly when I needed him most. A video was shared with me—just a short clip of a bearded dragon named Darwin who was looking for a new home. But the moment I saw him, I knew. I recognized something ancient, wise, and familiar in his eyes. We hadn’t even met in person yet, but my heart already said yes.
When I met Darwin’s human family, it was clear how deeply they loved him. They were going through life changes and wanted to ensure he’d receive everything he needed and deserved.
That day, Darwin came home with me—and what followed were four unforgettable years of connection, love, healing, and soul partnership.
Though small in stature, Darwin was a mighty presence. He became my best friend, my companion, and my guide. As an animal communicator, I was blessed to share an open channel with him—our conversations were filled with humour, wisdom, and sometimes even playful mischief. He’d appear in my live broadcasts, settle in for cuddles under my chin, and hold space with a kind of grounded serenity that only he could offer. But more than anything, Darwin came into my life to help me heal.
Shortly after he arrived, long-buried memories of childhood trauma began to surface. It was overwhelming, and painful—but Darwin stood by me through it all. He helped me regulate my nervous system, and brought in the kind of calm that only love can provide. His presence reminded me that I didn’t have to walk through the darkness alone. He came to be a healer, a witness, and a quiet force of grace during one of the most tender times of my life.
When it came time for his transition, Darwin let me know—clear as day. On the morning of May 5, 2023, I woke with his message in my heart: “Marybeth, I am ready.” I rushed to his side, but even in that sacred clarity, my human self wavered.
I asked for confirmation. And then, like a gift from the universe, a single dove appeared on our sixth-floor balcony—a place no bird had ever visited in all our years there. The dove looked directly into our home, and I felt the message of peace settle in my soul. My heart understood: Darwin was ready. And I would walk beside him as far as I could.
That day, we shared quiet moments. A warm soak in the tub to soothe his body. Soft cuddles in a blanket. One final stretch under his terrarium lights. And then, with my husband Troy beside us, we brought him to the clinic. Darwin passed in my arms, wrapped in love.
After his passing, I continued to speak with him in spirit. I told him everything—I thanked him, questioned whether I had done everything right, and shared my heartbreak. And with infinite tenderness, Darwin replied: “I died in your arms, but I also died with you in mine.”
That message lives in me now. It reminds me that our bond was never bound by the physical. It was, and is, soul-deep. He was my guardian, my teacher, my sacred mirror.
Darwin, thank you for choosing me. Thank you for your companionship, your humour, your strength, and your wisdom. Thank you for helping me heal.
If it’s meant to be, I welcome another reunion—in this lifetime, or the next.
Until then, I carry your light with me. Always.
