Hi Moon_beam,

Thank you for reminding me that the receptionist at the shelter is a "non-essential" in my life. Your validation is very much appreciated.

Yes, animal companion shedding is part of the joyful experience in being a guardian. And when our babies are gone, we realize how very much we miss seeing their hair. It sounds as though your sister has not had the wonderful experience of being an animal parent.

The yard work has lost its joy for you. I so understand how you have missed hearing your precious Oslo shuffle through the leaves this winter. Those sounds are now beautiful memories. And the yard work has become a necessary chore.

I hope you and your precious Noah had lots of snuggle time this evening. I'm so glad that he is making some progress in feeling safe, and trust that he will venture upstairs very soon.

The rain is supposed to hit here (PA) tomorrow.

Sweet dreams tonight, my trusted friend. Hope the night is peaceful for both you and Noah.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your thoughtful and always welcome note. I was reading on the internet about the flooding expected in the Northern States and New England, including the snow storms that are supposed to hit some areas as well. I hope you are not affected by the predicted hazardous consequences from the weather.

I am so happy: When I got home from work today Noah was downstairs when I came in through the garage door, and I called to him to let him know I was home, and he came running up the stairs and jumped up on the back of the sofa and was purring and so happy - - and I am still smiling and he is snuggled next to me taking a nap as I'm writing to you. Today is an exceptionally good day.

It's another rainy dreary day here in Virginia, and we're under a weather warning for the potential of strong thunderstorms this evening. I'm glad to be home with my little Noah - - not having to be out and about in case the weather does become boisterous.

Thank you so much for your comforting support in my memories of my handsome Oslo. I miss his gentle comforting physical presence. Whenever the kitty kids really felt stressed they would always go over to him and rub up against him, and he would just stay very still wherever he was and would let them rub up against him for as long as they needed to. And I so enjoyed laying down next to him stretching out the length of his body. I would give hiim a massage and eventually he would let out the longest sigh and his body would just relax. And I would brush him - - how he truly enjoyed being brushed, except the last few months when I think his body just could not tolerate the feel of the brush. But I saved his fur and put it in a zip lock baggie, and still have it to feel and smell.

With the excpetion of my Noah, it is only here I can share my memories of him, and for this I am grateful. Thank you, Juturna, for sharing my precious Oslo with me, along with Cheryl, Jan, and all the wonderful people on this forum. And for sharing my beloved Noah with me, too.

Juturna, I hope this evening will be a peaceful one for you, and thank you so much for your deeply appreciated friendship.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

How joyful that your precious Noah feels safe to venture upstairs and jump on the sofa. I love reading how he is snuggled next to you.

Oslo must have been the best therapy dog with his gentle presence. What a loving picture you painted with the kiddy kids rubbing up against him, and you brushing him tenderly. You have such wonderful memories. And how beautiful that you saved his fur. (I touch my beautiful Victoria's hair clippings often.)

Hope the thunderstorms tonight in your area were uneventful. It's been raining all day and evening here. I have to go take the trash out now and will get soaked.

Hope the night is peaceful for you and little Noah. The gift of your friendship is most appreciated.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

moon_beam, thank you soooo much for sharing this oh-so precious memory. As I was reading I was grinning from ear-to-ear at the wonderful image. What a special, magical boy your Oslo is. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting him, he has still earned a special place in my heart. A true healing angel here on earth; and now in the heavens. I truly believe that Oslo is still using his comforting and healing powers alongside you now; helping you to find the perfect words to bring comfort to those on this forum who need it most. I feel so privileged to have met you, and to have learned about your wonderful Oslo through your memories of him.

I hope the weather doesn't get too bad where you are. There's a slight storm here at the moment, but thankfully I haven't had anywhere to go today, so I'm enjoying listening to the rain and wind, in the warmth and comfort of my home.

Take care of yourself, and I wish you a peaceful weekend. And as always, please give your darling Noah a hug and kiss from me.

Your friend always, Cheryl xx

Hi, Juturna, Cheryl, thank you both so much for your most thoughtful and welcome notes. My Oslo is a very special boy, and my friends, I do believe with all my heart that he is continuing his "therapy" practice in heaven's perfect garden - - espeically with the "new arrivals" - - helping them to get comfortable in their new heavenly home. And, Cheryl, thank you so much for your kind thoughts - - "I truly believe that Oslo is still using his comforting and healing powers alongside you now; helping you to find the perfect words to bring comfort to those on this forum who need it most." If this can be true - - I am deeply honored to be his "mouth piece" on this forum.

The prediction of storms in my neighborhood were highly over-rated - - we just got steady rain, and that's okay. I have been reading about the horrific earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan today, as well as many others in this country whose lives have been devastated by major flooding and tornadoes. My heart goes out to them, and my prayers are with them that the "survivors" will be able to re-establish their lives. I hope our forum correspondent, Mark, is okay.

Thank you so much, Juturna and Cheryl, for sharing my precious Oslo and Noah, and furkids, with me. Noah came running up the basement steps again to greet me when he heard me come in from work and call him. I am so glad his home is returning to "normal" for him, and I am so glad this is Friday evening and we have the weekend together.

Thank you again so much, Juturna, Cheryl, for your most welcome and comforting notes. I hope this evening and weekend will be a peaceful one for you both, my friends, and please know you, Juturna, Cheryl, are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

I'm so glad that precious Noah has reclaimed his home.

And I love hearing about your wonderful Oslo. He has the heart and soul of a healer. I believe he helped my beautiful Victoria when she arrived at heaven's gate.

Yes, the tragedy in Japan is devastating. The animal rights groups are already gearing up to try to help there. My heart goes out to the people and animals, as well.

Hope you and your precious Noah have a serene weekend together. And thank you for the gift of your friendship.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most welcome and thoughtful note. I'm so glad to know that the rescue groups are already mobilizing to help the wildlife and beloved companions in Japan as well as other areas that have been so devastated by disasters. New Zealand is still assessing the damage from their earthquake from about a month ago.

I, too, am very glad that Noah is once again settled back into his home and routine. I have already started preparing him for the "invasion" next week of a plumber coming in to fix the leak under the basement kitchen sink. But this will be a short-lived "invasion".

I did not work out in the yard today as I thought I might. I straightened up Noah's latrine boxes (they are the carpeted boxes where you can put the potties inside), and I discovered that my back is sitll not up to vigorous stooping and bending from all the recent re-arranging project. So, Noah and I spent the day doing quiet projects. He thoroughly enjoyed laying on his window table in the bathroom looking out the window and napping in the sunbeams. He kept me company while I took my shower and washed my hair, and he is stretched out next to me taking his after dinner nap as I'm writing to you now. We have watched "Star Trek" movies today on the SyFy channel, and are now enjoying the "Wild Russia" series on the "Green" channel. When I get this post done I will sign off for the night and get my Noah his evening treats and snuggle with him before calling it a day.

Can't believe tomorrow we will back to Daylight Savings Time. I have already moved my clocks forward so that I don't have to do that tomorrow. I almost forgot about it, so it is good that I've gone ahead and reset the clocks so that I don't forget to do it tomorrow.

Juturna, thank you so much for your always welcome notes, and thank you so much for your valued friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you will have a very peaceful evening.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon-beam,

Sorry to hear your back is bothering you. Sounds like you are tucked in for a quiet weekend. I had to work today and tomorro we pick up Kasper.

It is always so comforting to know you are here when I sign on at night. You always have the right words to say to help me feel better. Please take care of yourself and your darling Noah.

Hi, Joanne, thank you so much for your most welcome note. My back just needs time to rest, and this is a reminder that this "old gray mare" is truly not a "spring chicken" anymore. However, I am enjoying the benefits of my labors, and so is Noah, so a creaky back for a little while is worth it.

Joanne, I'm very honored that somehow I manage to say something that is of comfort to you, as I am also grateful to you for your thoughtful words of encouragement to me in my challenging moments in my grief journey.

Today has been a quiet day for Noah and me, and I'm very thankful for that. Even though the sun has been shining the wind has been blowing quite steadily. Can't believe that in about 10 days or thereabouts we will be into the season of spring. My Oslo always enjoyed the spring, as he enjoyed each of the seasons, particularly in his younger years.

Joanne, thank you again for your most thoughtful note, and your cherished friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers,

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

Hope you were able to give your back the needed rest this weekend.

I love how your little Noah was looking out the window, as well as snuggling by your side. He sounds so warm and loyal.

Yesterday, I was able to go to NYC and actually enjoy myself for the first time in close to 2 months. Today, I was hit with horrible work emergencies.

Not much time to write, but I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and your precious Noah. Hope you, my friend, and little Noah are having sweet dreams.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

hi moon_beam

it is lovely to hear you taking care of yourself and resting. i sometimes worry about you because you give so much of yourself, i just hope you get what you need too. i hope too that you know what you give has an impact and makes a big difference. one more hope ... i hope that you would ask if you needed anything.

have a lovely evening snuggling with your precious noah.

take gentle care

ps - we don't have daylight saving here, which actually puts us out with the rest of the world and makes it quite confusing figuring out time differences (especially when not everywhere that does change does so on the same day).

Hi, Juturna, thank you for your most welcome and thoughtful note. I'm glad to know you were able to enjoy your visit to NYC yesterday. Your precious Victoria is so proud of you and is doing the "Happy Dance" saying, "Yea!! Mom - - I'm so o o HAPPY, too!!"

Hi, Rainbohdi, thank you for your most welcome and thoughtful note. I'm chuckling at your comment about Daylight Savings Time. This change twice a year is so aggravating anymore. I'm not really sure what the benefit is to the agriculture industry in this country anymore - - since farmers are having to sell their land or it's being re-possessed by bankers for one reason or another. Yet another example of our elected officials "wisdom." Please - - don't get me started.

The one saving "grace" for me is that I do come from "pioneer stock" - - and was raised with simple means. This, in addition to my learning how to be "creative" in doing for myself as a result of my physical injuries pretty much enables me to live "independently" - - thank goodness. But yes, I do recognize when I need help and I do seek out assistance from folks who can do that.

Juturna, Rainbohdi, this past weekend was just the very thing I needed to rest - - including my back. It is feeling ever so much better. Thank you so much for your caring concern. I'm not bashful about "doing nothing" when that is what I need to do.

I hope today has been a peaceful one for you both. Juturna, I hope you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit for company and comfort. Rainbohdi, I hope you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your precious Bohdi's sweet Living Spirit for company and comfort. I do understand how painful the evening's and night's are when the busy-ness of the day is done and we are faced with having to cope with the painful reality that our heart's are missing the precious physical presence of our beloved companions. Please know you, Juturna, Rainbohdi, are close in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you so much for your comforting, cherished friendship.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Glad to learn that the rest this past weekend was helpful to your back.

I'm sorry that I haven't been writing, but I'm dealing with a work suicide, and it has been overwhelming.

Please know that you and your precious Noah are in my thoughts. Hope you and he are getting lots of snuggle time.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most welcome note. I am so o sorry that you are having to deal with such tragedy. Of course this is very difficult and competely understandable that you need time to "cope" with additional loss. Thank you for keeping my Noah and me in your thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to hearing from you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

Thank you for understanding and for your compassion.

Hope you and precious Noah have a peaceful night.

With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you for your thoughtful note. It's Friday evening, and it has been a gorgeous "spring preview" day here in Virginia - temperatures flirting with 80 degrees and bright sunshine. When I got home from work I opened the big basement door and have it gated off so that Noah and I can enjoy listening to the woodland critters chirping and conversing, and get some fresh air into the house as well.

I thank you, Juturna, for your cherished friendship. I hope today has been a decent one for you. I am so glad today is Friday, and am looking forward to the weekend with my precious Noah.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, today I worked outside for a couple of hours starting the task of cleaning up the yard from the winter leaves. You were in my thoughts and heart, my handsome man, all the while I was working. My handsome man, although your feet never touched these leaves, your sweet Living Spirit is here wrapped around me and this home we shared together like a warm blanket. Thank you, my love, for sharing this day, and every hour of every day, with me just as you always have and always will.

It's getting time for me to get your kitty brother, Noah, his dinner, so I guess I need to close for now. I love you, my handsome man, my precious love. Please give Eli and Abbygayle a kiss for me and Noah.

I love you, my love - -

Forever and all eternity,
mom

Dear Moon_beam,

I love the heartfelt letter to your handsome Oslo. I'm so glad you were able to feel his Living Spirit with you while you were clearing out the yard. And I'm sure you could picture your precious Oslo having fun in the leaves.

Hope your day off from work was a pleasant one and that the weather cooperated. (It was raining and then snowing here in PA.) I know your sweet Noah loved having his Mommy home for the day.

May you and your precious Noah have a peaceful snuggly night together.
With gratitude and serenity,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most welcome note. Yesterday while I was outside bagging and raking leaves, Noah was inside stretched out on his bathroom window table enjoying the sunbeams. When I came back inside, he greeted me as if to say, "oh, you're back inside now?" He kept me company while I took a shower. He is such a sweetie.

Today was more cloudly than sunny, and the wind has been quite gusty, so no outside work today. Noah assisted me in paying bills and looking over my tax returns that will go in the mail next week, and is now taking a nap next to me as I'm writing to you. Last evening we had tornado watches for the entire region but to my knowledge nothing materialized locally. We did get a couple of thunderstorms over the homestead that woke Noah up from a sound sleep, poor little fella. I told him everything was okay, and after keeping a vigil out the window for awhile he was finally able to come back next to me and settle down again for a peaceful night's slumber. It is so o o nice being home with my little Noah.

Pretty soon I will need to take a hike to the mail box. Haven't been there for a couple of days now. Since I get most of my important mail through e-mail now, most of what is in the mailbox - - when there is something in the mailbox - - is mostly junk mail now. It has been a difficult adjustment getting used to going to the mailbox without my Oslo accompanying me. So it's nice not having to make the trek every day.

Juturna, thank you again for your always thoughtful and most welcome note, and for your cherished friendship. I hope you have a very peaceful evening tonight, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam,

I'm soooo glad that you felt your sweet Oslo's spirit with you while doing the yard work. I know he'd be so proud of you for having the strength to tackle this without his physical presence by your side. Whenever your heart felt heavy, then you felt a sudden 'lift' -- this was your Oslo, guiding you through, "Come on, Mom. You can do this. I'm here; I'm still with you." Just as he will be with you when you decide to make your hike to the mailbox. He is with you wherever you go, whenever you need him.

I hope the weather remains fairly settled for you. It's been like summer here in the UK over the last few days. We've had some lovely sunshine, and I've been enjoying long walks home from uni, instead of taking the bus.

You and Noah and your angels are in my thoughts; always.

Cheryl x