Grief Rebounding! Options

[ragdollfloozie]

I lost my girl Hobbes the cat just about two months ago. She was 20 something and she'd just faded away and died from old age. The cat lived a pretty wonderful life,living with friends of ours 'till she was 10 and then we adopted her and she was with us for 10 years. She always had food,hugs,treats and there was always another cat around her to keep her company. She lived a good life and I think she died a good death. I just feel so hopelessly sad a lot of the time.

I was devastated the first few weeks...truly in pain. The pain subsided and I stopped having to find dark corners to cry in. I was starting to come back. The last week or so has found me crying and crying again. I don't understand this. I was starting to bounce back and feel better about things. Is it normal to start feeling good and then to have this all crash down again?

[moon_beam]

Hi, Ragdollfloozie, Please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Hobbes. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. Unfortunately, yes, what you are feeling is very normal in this grief healing journey. The grief healing journey for a loss of a beloved companion is the same as for a loss of a human family member or friend. The first year is recognized by clinical professionals as being the hardest because everything is a "first" - - the first day, the first week, first month, first birthday, first holiday, first anniversary, first everything - - which is a constant reminder that the physical presence of a vital member of our household is no longer with us. There are so many ups and downs, twists and turns, highs and lows to this grief healing journey which is why it is so important that you know you are not alone. Each of us here has traveled this road at some point in time - - some are traveling it now - - and we do understand what you are going through. Sometimes as the grief healing journey progresses the feelings of sadness and sorrow can be more intense than in the beginning -- because in the beginning we are in a "survival mode" of numbness - - the body's self-defense mechanism to cope with our loss and grief. The best thing you can do is to allow yourself time to grieve your loss - - whenever you feel your grief and sorrow - - and to know that we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Ragdollfloozie, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam