I Lost My Beautiful Ginger Options

[cindyp]

I found this forum out of grief and disbelief of losing our beloved German Shepherd, Ginger. She was the happiest, prettiest soul I had ever met. She was the protector of our other 2 dogs and our children (especially our youngest son who is 8). I couldn't sleep at all because I didn't want to re-awaken to this nightmare. So I tossed and turned all night.

I realized a large problem I have is that I don't know what to think of. I am trying not to think of the last horrible few days when the disease viciously and mercilessly reared its ugly head. But when I think of her, I see how happy she was and how much she loved life. She danced at the waters edge of the lake which only had to be there to make her happy. She danced in circles just to see you walk in the door. She brought her toys to show so we would tell her how cute they were and she would deliberately walk under the table so the cloth would drape her head and we would all tell her what a pretty girl she was. And thinking of this makes me cry so hard I don't think I will ever stop. My children cry with me and I tell them it is okay to let it out. But I have to hide to cry more. Tonight will be unbearable to go to bed without her at our feet. My husband works away during the week and she made us feel safe. (She was a beautiful, sweet soul and made herself very scary when unknowns were outside or close by.)

So what should I think of to stop crying? My heart is broken and things will never be the same without her. I really want to know that she is happy where she is. I guess it hurts knowing how much she loved this earth and all of the sudden she is not here. She was too young to leave. That part hurts just as much as missing her. Please give me any suggestions of what I should be thinking of to stop crying. If anyone knows in their heart for some reason that our beloved animal family-members are happy once they've crossed over, please let me know. I just need comfort. Thank you and thank you for this forum.

[moon_beam]

Hi, cindy, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Ginger. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company.

Cindy, it is important that you allow yourself the opportunity to cry - - openly with your children as well as privately. What you are going through is perfectly normal in your deep grief. The seering pain that is in your heart needs a healthy outlet, and crying is very healthy because your tears are literally healing tears as they literally cleanse the body of the toxins that build up in our bodies through the stress of grief. Some people think that if they suppress their grief that it will help make the loss less painful. Clinical studies prove the opposite is true. Grief that is suppressed will eventually need to be acknowledged, and by the time it surfaces to the point where it can no longer be ignored there could be both physical and emotional burdens that accompany it. So, please give yourself permission to cry as you feel the timing is appropriate. I promise you, Cindy, there will come a time when your tears will diminish, when this seering pain in your heart will ease, and you will be able to smile again.

I wish there were an easier way through this grief journey but unfortunately there are no fast forward or delete buttons to press to make it go away or disappear. This grief journey can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in your own way and your own time. It is a journey of "adjustment" of no longer having your beloved Ginger's physical presence with you, which is a very painful adjustment both physically and emotionally. Right now and for awhile yet to come there will be "firsts" to endure through - - the first holiday, the first birthday, the first week, the first month - - always aware that your beloved Ginger is now sharing your earthly journey from heaven's perfect garden instead of in your arms.

The good news is that your beloved Ginger IS with you now just as she always has been and always will be. The love bond you and your beloved Ginger share is eternal. It is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Her sweet Living Spirit is forever with you in your heart and your memories, and nothing can ever diminish or take her away from you. She is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

Cindy, I know there are no words in any language that can soothe the tremendous pain you are feeling right now. Among many things you need to remember is that you are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here do understand what you are going through and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Ginger with us, and perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing picture(s) of her with us. I hope and pray that as you read through each of the responses shared by our forum friends that you will find comfort, support, and encouragement. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, cindy, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam