My Sweet Princess Theresa Options

[Tom's Dad]

Dear LS friends,

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I must tell you I had to help my baby girl Theresa transition to the Rainbow Bridge to be with Angel Tom. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. But Dr. Mills assured me I was doing the right thing. For those of you that may not have read about her illness, it is here:

http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=7409 and her journey with us here: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6896

Dr. Mills said the tumor had pretty much consumed her entire tongue, that it would continue to grow and she would never get better or even stabilize. We had our final goodbyes in the room while Dr. Mills went to get what was needed. She did something that she had not done in weeks. She reached up with both paws to my chest to "hug" me and touch my nose. In her eyes I could see she was saying "It's OK daddy, I know it's my time" I told her she was going to be with Angel Tom now. Now she is Angel Theresa.

Se went peacefully and gently on the thick fleece blanket they provided. I have cried, but also tried to keep it together for her sake. The uncontrollable sobbing will come later I'm sure They will call me when her ashes are ready. I never got to do that for Tom or properly say goodbye to him.

I made a video of her just under 2 years ago enjoying the sunshine on the balcony. This is how I want to remember her. Here is the link because I unfortunately I don't know how to embed it.

https://youtu.be/QZglV7hanvM



Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.

Mark Twain at his daughter's funeral. I thought it appropriate for my baby girl.

Before the appointment she went out to the balcony all on her own and enjoyed the sunbeams for several minutes one last time. I'm sorry if this post seems a bit "ham handed" but I'm still in shock, and this is the first time I have ever had to make this kind of decision. Thank you all for reading.

[Tom's Dad]

moon_beam and MannaPaws:

I thank you both for your kind words and condolences. Reading your responses has allowed my own tears to flow more freely.

While Dr. Mills and Katrina (the vet tech who was teary eyed herself) were of great comfort, so too were the ladies up front Christina and Cindy. I told Cindy I was especially thankful to her as she was the one who introduced us to Tang when I brought Theresa in to get on a plan and get her first check up. I commented that I felt bad making her wait so long as I was dealing with all of Tom's health issues, and the irony in that I got her as company for him; and now she would be all alone. If not for her (Cindy) I would have been coming home to an empty apartment.

Tang has been very comforting and I have seen him looking around for his sister. I explained that she has had to go to join Tom at the Rainbow bridge. I told him it's just you and me now little man.

https://youtu.be/gWA8QpqFlIQ

It's heartbreaking that I had to let her go on this holiday weekend (and only a week after Tang's anniversary) But appropriate that's it's a holiday of honoring and remembrance. I lost Tom 2 1/2 weeks before Christmas of 2010. So now I will have 2 holidays that will be touched with sadness.

We will go on, but it will be difficult with a Theresa sized hole in our hearts and souls. But as the saying goes, she's not really gone as long as we remember her. Paraphrasing Dr. McCoy's words at the death of Spock. And Admiral Krik's: Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels....hers was the most...human.

I want to thank you both again for your kindness and heartfelt words of condolence. Blessings.

TT...and T Gone (from her earthly journey) but never forgotten.