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.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. Please let me try to reassure you that what you are feeling is very normal when you share with us "I stood there in that room and ordered her execution. Like I said, I know it was the right decision for her all considered. But a part of me can't escape feeling like some kind of war criminal." I, too, felt that way after making the decision for my beloved canine companion Samson. I had made the decision before for two previous beloved companions without experiencing the "murderer" emotion, but with my beloved Samson I did - - even though it was perfectly clear beyond all shadow of a doubt that his physical body was rapidly failing and he was in much discomfort. This grief journey is fraught with all kinds of emotions and thoughts that can haunt our minds and hearts when we are so emotionally vulnerable. Although we intellectually know that we have done the right thing for our beloved companion, our hearts take time to catch up with the reality of the circumstances.

So as our forum friends MannaPaws and LoveMyMickey have shared with you, so I also encourage you to just take time for you and your precious little Tang to pamper yourselves and each other as much as you can through this grief adjustment journey. And I hope that in time you will find a peace in your heart that will help you to know beyond all shadow of a doubt that you are NOT a "war criminal."

I hope today is treating you and your precious Tang kindly, my friend, and that you both will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved princess Theresa's and Sir Thomas' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you and your precious Tang are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam