Goodbye My Friend Options

[lostmama]

I said good bye to my cat this past Thursday, snuggles was 15 years old, I have never had a cat as long as her. I feel so darn lost and empty. I think the hardest part about saying goodbye is trying to convince myself that it is ok to cry, she was my baby. I know some people may think that I am nuts as she was the closest thing to having a child I will ever know as I don't have any kids, my animals are my children. I know its going to take time, and that it is ok to cry. I have learned to live with the loss of a loved one before as you never get over it, you just get used to the ache of missing them, I have lost both my parents, my sister-in law and my nephew, I know it just takes time for the heart to heal and to adjust to life with out our loved ones here. I just find the house so empty with out her, she was my constant company, Its the little things I am missing. seeing her on the bed beside me when I wake up or in the middle of the night waking me up with a claw when she decided she wanted attention. I miss her presence when I am working on the computer, I half expect her to jump up and want to lay across the keyboard. In some ways I am finding this soo much harder as I lived away from the family members that I have lost so there wasn't a daily physical reminder. With the loss of snuggles it seems so much more in my face is the only way I can think of putting it. I am thankful for the days I had with her and am trying to hold on to the good memories. Perhaps putting my feelings here in writing will help me move on. I am off to go find one of my other fur babys to hold on too and to help soothe the ache of missing my baby girl.

[Inessence]

I lost my 20 year old boy, Murfy, last night and consider him the child I never had. I'm still numb and am spending my time plaiying games online, posting, sleeping, and crying. My other cat and dog know I am grieving, and offer their comforts. Let yours soothe you as well.

[moon_beam]

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

Lostmama, clinical professionals recognize that the loss of a beloved companion is as painful, if not more so, as the loss of a human family member or friend. When our companions come into our homes, our lives are changed for the better. Our relationships with human family members and friends is more complex because each of us has expectations with the human relationships we develop, and unfortunately, our expectations are not always met - - even in the very best of relationships. With our companions, they give to us their unconditional love and undivided attention, and we in turn surrender ourselves to them completely without reservation or fear of rejection. They love us and accept us for who we are without any care regardiing our social position, financial wealth (or lack thereof), etc.. So please find comfort in knowing that what you are feeling in your grief is very normal.

This grief journey is one of the hardest experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in your own and in your own time. Unfortunately there is no fast forward or delete button you can press that will speed up the process of immediately eliminate it. Nothing will make sense for quite awhile, although things will continue to get done - - bills will be paid, groceries purchased, errands done, jobs done, etc.. During the deep grief we survive on what I call "automatic pilot". It is important that you give yourself the opportunity to release your grief, lostmama. Crying is a very healthy way to do this, for the tears you shed are literally healing tears as they wash away the toxins that build up in the body from the stress of grief. For awhile it will feel like you have no control over your emotions, and this is normal.

The good news in the midst of this painful adjustment journey is that the love bond you and your beloved Snuggles share is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Snuggles continues to share your earthly journey just as she always has and always will. She is forever a part of you, lostmama - - she is always and forever in your heart and your memories - - she is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I know there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of loss that is in your heart. I can only hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief journey. One of the many things you need to remember is that you are not alone. 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 Snuggles with us, lostmama. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture(s) of her with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, lostmama, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[lostmama]

Thank you soo much for your kind words...it does help soo much knowing there are other people out there that understand