QUOTE (moon_beam @ Dec 23 2015, 12:27 PM)
Hi, Cody's Mom, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Cody. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company.
Cody's Mom, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that is filled with many different emotions that can overwhelm us all at one time which is why it is frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. Please let me try to reassure you that what you are feeling and experiencing is very normal deep grief - - very painful both physically and emotionally, yes - - still very normal. Clinical studies proves that when we are grieving our hearts actually physically ache - - the grief can be so intense that it literally takes our breath away. It is vitally important that you find time to openly grieve for your beloved Cody and do the things that bring you comfort - - such as laying in his favorite places, continuing with some of the routines you and your beloved Cody shared together, etc.. Some people, including me, find it comforting to hold a blanket, toy, collar - - something that belongs only to their beloved companion - - particularly when the pain of not being able to hold them is more than what your heart can bear. No, it isn't the same thing as holding your beloved Cody - - but it does help to bridge the physical void as you travel your grief adjustment journey.
Adjusting to the physical loss of a beloved companion is particularly painful during the holidays. What is supposed to be the "most wonderful time of the year" is actually the "most horrible time of the year" because our hearts are grieving, and having to put on what I call the "public face" to endure the holiday "merriment" is particularly painful when all you want to do is find a dark corner and cry.
As painful as this grief adjustment journey is, there is one thing that never changes - - the love bond you and your beloved Cody share. Love is eternal, - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Cody's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey for he is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.
I know all too well from first hand experience that when our hearts are grieving there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the searing pain of sorrow. Still I hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.
Thank you so very much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Cody with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture of him with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Cody's Mom, and please let us know how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Hi moonbeam (what a beautiful name - I used to call Cody the same!) - Your kind words made their way straight to my heart. I do feel Cody with me - I hear the click of his nails on the tile, the sound of his collar as he walked as well as his love as I move through this journey of grief. I am learning to take it one moment at a time and honor my sweet boy by letting myself mourn the loss of his physical presence. I will be sure to check back here soon. I'm so grateful for this community and hope that one day I can offer someone else the comfort that both you and Kathy have given me here.