Saturday, July 28, 2007

Blessings and sadness

Thank you for your birthday wishes. It has been a good day so far with breakfast at a favorite breakfast buffet and then a stop by Target to purchase Miss Potter. The guys had volunteered at church to help get a missionary's house ready for when they return soon. So, I dropped them off, stopped by McDonald's for a large coffee (it is, after all, my birthday) and soon found myself alone with my coffee and my movie. How delicious...

It may have been a wee bit better if I could afford a Starbucks. However, I had made my favorite cookies yesterday so I enjoyed a few with my coffee and movie. It is my birthday (or so I will tell my doctor).

This has been a day of joy mixed with many tears, however. We know we will soon be losing one of our best friends. One of the furry members of our family is going downhill quickly. We have watched her this past year as arthritis had set in and she found it more difficult to move around. Now she has stopped eating, even her favorite Fancy Feast in the mornings. She has lost so much weight that she feels as light as a feather when we pick her up. We have made an appointment at the Vet on Wednesday, just in case we need to allow her to be put out of her misery.

I found myself having to pull the car off the road this morning as the tears would not stop coming. For this is my reading buddy and my morning pal who wakes me with a loud Meow in my ear when I have overslept. This is the friend who has slept by my husband's feet for sixteen years. I can't imagine what the winter will be like when I put a throw over me as I settle on the sofa to read a book... and she is no longer there. The grief is practically unbearable, even though we have tried to prepare ourselves for some time now.

She is too weak to hop up on the sofa now. I have been picking her up the past few days and setting her beside me. I've been petting her head and thanking her for all the wonderful years she has given us, for her loyalty, and for her love. Here is a picture in happier days, as she was planning to pounce on her sister from our living room coffee table.

14 comments:

Adrienne said...

Oh Brenda, what a mixed emotion day for you. First of all I do want to extend birthday wishes to you for another year of blessings. And I do wish I could put my arms around you and hug you while your tears flow for your dear buddy. Losing them is always so hard. Last time I said "Never again" but it wasn't long and I found my Savannah. I can't imagine her not being there. You will be in my thoughts and prayers through these days as you 'enjoy' having her for just a bit longer.

Anonymous said...

Oh Brenda, my eyes are filling with tears with you.
A few summers ago, when I was very sick and unable to be up and around, one morning a kitten showed up in our driveway. We took her in and she kept me company that long summer by sleeping on the porch swing with me as I read. (And often cried, as I felt sorry for myself and wondered if I would ever feel good again.)
I am very bonded to that cat, one of four that we have now. I know I will be inconsolable whenever she passes on, as well as our other "babies."
Some people don't understand the whole "pet thing" but I know your readers do, and we will be with you whenever the time comes to say goodbye to your sweet little friend.
Love you!
joanna
p.s. I said a birthday blessing for you this morning. :)

Susie said...

Happy Birthday Brenda,
I'm so sorry that you are about to lose one of your precious fur friends.
I know that your wonderful memories will certainly comfort you when the time comes for her to leave.
((hugs))

Rhonda Jean said...

Happy birthday Brenda and trhank you for visiting my blog. It is truly lovely to have new ladies coming by to visit.

I'm so sad to hear about your precious companion and you soon having to saying your last goodbyes. It's always a difficult thing to do and I hope you find strength in all the happy memories you have of her.

Gayla said...

Birthday blessings. And I'm so sorry about your cat. I am sure she has had a wonderful life with someone who loves her so much, but it is so very hard to lose a pet. Such emptiness.

Donetta said...

Big hug sweet heart, weep and heal and enjoy her presence. It is holy that you get to say thank you and good bye.
I am glad that you were born.

Susan Humeston said...

I can't add anything to what others have said. I am an animal lover, often much more than people. Bless you for this wonderful blog, bless you for loving this angel in disguise during all the years she spent with you, and may the Lord bless you and keep you and comfort you always.

Susan P. said...

Dear friend, my heart is grieving right alongside you ~ I know your pain so well because I, too, have suffered such a loss of a precious kitty. I know right now that no words could possibly comfort that intense sadness you are feeling ~ just know that you have a friend in Virginia who cares. Gentle hugs, Susan P.

martha said...

Oh Brenda, I'm crying with you. You have given her a wonderful life, a loving family. Letting go is very hard.

I pray your next year is filled with healing, trust, love, and joy.

DebD said...

Saying good-bye is so very hard. ((hugs))

singinginthemoonlight said...

Dear ((precious Brenda))my heart is breaking with you and for you. I too, so know the pain your are passing through. I'm thinking of you and praying for you and your breaking tender heart, during this time of immense sorrow. With a big gentle hug and much love--happy birthday, sweet birthday girl. May Jesus hold you especially close, in His loving understanding.
xo Jewels

Lallee said...

Oh Brenda, you are in my thoughts. Our last lab had terrible arthritis in the end and we had him put to sleep when it was time. They never live long enough. Your sweet kitty has been well loved. Sending you hugs!

I hope you enjoyed the movie as much as I did. I just started the book, but unlike you I am a slow reader.

Anonymous said...

Bless you, dear lady. I'm so sorry about this. (((you)))

Isabella in the 21st Century said...

Belated birthday greetings, Brenda. However, I'm sorry that your birthday was a little bittersweet. It's so sad when a loved pet gets poorly, I hope her last days are quiet, happy ones.