Tuesday, July 31, 2007

My apologies

I'm sorry that my blog has been so sad lately.

It wasn't until I was going through Bloglines to catch up on my reading this evening that I noticed I had three or four people unsubscribe to Coffee Tea Books & Me in the last couple of days.

That has only once before. The numbers often go up and down by one all the time (which is understandable). Normally I wouldn't even notice.

Of course, I began to second guess myself and thought I shouldn't write what about "stuff" that would cause people to leave.

However, I then realized that I'm writing about my life and well, that is what a blog is all about.

So...I thank all of you who are letting me grieve in public. I'll be sad for awhile but it will all turn out alright. Letting go of someone who has been with the family for nearly seventeen years is difficult.

And...about the theology of our pets meeting us in Heaven? As for me and my house, we choose to believe it. :)

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, Brenda!

Don't apologize for sharing your grief. I want you to know that I copied your entire blog entry from Saturday night ("Sunday Afternoon Tea") and e-mailed it to a friend who's going through tough times. It was really well-written; poetic, actually. She loved it!

And everybody who's been blessed with a beloved pet knows what heartache you're feeling about your sweet cat.

So thanks for sharing... you're touching my heart.

Marcia

Susan P. said...

You keep writing from your heart and don't even worry about the blog numbers. Unfortunately, these sad things are a part of all of our lives and you are just being honest and "real" with your readers about what is going on in yours. Whether you realize it or not, I'm sure that writing about your pain and struggles will give hope and encouragement to others who really need it. Keep on doing what you're doing:o)
Gentle hugs, Susan P.

Anonymous said...

Hi Brenda,
I so understand. I felt the same way when I lost my baby Alexis. Miss Candi is what helped pull me through it.
Here is a big hug. ((()))
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

You are okay to write about the way you are feeling. Anyone is free to make a choice to not read, but you have a faithful reader right here.

You have a wonderful gift and like us all you have down days. I have been having them lately so we all go through rough spots but we know there is a Great God behind it all.

Cathy said...

Some people don't understand how our pets are like family members. And people have different ways of grieving. You are just writing about real life, that is not always easy. In my new blog, I posted some songs I wrote about pain and peace. I hope they will encourage others. I even wrote a song about my dog, Rosy, who died. I am sorry about your beloved kitty.

Isabella in the 21st Century said...

Oh, Brenda. This is your blog and if you're feeling sad then it will reflect that sadness. I'm sure many more than four people appreciate your honesty and gentleness...and I too feel pretty sure that we'll see our beloved pets in our heavenly home!

Take care of yourself.

Susan Humeston said...

Don't you change a thing about this blog. You don't get paid to do this - this is something you choose to do, and whether people like it or not is their business. Life is often very sad and you are one of the most real people on the internet - don't change!! You are a great encouragement to me!

Anonymous said...

We lost both of our old cats within 6 months. Oh how sad I was. These were the kitties that were my babies before I had babies. Each died at age 16.
I remember doing exactly what you did. I hugged my girl and said goodbye.
Last fall, I finally gave into the childrens pleas to get two more kitties. They don't replace my first two but how nice it is to have "two cats in the yard" again.
I really enjoy your blog and with a house full of children it's nice to see the other side when you can read a book or even take a nap!

Arden
mama to 7

Thyen Party of Four said...

Oh for pete's sake - PLEASE don't second guess what you write for a single second. I LOVE your site - and what I love most, is that you relate your personal life in a way I can relate to my won. So please - don't be taken back by any those who chose not to subscribe anymore - one will never know what made them leave anyway.

I'm so sorry for what you're going through this week.

Anonymous said...

Hi Brenda,
Although I haven't been doing a lot of commenting lately due to our busy-ness...I'm still reading everything you post when I get the time. Don't ever apologize for posting what's on your heart...it's YOUR blog. And your faithful readers who enjoy hearing what's on your heart don't care about numbers or subscribers. You've encouraged me, challenged me, made me laugh, and made me think more times than I can count! So you keep doing what you're doing! I'm stickin' with ya!
Have a blessed day!
Amy

Anonymous said...

Apologies aren't necessary. ((you))

Grieving is a part of life. All of us experience it and shouldn't poo-poo it in others, no matter how it comes about.

Bless you dearly ...

Adrienne said...

Brenda -
You don't need to apologize for being real. There are a lot of us who love what you share and we want you to keep being you. I am blessed, encouraged and touched by your blog. I visit daily - sometimes more than once - to read what you've shared. Prayers continue for you through these difficult days. Those of us who have experienced grief and loss understand. Sharing is a good thing - it's good for you and it's good for us. Please don't change. ~Adrienne~

someone else said...

You don't need to apologize for sharing your thoughts and heart with us. I think sometimes people delink just because they run out of time to keep up with people.

Your blog is about you and I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to see inside a bit.

gardenkeeper said...

I echo the rest of the gals here, Bren! Your writing is beautiful, even when you are down and going through greif. Isn't this what you want to show as part of your ministry? Love you!
Lori

Anonymous said...

Everyone has said it in words far better than I could have said, already. I hope you will continue writing from your heart. My life is quite hard at this time and I find great encouragement in reading about how you cope. I'm so sorry about the decline of your beloved kitty, (((Brenda))). You really touched my heart with that last post.

singinginthemoonlight said...

((Silly Old Bear)) It's you being you--so tender and real--in all the seasons of life that makes your blog so especially beautiful. I love that you open your heart and welcome us in. Don't focus on the ones that have come and gone--just think about all of us that just want you to be *you*...Your blog is just a daily record of your real life daily comings and goings and beings and doings. You would have either had to a.) stop blogging for a while, while you made your way through the immense sadness that your life has and is presently holding during this time of great loss--I'm so glad you didn't, because I know many have been blessed by your very sharing. Or b.) be a great big phoney--which I'm *so* glad you aren't!! You are so dear, in your joys and your sorrows--always a blessing. Thinking of you and praying for you.
Lovingly, Jewels

Anonymous said...

Those of us who have been around for awhile, well, I will at least speak for myself.....I have come to consider you a "friend". As such, I not only stop by here to be encouraged by your words and posts, but to share your joys (new babies!) and your sorrows. Please don't change a thing about your blog, dear one, unless you feel the need to from your own heart.

Tammy said...

don't apoligize for sharing your heart and sadness. Don't worry about blog numbers and just be who you are and that is such a lovely person. YOur writing does encourage even in the sad times that there is hope so hang in there.
hugs
Tammy

Mindy said...

Brenda,
I have always enjoyed your writing, and will continue to do so. It is about life and life sometimes has it's sad times too...keep doing what your doing for it is heartfelt and full of truth, and blesses those who read!
Blessings,
Mindy

SMA said...

A tear for your furry friend.
And you, you have only what you give. Love, sensibility, care, friendship, support. Because, giving you shall receive .
God bless you!
Sma

Anonymous said...

Oh Brenda, you bless so many people by your honest sharing. How could you not share about your griefs and sorrows?

Write your heart Brenda, that's what you have always done well. I am praying for you during this sad time. ((Brenda))

Blessings, Patty

savvycityfarmer said...

I am charmed by this post and your feelings on your shirtsleeve is cozy and comforting...I have the greatest "friends" on my side bar in nice and tidy little categories...so I'm delighted to add your blog for 30 or more people to find...
Thoughts of you drift your way...

Queen Bee said...

Dearest Brenda,
I am very sorry about your cat. When my bird passed on, I cried and cried for my Sweetie. I still miss her. Sorrow is part of our lives, don't stop sharing. Love, Debbie

Anonymous said...

Wow, so many comments-how nice, especially for this post.
I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. I do have tears in my eyes because of all the sweet friends who are sticking with you. I'm thinking of you often throughout the day, and will be tomorrow as well, wondering if the little miss will still be with you. Keep moving forward, dear Brenda. You aren't going through this alone.
If you aren't "hugged out" yet, here's another one. (( ))
joanna :)

Debra said...

Brenda.... Many bloggers, including myself, have written about losing our pets. It's wonderful when bloggers can be real! We lost our cat of 15 years a couple years ago and my blogging friends helped comfort me through that really, really hard time. And as for me and my house, we believe our favorite pets will be there in heaven, too. Blessings, Debra

smilnsigh said...

Oh Dear One, please blog about anything you want to blog about. Each of our blogs, is just that.. Ours. To do with what we choose. And even to change course sometimes, as well.

Please... Don't ever question your choice of what to put in your entries.

Hugs, Mari-Nanci

Betty said...

Brenda,
As a pet lover and loved by 3 spoiled cats, my heart certainly goes out to you and your family.

Who else loves us unconditionally and without reserve....well, besides our Heavenly Father..our pets...

I will be thinking of you in the morning and whispering in our Lord's ear to give you an extra measure of grace.....God Bless.

Thanks for visiting with me and taking the time to comment on our similarity...age wise siblings...

Write what you feel and don't worry about where the chips or in this case, the words fall.......