Grieving… 😇😔🙏

Hi


There is one thing we know for sure. We are not eternal in our physical bodies. We will die one day. I would love to believe that most of us hope that this day will be later than sooner. We never know when the time will come and because it is a certainty, we go on living and make the best of the time we have here on this planet.


When we are young, we can experience the loss of our dear grandparents or a loved goldfish. Our parents and educators are helping us develop different coping mechanisms that allow us to go through these events with greater ease.


We can also grieve a breakup, a friend that moves thousands of miles away, or even the job or promotion we did not get.


As for myself, I have experienced many departures in my life. My brother had a car accident when I was 14, then 10 years later, my dad got cancer and 12 years ago my mom also got cancer. There is also the loss of pets, relationships, friends, and so on. I have learned a lot from these moments.
Just last week, I have to say goodbye to one of my cats who had mouth cancer. I have to admit that it was really difficult to make that decision. There is a point as a pet owner where you have to put the wellbeing of your furbaby before yours. I adopted Joey and his brother Tiger 15 years ago from VOKRA (Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association). Joey has lived a very happy and healthy life. Don’t tell Tiger, but he was my favorite.


I found a company called Lifting Stars (www.liftingstars.ca). The veterinarian came to my home and made us feel really comfortable and at ease. He was very detailed about the procedure what he was going to do. This wonderful man had so much compassion, love, and understanding. I was able to be with Joey in his transition and hold him for the very last time.


I feel sad and at the same time, I have Tiger who seems to be a little sad as well. We are supporting each other with love and cuddles. I am also looking at all the amazing 15 years I had with Joey and all the beautiful experiences we had. I will miss him dearly and I will love him for the rest of my life.


Here are a few ways to help cope with grieve.


Don’t let others tell you how to feel and don’t tell yourself how to feel either. Just be in the moment. Let yourself feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment. It’s okay to be angry, to cry or not to cry. It’s also okay to laugh, to find moments of joy, and to let go when you’re ready.


Look after yourself. The stress of losing a loved one can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help you get through this difficult time. Spend time with people who care about you, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly to release endorphins and help boost your mood.
If you have other pets, try to maintain your normal routine. Surviving pets can also experience loss when a pet dies, or they may become distressed by your sadness. Maintaining their daily routines, or even increasing exercise and play times, will not only benefit the surviving pets but can also help to elevate your mood and outlook, too.


I know that I will be ok. Time heals all wounds.


Thank you to reading my email and allowing me to share my grieve with you.
Have a wonderful day.
Denise