The Gift of Peace

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.” ~A.A. Milne

Last week I was reluctantly inducted into a community I never wished to be a part of.  It was inevitable of course, I knew that.  I just never knew how much I wouldn't want to go there and how hard it would be.

As much as we might will them, dogs don't live forever.

Before last week, I did not know what it would be like to say goodbye to a beloved friend.  I have known many people who have lost their pets; had to make that gut-wrenching decision.  My only condolences to them were, "I'm so sorry.  I cannot imagine."

I couldn't imagine it.  I didn't really want to either.  Why go there, right?  If you've read any of my other posts, you know I don't like to be sad.  I choose happy. 

I now know what it feels like to say that difficult goodbye to a four legged friend.  I know what countless others have felt.  Frankly it's miserable.  It's sad.  It's traumatic.  It caused me physical pain. 

But the other thing I now know is, it's an amazing gift we can give them; that gift of peace.  It's a powerful honor to spare them any more sickness. It's a way to love them like you've never loved before.

What seemed like an impossible choice, was of course, the right one and I'm thankful I could make it.  I'm at peace and now, just a week later, I'm able to focus on the memories and not the scary sad stuff.

And my oh my are there some memories - I could have another blog entirely devoted to Hero and her antics over the years.

For now though, I want to say a huge THANK YOU!

The support I've received from family & friends has been tremendous.  When the link to Hero's Tribute was posted on the Following Atticus Facebook Page, I received more than 100 comments offering support & kind words.  Dozens more here on my blog.  A beautiful bouquet of flowers was sent from a group of women I volunteer with.  Another bunch of flowers from the family across the street.  Their six year old son even offered to give me his dog!  My other neighbor and friend wrote a poem for Hero which I will cherish forever.

Hero's Poem by Kati

I have so much to be grateful for, so many fun times with Hero & and so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. (13 days and counting!)