Memories for Monday
Today is Monday, the sky is beginning to turn from complete darkness to dusk, and there is much to write about. This is my 350th post. On this day, we observe the birthday of one of our great Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, an American whose life changed history and the course of our country. Lincoln's birthday is actually February 12th., but it a observed as a federal holiday today for some of us. (the courts are closed for one.) Many of you may not realize that President Lincoln suffered from a mental illness, severe depression, which was present on both sides of his family. For those of you who admire Lincoln, there is an excellent book, Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness, by Joshua Wolf Shenk which demonstrates how this extraordinary man harnessed his depression to fuel his astonishing success. Happy Birthday to Abe Lincoln. (and he was a Republican too.)
Today also marks one week that my beloved golden retriever, Astro was put to sleep. It is said that the passage of time heals pain and fills the holes inside of open wounds. In this case, however, that has not been the case, as time, and space make me more aware of my Astro's absence. Whenever I wake up in the morning, it is automatic to look downstairs where he used to lie, where he waited for me to get up to feed him. His food and water bowl are gone, and the large bin of dog food, which I would mix with a can of tuna (he was truly spoiled) are no longer there either. Whenever I eat a meal, I expect him to be next to me, waiting, with baited breathe for a piece of whatever was being eaten. Now, when I reach out my hand (which is automatic still), vacant air stands still in his place. The tears have not stopped either, and although it was nice to go to a concert yesterday, and visit with my long-time friend, and hear a beautiful violin concerto, the joy that was existed when I would listen to music had evaporated, at least for the time being.
I am truly grateful for the many calls, emails, visits and comments on this blog that I have received from those of you who share this experience of loosing a beloved pet and understating the pain that transpires along with his/her passing. So many people, more often than not, are truly wonderful beings, and rise to the occasion when the need presents itself in so many kind and beautiful ways.
Thank you for your thoughts and minds.
Today also marks one week that my beloved golden retriever, Astro was put to sleep. It is said that the passage of time heals pain and fills the holes inside of open wounds. In this case, however, that has not been the case, as time, and space make me more aware of my Astro's absence. Whenever I wake up in the morning, it is automatic to look downstairs where he used to lie, where he waited for me to get up to feed him. His food and water bowl are gone, and the large bin of dog food, which I would mix with a can of tuna (he was truly spoiled) are no longer there either. Whenever I eat a meal, I expect him to be next to me, waiting, with baited breathe for a piece of whatever was being eaten. Now, when I reach out my hand (which is automatic still), vacant air stands still in his place. The tears have not stopped either, and although it was nice to go to a concert yesterday, and visit with my long-time friend, and hear a beautiful violin concerto, the joy that was existed when I would listen to music had evaporated, at least for the time being.
I am truly grateful for the many calls, emails, visits and comments on this blog that I have received from those of you who share this experience of loosing a beloved pet and understating the pain that transpires along with his/her passing. So many people, more often than not, are truly wonderful beings, and rise to the occasion when the need presents itself in so many kind and beautiful ways.
Thank you for your thoughts and minds.
7 Comments:
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I knew about Lincoln. I read an excellent book by William Safire in the 80s, which addressed a great deal of the Civil War.
I love my doggy (BoBo) sooooo much, and really empathize with what you're going through.
I DO have a demonic malti-poo (BoBo's pet) that I would be willing to part with, however. Perhaps you should consider it! I'll even pay to ship her to you! She's very sweet... as long as your home is waterproofed...
Thank you for all of your thought provoking and thoughtful postings!
They keep me coming back :)
Thanks for sharing
Tab
Lincoln is one of my heroes. I will add this book to my reading list. Thank you for the recommendation.
I have lost beloved pets before and I know the pain is gripping. Much strength to you, Barbara.
Glad you were able to enjoy a concert yesterday. I love the sound of the violin. I hope it helped to restore your spirit.
Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved Astro! I didn't know. I've have to go back a few blogs and see what happened. It really is hard to lose an animal that you love. They become such a part of your life, that it leaves a hole when they are gone. It's going to take more than a week to get over this, how about months or years. I think that is what they mean by time, often it takes a long time. We have had our share of loses and they are not easy to get over. Good luck with your healing...We love ya.
Abe Lincoln seemed like a thoughtful conscientious being. He was always so concerned with hurting others because he seemed to know grief so well.
I'm sorry about your loss. Pets are a part of the family, so it is very hard when they go.
For me, it may sound strange, but my first big loss was my little friend, a rat. Nosey was special to me because I put so much time teaching him things and he was such a clever rodent. He learned to walk tightrope and crawl through mazes and was so obedient he would circle his cage three times and then go in himself. He proved to me that his little quirks were unique to him. He had his own personality, or ratonality! Those quirks would be the things I'd remember and cherish.
*hugs*
I have had to put some of my cats down before. It sucks, but if it is the right thing to do then you have to do it. It is part of being a pet owner.
My parents lost a chocolate lab recently. Penny was ancient - at least 15 years old. She died in the backyard, and was buried there.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home