A Meditation on the Meaning of Loss: February 6, 2007

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the loss of my beloved dog, Astro. Since he left me, on February 6, 2006, hardly a day has gone by without my thinking about him in some way or another. Although somewhat of a slug (near the end), he was such a wonderful companion, who brought me and my family such wonderful joy. He was always here for us, no matter what, and the meaning of unconditional love took on a different dimension. Pets, after all are so very different from people, and even if they are having a 'bad day,' they do not really let us know about it, and are here for us no matter what, which makes them so special, and their love so pure. To say that I still miss Astro, would be an understatement, and his loss has left a deep hole inside my heart.

What does it mean when we lose someone we love? The loss can be permanent, as in a death, or it can be a change in a relationship, or friendship, in one form or another, so that the person or being is no longer with us nor a part of our lives. One can also experience loss in another form, such as through an illness of a loved one or important person, where he/she is not the same anymore. How does one cope and deal with such changes in life?

It is my belief that the extent to which we feel the loss depends upon the kind of memory that the person or being has left behind for us to think about. If the person or being was kind, loving, giving, and his/her presence added to our lives in some formidable way, then his/her absence can sting, and feel like a needle piercing beneath one's skin. But, the memory of that person or being, all his/her good deeds and feelings that were left behind do not ever leave us, nor fade from our soul. The reverse can also be the case, that is to say, it the person or being was cruel, mean, bitter, or selfish, (although we fantasize otherwise), then his/her absence will not be as difficult, unless of course we are used to becoming entangled in unhealthy relationships of one kind or another.

And so, on this day, I say to Astro, the kind, gentle soul, that I still miss you very much. You have left a great imprint on our home and on our lives. Perhaps you may even know that now we have another puppy, who is named after you, by the name of Argon. Although the same breed, and I can see many similarities, at least on the outside, you are both so very different from each other in character and temperament, unique one of a kind dogs, although the thread that weaves you both together is your unconditional love for those who surround you.

Thank you for your minds.