Dear LS friends,
I am sorry I haven't been her for a few days. I have had a tough go this week.
The 3 week anniversary of Indy's death coincided with my birthday and my 93 year-old grandmother's admission to
a hospice center. Needless to say, I've had some overwhelming momments.
My grandmother has been aged and without quality of life for some 6 months now. I've prayed for her peaceful passing and know Indy awaits her. She was so fond of him and perhaps they will keep one another company until I arrive.
I was fearful that she would pass on my birhtday, but she did not. It would have been hard rememberance. I was unable to celebrate my day without Indy. My son and husband did their best but I didn't have the strength to particpate. My grief is still fresh.
Indy was a silly little boy and though it happend but a few times a year, he knew when there was birthday cake in the house. He danced and pranced when the candles burned. He was excited whenever he saw a wrapped present. I think he thought they were all for him and he would tug at the wrapping paper. Indy would try to climb in my lap and get as close to the cake as possible. He put on his best "sad beggin' eyes" until we would would give in and give him some.
I didn't have the strength to share my grief with the LS family. As a member, I also feel some resposibility to proivide support to you as you have for me. I didn't have the reserve to do so. I am sorry I couldn't be there for those of you you may have needed my words, but I kow so many of LS family were. But I am back now. I feel a bit better today.
I am in fact grateful that my poor little Indy is at Rainbow Bridge where I know it is warm and sunny. You see, we are under a blizzard warning today and tomorrow. Indy was so frail that he would not have done well with the single digit temps and the expected 30 inches of snow. I know, at least for this moment, he is in a better place.

Dear Indys Mom,

You don't have to apologize to us! We have all been through different stages of grief, and there are times that we all need to "get away" for a time. Whether it's to recharge or to take care of some responsibilities. We will always be here for you when you feel the need to come back. You shouldn't feel pressured to respond to other postings either. Not everybody knows what to say or if they can even offer support when they are feeling so badly themselves. Just concentrate on getting yourself better emotionally. We're patient

Also, Happy Belated Birthday! It just seems very depressing for oyu right now, which I'm sure made it hard to celebrate for you. I'm sorry you are dealing with grandmother's transfer to a Hospice. However, I'm sure she will be very well taken care of there. My grandfather was admitted to one years ago before he passed away.

SNOW, SNOW and SNOW!!!! We're getting all that snow ourselves! They're not calling for as much as you say, but our area is expecting up to 12 inches through today and tomorrow. That's alot of snow for us! The snow makes me miss my Rachael more, though. She just LOVED the snow! She'd bury her whole face down into it. It looked so cute

Take care of yourself!
Cheri

I am so sorry you had such a terrible birthday and I guess I wouldn't want to celebrate mine either if it were so close to my Snookie leaving me. It sure sounds like Indy thought it was for him. That was just so cute how he would dance around and try to get his cake and gift. How you must miss that so much. I worried that Snookie would pass away on my birthday since they expected her to die in August.

I am sorry to hear your grandmother has been so ill and I know they don't take them into Hospice unless there time is near. It is so hard to lose them even if they do have a bad quilty of life.

I am glad you were able to find such a beautiful urn for Indy and that they will paint it they way you want it. That should be a real comfort to you.

There have been times that I did not feel able to post too but we all understand that so don't feel bad about it. We all know everyone will help each other as they are able.

I am glad we are only expected to get a foot of snow, it looks like we have close to that now. Snookie loved the snow and I am only sorry I did not get a picture of it crusted all over her beard and legs. I was always worried about her catching a cold and I would always warm her up and get it off quickly.
Ann

Seems like everyone is being "snowed upon". We expect to have 12-15" by tomorrow morning.

I also had a crummy birthday this month. Nothing seems the same without my buddy Rusty with us. I guess all holidays and special days will no longer be the same for any of us. I hate to look into the yard, knowing my Rusty is under that cold snow.

I hope that in time, Indy's Mom you do find peace. Indy was certainly a sweet dog. Thinking of you and also of your grandmother.

Lynn

Dear Lynn-
I'm so sorry your birthday was a sad one too.
You are right...special days are forever changed.
Thinking of you and Rusty.
Love, Fran

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.
SNOW, SNOW GO AWAY!!!!!
I'm not fond of the cold or snow. Neither was Indy. He had such short little legs and was low to the ground.
We used to shovel paths to his favorite "spots" in the backyard. He would run from tree to tree.
Sometimes we could only see his ears. Our yard looked like a maze for trained mice!
He had many coats and sweaters to keep "snow balls" from forming on his belly.
He always stood patiently while he "dressed" and "undressed" for cold or snowy days.
Indy was such a good little boy and I do miss him very much.
Fran

Dear Fran-

I'm so sorry your birthday was not a good one. My birthday is in June...on my last birthday I spent the day at the doggie oncologist with Shiloh. I would've much rather been out hiking with Shiloh and digging in prairie dog holes, but at least we got to spend the day together. I know my birthday this year will be a sad one with out my little Shiloh around.

You're in my thoughts,
Kathleen

PS - Could you please send some of that snow my way! I teach school and have been praying for a snow day!

Hi Fran,
I'm sorry to hear about your Grandmother and I know how you missed Indy for your Birthday. I promise with the passing of time the pain will lessen a bit. Please don't feel bad for taking a break from LS, most of us have to from time to time to heal. Please know you are in my thoughs.
Libby