Tomorrow is my birthday...one that I will not be celebrating. TJ just died 2days ago...how can I even think about a birthday? He has been with me for 22 of those birthdays. Now what do I do. I can't pretend and put on a happy face when my heart is breaking with sadness. I plan to go away tomorrow...maybe to the mountains where I took TJ in April on vacation...but what if I totally lose it there. People that see me will think I'm crazy. Maybe a big pair of dark sunglasses will do the trick so they won't see my sad eyes. Everytime I come home I expect to see TJ peeking around the corner at me...but he isn't there.

Lisa...NOAH'S ARK

I am so sorry for your loss of TJ and having only lost my beloved kitty 2 days ago as well I can imagine how fresh your pain is. Go to the mountains where you have happy memories of him and don't care if anyone thinks you are crazy. You may be pleasantly surprised that you will feel better being there where you have such happy memories of him and instead of crying you may get to smile and laugh a little remembering his antics. In between my episodes of crying my boyfirend or I will remember something silly our little guy did and for a minute I feel like he is here and it is a comfort to me, so I hope you can find even a moment or two of that on your Birthday.

N -

Dear Lisa,

I definetely wouldn't worry about people thinking you're crazy. You just lost a very significant member of your family. Some people will be understanding and some people won't. The people who are understanding will probably be shedding tears with you, anyone who doesn't understand and thinks you're crazy, really doesn't matter.

I know this may be hard, but try to spend your day celebrating your life and Tj's life and all the years you two enjoyed together.

Hugs,
Kathleen