Hey folks

I just got back from the vet after bringing Theo home on my bike. Thought he might like a bike-ride. You know, in this moment, it feels OK. I feel good about him being here. I got up the guts to look at his ashes, I mean really look at them in the bag. It's sand with very minute bone fragments, almost like broken shells. I feel like I understand a little better the circle of life. Theo's gone back to the most basic elements. When I put him in the earth, he will become part of the soil and part of the trees and flowers that are nearby. This thought is comforting to me. Maybe I'm in shock. Maybe the reality of his being gone will really hit again. But for now, his little bag of ashes is sitting on his favorite blanket which used to be my dad's favorite blanket that I made him, and I feel peaceful about this for the first time.

Luna

Hi Luna,

Im glad to hear that you've found some peace after all that has happened. You'll find that you may have your ups and downs, but try to remember those comforting thoughts.

Take Care,
Cynthia

Hi Luna,

Cynthia is so right about the ups and downs, as I lost my Smokey just over a year ago and at times things will remind me of him and it is bitter sweet. I now can think back on memories of him and smile, though at the same time I am smiling, tears will roll down my face, as they are right this minute. I have moved forward and now have 3 kitties instead of just my old boy and when I talk to him, yes I still talk to my old boy Smokey, I tell him that the space his leaving left in my heart, just could not be filled by one kitty and so I have the 3. I know that he is just tinkled pink about that, as he was the only kitty with 2 dogs and well since he left the dogs are out numbered and I know that he would be happy with that fact, as he loved picking on the dogs. It does get better, it never totally goes away, but it does get better. I know that my life would never be the same, if I didn't have my fur babies in my life to love as they are one of the greatest gifts in this world.

Take care and wishing you happy memories
LouAnn Needham
Mother to: Jacob - doggy angel, Smokey - kitty angel, Ziggy - dog (12), Quinton - dog (7), Tyler - cat (1), BobCat - cat (1) and Phoenix - cat (3)

Hi Luna,

I'm so glad to hear that picking up Theo's ashes has been comforting for you. Strangely, I've had different reactions to picking up the ashes of my three beloved furbabies. The first of them to pass was Tommy, and I found it to be very difficult to actually go and pick up his ashes, but having him home with me was surprisingly comforting (although I didn't actually get up the courage to look at his actual ashes inside the wooden box for over a year). When I lost my sweet little Tigger girl, I felt much more peaceful about bringing her ashes home, much like you seem to be feeling now. I'm so glad for you that you have such a positive feeling about it. Then, when I lost Winnie, it was really hard again and although I'm glad to have her ashes back home with me, I'm not as at peace with it just yet. I'm sure I will be soon, though.

I love your thought about Theo's ashes returning to the earth and completing the cycle of life. Because his spirit lives on, it seems really appropriate to allow his earthly body to complete its course. And I'm glad that he's sitting on his favorite blanket again until that time! I'm sure he's smiling down at you right now for doing that!!

I'm going to put a little bit of each of my furbabies' ashes into lockets that I can wear close to my heart. Eventually, I imagine I'll return their ashes to the earth in some meaningful way. In the meantime, I'm perfectly comfortable to have them with me in my living room with pictures of them when they were young, healthy and happy nearby!

Blessings to you all,
Eliza

luna i did the same thing i just had to look at the ashes im not sure why but had to look, im glad that he is home with you. babybear is in a wooden cat urn and every morning before i leave for work and when i get home i stoke him and say hello ( i do still talk to him ) and it makes me feel better. Im glad have brought theo home

love sara babybears mum

Thanks for your post. I am on my way out the door right now to pick up Bailey's ashes. I am not sure what my reaction may be. Last night I teared up just thinking about it, and today I have put it off until I must leave now or the vet's office will be closed. She hated the vet visits so that I cannot bear to leave her there yet another night. She will be put to rest by the lake she loved so dearly. To all of you out there that still have your pets on earth with you, give them an extra hug from me tonight and treasure the moments.

Hey Luna,
So glad to hear you are feeling peaceful after picking up Theo's ashes. Thank you for sharing that with us. Take care.
Deb