Hi, Cheryl, thank you so o o much for sharing Oslo's and Abbygayle's anniversaries with Noah and me. I hope that what I write also reflects what is a part of his heart, too, - - words that he would say if he were able to share them with me. This year has been one of many challenges for sure, and I am so thankful for my little Noah, and for you, and each of the wonderful friends here on L S.

I hope life is treating you kindly, my friend. Will you be getting any semester breaks soon? I look forward to sharing your news whenever possible, Cheryl.

Thank you again, my friend, for stopping in to share the day with Noah and me. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Happy Sweet 16th Birthday Oslo. Your mom cares very much for you. I don't know what we would do without her here to help us through this emotional time. Give your kitty sister Abbygayle a big kiss from her mommy also.

Heaven's Doggy-Door

My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.

The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms.

Were of his younger, puppy years,
And OH...his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",

Only a heart thats filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,

GOD also loves our canine friends,
He's installed a 'doggy-door"!

---jan cooper---

You're always in my heart and prayers, MoonBeam.

Annette

Hi, Annette, thank you so o o o much for the lovely poem, and for sharing Oslo's earthly birthday anniversary with me. Thank you for your kind, comforting thoughts and words, and your comforting friendship. It means a lot to me. As you know some days are easier than others.

I hope life is treating you kindly, Annette. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day, Annette, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, today is your one year anniversary with the angels. It's hard to believe that a year has already happened. It has been a challenge sometimes adjusting to not having your sweet physical body here with me, but you are forever and always in my heart and thoughts, my son.

It is chilly here today, but the sun is shining. Last year the sun was shining and it was warm outside. At the time it seemed so unfair that it should be such a pretty day, but now I know the angels were giving you a warm welcome into the garden. And it is the warmth of your sweet love you were leaving with me to cherish through the rest of my earthly journey. Thank you so much, my sunshine child. Even now there are difficult moments, but through the tears there is also joy in my heart. How could there not be joy in my heart for I am eternally blessed with you, my love.

As you know I pay our taxes in November, and when I pay our taxes I always got your County tag so that you would be considered a "legal resident". In my mind I knew I didn't need to do that this year, so I didn't take your medical records and proof of your Rabies vaccination. I paid the taxes, and began to leave the courthouse. As I was leaving, though, I saw the reminder on the video screen that licenses were due, and for just a brief moment I thought, "Oh gee, I forgot Oslo's records." And then I remembered - - . As I was walking to the car there were some sad moments, as you know, for I felt you with me. And then as we were driving home I said, "Oslo, you don't need licenses anymore, sweetheart. The angels know who you are and you don't need this "bureaucratic" proof anymore. You're home now with the angels - - you are safe and healthy and happy again." That helped to soothe the ache of emptiness that had entered my heart - - again. Thank you for comforting me, my precious son, and reminding me that all is okay.

This Thanksgiving holiday was a quiet one. I thoroughly enjoyed being home with your sweet kitty brother, Noah, but we definitely missed the sweet physical presence of both you and your beautiful kitty sister Abbygayle. Today when I went back into the office one of the staff asked me how the weekend was and I said, "No one died and I didn't get sick." All I got was laughter, and that is one of the many reasons why I did not share with anyone there when you and Abbygayle joined the angels, my love. It is a blessing for me to be able to share you and Abbygayle with our true friends here in this Forum, for I know they understand how much I love you, my son.

I got the snow blower fixed, so if we have another winter like we did last year, my son, hopefully the snow blower will make things a little easier for me to clear the driveway. Your mommy's back is just not able to endure the hand shoveling anymore - - with snow that deep. When I think back to last winter, my precious son, I know you would not have been able to endure the deep snow, nor the unbearable heat and humidity of this past summer. It is a comfort to me to know that you are being taken good care of by the angels, my son.

My Oslo, I know you already know all this, but I just needed to write to you and let you know - - again - - that you're in my heart always and forever. I love you, my precious son, my sunshine boy, my handsome man - -

For all eternity,
mom

Dear Moonbeam

That was a beautiful letter to your precious Angel Oslo. I send my love and prayers to you and your dear fur companions and Angels on Oslo's first Angelversary. He will be watching over you all and wanting you to be thinking of him in that happy, comforting way.
Blessings to you all.

Hugs Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

What a lovely letter to your dear Oslo. Just the other day my two dogs (Radar & Tanga) were outside and went into the woods...I yelled for them but I said "Brutus, Radar, come". I couldn't believe over a year and his name came out when I called for them, very similiar to your experience of Oslo's license. I think no matter how much time goes by, they will always be with us, in the back of our minds even when we don't think they are there. They are always there....Hugs.

I still come here daily and I read, I just can't post much, but wanted to say you are such a tremendous help to everyone, Oslo has a great Mum!

Hugs,
Brutus' Mom

moon beam, thank you for sharing your letter to Oslo with us all. I admit that your words are so comforting and you are so supportive of everyone else that I sometimes forget that you have also lost loved ones like the rest of us. Your words and the words of everyone else are a real blessing for this community. As always, thank you for sharing with us how you are doing.

Thinking of you - as always, moon_beam - but especially today on the day of your handsome Oslo's Angelversary. You are so right when you talk about Oslo being safe, happy and healthy, in the company of Angels. He is with you, always, and I know you feel him near.

Sending you big hugs, my friend. Cheryl xx

Thank you for sharing your letter to Oslo with us MoonBeam. You both were blessed to have each other. Oslo is a "permanent resident" in your heart.

Always thinking of you, we are always here for you

Thank you for being here for us

Annette

Thank you so much, Jan, Sonya, Aaron, Cheryl, and Annette, for sharing Oslo's anniversary with Oslo, Noah, and me. Thank you so much for your comforting thoughts and words, and your friendship.

Sonya, I can imagine how surprised you must have felt when you called Brutus' name when you were calling Tanga. You are so o o o right when you shared "no matter how much time goes by, they will always be with us, in the back of our minds even when we don't think they are there. They are always there." And all I can is "Amen." And I know all who read your post will nod their heads in total agreement.

I hope each of you can find encouragement and comfort in Cheryl's words to me - - that each of our beloved companions are safe, happy and healthy, in the company of Angels. They are with us, always, and we are blessed with feeling their sweet Living Spirits near. And as Annette so comfortingly said, our beloved companions are "premanent residents" in our hearts - - always. And Jan's insights are also a source of great encouragement in knowing that our beloved companions are watching over us and wanting us to be thinking of them in a happy, comforting way. They want us to be happy - - for they brought us so much happiness during their earthly journey with us, and they want us to hold onto that so that it can be a bridge to them as we continue our earthly journey.

Aaron, one of the things that has helped me is being here with others who truly love their beloved companions, and where I know I don't have to put on a "public face" to be accepted. It is truly an honor for me to try to be a source of encouragement and comfort to others. It does help to put some "meaning" into the life's experiences I've had on this earthly journey so far.

Thank you again so much, my friends, for being here for me, and with me. Thank you, each of you, for your comforting support and encouragement, and for your most cherished friendship. Please know each of you are close in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon beam,

You are such an inspiration and you have the most eloquent way of expressing yourself, as if you are speaking through all of our animals. Thank you so much for being the 'earthly mother' here to connect us to our best friends on the other side. Blessings to you, Oslo, Noah and Abbygale....

Amy

Hi, Amy, thank you so much for your most kind and thoughtful support and encouragement and comfort. I do believe that every living being is a part of the "circle of life" - - both during our earthly journey together and through all eternity. So, it is an honor for me to have your description as being an "earthly mother." A very dear friend of mine joined her ancestors in January this year from cancer. She had Native American ancestry, and shared with me some of her tribal spiritual beliefs. I learned so much from her, and gained a better understanding of my individual beliefs. We used different terminology, but our beliefs were fundamentally the same. She truly was, and continues to be my "soul sister". Your description of me as "earthly mother" means more to me than words can express, and I thank you for that, Amy.

Amy, please know you, and each of our friends on this Forum, are close in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how each of you are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon_beam........

The warm comfort that you so graciously give when you share kind words with others in this community is such a gift. You truly are a caring Earthly Mom, one who is so connected to the very essence of the Earth, her creatures and her seasons.

Thanks again for all your efforts and the many kindnesses you give every day.

Jan

Hi, Jan, thank you so much for your thoughtful, caring, comforting note. It is an honor for me to try to help bring some comfort and hope to those whose hearts are battered and breaking with the deepest grief and sorrow we will know on this side of eternity. For me, I find great inspiration in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.

Each of us here have so much to offer one another, not just from our shared sorrow but through our life's experiences. And it is a privilege for me to be here with you and all the wonderful correspondents on this forum.

Jan, I hope life is treating you kindly these days. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, today marks 13 months since you joined the angels. It seems like just yesterday I brought you home for the first time and was awed by how you knew without me showing you where the inside garage door was that would take us into the house. It was the beginning of an awesome lifetime with you, my precious son. I am so honored to be your mom, and blessed to have memories of each and every day we shared together to cherish and remember.

Last year just after you joined the angels the weather got very cold and we had several major snow storms that I knew you would not be able to navigate and endure, and I was so glad you no longer had to struggle with the weather, my son. Well, here we are again, my love, with another very cold and snowy winter, and I am once again so very glad that you are with the angels standing once again on strong legs so that you can romp in the snowy fields and enjoy yourself as you so deserve.

It was a quiet Christmas here for Noah and me, and I am thankful for that, my son. There were some challenging moments for me, as there are still times when it's so hard to understand both you and Abbygayle joining the angels so close together. I know you are looking after your precious baby kitty sister, and I know Eli is thrilled to have his big doggy brother with him once again. Please give them kisses and hugs from me and Noah, and please let your extended family know they are forever in my heart.

I love you, my handsome man, my precious love, with all my heart. Thank you for letting me be your mom.

My love to you for all eternity,
mom

Hi, moon_beam,

I love hearing about your precious Oslo. He sounds like such an intelligent, special boy -- a true angel sent from God. God would only send an angel like Oslo to a very special person like you, moon_beam. It seems to me that you and Oslo were made for each other. I hope you continue to feel his soothing spirit and continue to be guided by his wisdom.

Wishing you and Noah a peaceful New Year and sending you both hugs.
Your friend, Cheryl xx

Hi, Cheryl, thank you so much for your comforting note. For some reason I just felt the need to write to my precious handsome man last night - - he had been in the forefront of my mind all day long - - I'm sort of at a loss of being able to describe it, but I think you know what I mean.

I am taking tomorrow off from work and will be able to go to see my brother and sister-in-law who live about 45 minutes away from me. The weather last weekend did not permit me to drive, so I missed seeing my niece and nephew while they were home for the holidays.

Cheryl, I wish for you a very healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year - - always filled with your precious Daisy's sweet Living Spirit to cheer you each and every day. And please know you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I am glad you are able to visit with your family today, even though you missed seeing your niece and nephew. Being with family is important this time of the year. Since Reggie left us, I have come to appreciate even more the time I spend with friends and family.

Thank you for being there for everyone moon beam, you are a very special person and we all appreciate the wisdom and advice you share with us.

Moonbeam,

What a simply stunning boy he was!!

I can see the attraction and I am thinking of you during the holidays.

Cryss

Hi, Aaron and Cryss, thank you so much for your comforting notes. I had a good time with my brother and sister-in-law yesterday, but was also gald to get back home to my little Noah.

Thank you both so very much for your comforting support and encouragement, and most importantly your friendship. I hope this year will be one of happiness in your hearts with those you love - - both present and those who are with the angels, good health, and prosperity in whatever way that is in your hearts' desire. And please know each of you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moonbeam, thanks so much for sharing such a heartfelt letter to your dear friend, Oslo. What a sweet guy he must've been, such a wonderful photo of him there.

I stumbled through the holidays, the pain I felt made me unable to share the real joy of the season. It was too hard without Chan, she was such a darling little one.

I am trying to start new things, let go of old things, down-size and re-organize, make room in my life for important things------like the warm support and friendship that you so willingly share.

There are still new experiences ahead of us and the healing we are doing and the comfort we share are part of that process.

May you feel the loving grace of your darling Oslo, he is surely with you every day. We can never be parted from them, it only seems that they are gone.

I hope the new year brings you twice, ten, no a hundred times the warm nurturing cloud of kindness and compassion that you shower on all the broken hearts that come here to tell their stories.

Thank you Moonbeam. Thank-you.

Jan

Hi, Jan, thank you so much for your kind, thoughtful note. My Oslo certainly opened up experiences that I never would have had otherwise. Since he was retired from his career as a Special Needs Guide Dog when we adopted one another, his career as an Animal Assisted Therapist was a natural for him. He so enjoyed being out and about in the public eye, and I was honored to be his human escort on the other end of his leash. Everyone knew him, and I was "the lady who brought the big black dog." I'm smiling and laughing at this wonderful memory of part of our time together during our earthly journey, and they fill and warm my heart.

The holidays always bring a lump to my throat as they bring memories - - both good and sad - - of those who are dear to us and are still with us and those who are with the angels. So I can so relate to your description of "stumbling" through the holidays.

Jan, I pray that each day will bring a comfort and peace to your heart. You are blessed to have been Chan's earthly guardian - - to be the one to cherish her sweet Living Spirit through the rest of your earthly journey - - to be the one who has the hope of being reunited with her in eternal joy at your appropriate time. The love bond you and Chan share is eternal, Jan, and is forever with you - - including in all of your "new beginnings".

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Jan, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My darling son, this evening is another anniversary for your mommy. This evening marks the one year anniversary of my dearest friend and soul sister joining you and all of her furkids and ancestors in eternal joy. I know you were there to greet her when she entered the garden, along with all of her precious companions. I know she was especially looking forward to meeting you, my son. I know her heart is finally at peace, and I know you and my friend Marlene are enjoying each other's company. Knowing you are together makes me happy, but - - it also brings a tear to my eyes. You joined the angels on Thanksgiving weekend, 2009. We already knew our friend was terminally ill, and it was one year ago this evening that she joined you. And then - - 7 weeks later - - your beautiful kitty sister Abbygayle joined you with the angels. This past year has been a tough one, my son - - too many losses for your mommy and your kitty brother Noah to adjust to.

But now that I'm writing to you and sharing all of this with you, my handsome man, the tears have stopped and I'm smiling now thinking of you and Abbygayle with our friend, Marlene - - knowing that you're happy and healthy and enjoying yourselves each and every moment - - no more sadness for you. This makes me so o o o happy, my son.

My Oslo, you are forever in my heart and I feel you with me wherever I go. Thank you so much for honoring me to be your earthly caregiver. I cherish our earthly journey we shared together, and I cherish you and our memories. Thank you for being my sunshine, and please give Eli, Abbygayle, and our dear friend Marlene a hug and a kiss for me. I love you, my son, forever and - -

Through all eternity,
mom

Hi moonbeam,

Thinking of you as you go through yet another difficult anniversary. You have been through so much -- yet you continue to be there for others, somehow finding the strength to give strength to others. You truly are a wonderful person and I want to thank you for being you. I can imagine your dear friend, Marlene, with her arms around your precious Oslo, surrounded by all your other furangels. I can imagine sunshine and rainbows. They are all smiling down at you, with nothing but love and peace and happiness in their hearts, and Marlene whispers in Oslo's ear, "Look at your Mom, dear Oslo. Look at what a wonderful person she is!" And Oslo is nodding his head in agreement and smiling that wonderful doggy smile.

I hope you can feel this, too, Moonbeam.

Sending you hugs, Cheryl xx

Hi, Cheryl, thank you so much for your friendship and your comforting thoughts. Thank you so much for the wonderful image: "I can imagine your dear friend, Marlene, with her arms around your precious Oslo, surrounded by all your other furangels. I can imagine sunshine and rainbows. They are all smiling down at you, with nothing but love and peace and happiness in their hearts, and Marlene whispers in Oslo's ear, "Look at your Mom, dear Oslo. Look at what a wonderful person she is!" And Oslo is nodding his head in agreement and smiling that wonderful doggy smile." Thank you for this comforting, beautiful imagery.

Noah has been staying closer to me these last few days. I think he's also remembering how life "used to be" as well. He is such a little joy, and I'm grateful to still have him with me.

I hope life is treating you kindly, Cheryl. Have you adjusted to being back in the full swing of classes yet? May I ask how Franky and Freddy are doing?

Thank you again so much for your thoughtful post, Cheryl. I'm so glad today is Friday. I am looking forward to a welcome weekend with my little Noah, and I hope you will have a peaceful weekend as well, my friend.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam,

Hope you're having a pleasant and peaceful weekend with darling Noah.

Yes, I've settled back into uni, it's as if I've never been away. I still haven't had any grades as yet, which is a little frustrating. The tutors are allowed four working weeks to get our grades back to us.

Franky and Freddy are doing great, thanks. They are tiny balls of mayhem and mischief. They're now in their "teenage years" in terms of hammy years and there have been a few squabbles. Nothing serious though, and never anything that results in injury. I read a few fights are normal at this stage -- it's just one hamster exerting it's dominance over the other, and that there is no need to seperate them unless they start wounding each other. So I have to keep a close eye on them. Which is sometimes hard to do because some of their fights take place in their house and all I can hear are the squeaks! But within minutes they have usually made up and are cuddled up to each other and grooming each other again

Well, enjoy the rest of your weekend and give Noah a cuddle from me!

Hugs, Cheryl xx

Thinking of you and your darling Noah and your fur Angels. I have been staying with my daughter who is recovering from an operation, so I haven't been able to visit the forum. I'm sorry I missed one of your Anniversary days, and I hope that you have been ok.

Hugs
Jan and my Angels and Pixie x

Hi, Cheryl, thank you for your most welcome note. I'm glad you have been able to settle back into your classes okay this semester. The first semester is always the hardest because - - well, it's the first semester, and you don't really know what to expect. It seems to take at least the first half of the semester to really figure things out. It would be nice to get your grades from last semester so that you would at least have a "reference" for what to do better, or "refine" in technique for this semester. I hope you get your grades soon. Ask Daisy to tell the professors to get the move on. I'm sure she can find a way to provide them the incentive to get this job done.

I'm glad Franky and Freddy are doing okay. I can just hear the squeaks and squeals. I remember when Noah and Abbygayle would have their boxing matches. Abbygayle was not about to take any bullying from her brother, and it was Noah who usually ended up having his nose scratched, poor little fella. He still bears a slight scar on his nose from all of his lost battles to his baby sister. When they really got into their sibling disagreements I would have to raise my voice at them and say "Hey, knock it off. This isn't any way for you guys to act to one another." And it was usually Noah who would stop in his tracks and look at me as if to say, "Sorry mom" and then he'd give Abbygayle a wide berth for awhile until she made the first overture to make up - - which didn't take long. And Oslo would just look at me as if to say, "Those youngsters - -" and just kind of shake his head and roll his eyes and give a deep sigh.

Sorry for commiserating. Hearing about your little fur friends brings back a lot of treasured memories. I hope you don't mind my sharing them with you. They certainly are not meant to diminish your wonderful news you share with me.

This weekend is going to be a very cold but sunny one. The sun is shining bright and cheerful as I'm writing to you. However, this is going to short lived as the weather forecasters are preparing us here in the Blue Ridge / Piedmont Mountain region of Virginia for what could be our first major snow event coming in from the Gulf Coast. So far our winter events have come from the west, and when that happens the intensity usually diminishes as the storms come over the mountains. BUT, when the storms come in from the south Gulf Coast track, well -- we can get slammed pretty hard because the storms sneak through the mountains instead of having to come over them. The older I get the more I wish I could be a bird that flies south for the winter.

Cheryl, thank you again so much for your always welcome notes. Take a break from the studying now and again. Give Franky and Freddy a little cuddle and kiss from me, too, and I'll look forward to knowing how things are going for you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Jan, thank you very much for your most comforting note. I hope your daughter is recuperating nicely. I'm so glad you were able to be with her. Does she live near you or did you have to travel? If you needed to travel, I hope your trails were safe and uneventful.

On Thursday I had gotten a wonderful e-mail from my friend's sister. This year has been hard for her, too. She isn't the executor of her sister's estate, and she and her husband had to engage the services of an attorney in order to get access to Marlene's personal effects. They finally got "permission" to go to Marlene's home to collect what they wanted and what Marlene had designated to them in her Will, so they are there this weekend. My heart is with them because I know it is going to be difficult for them to go back into Marlene's home - - especially since this is the anniversary weekend of her physical passing. Needless to say this is forefront in my thoughts, and my heart is with them.

Thank you for thinking of me, Jan, in the midst of taking care of your daughter. This is by far your first and foremost priority. Again, I do hope she is recuperating comfortably, and that the surgery was successful. I hope you, Pixie, and your family are doing well. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Jan, and I look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Of course I don't mind, moon_beam. In fact, I LOVE to hear about your memories. The little story about your Noah and Abbygayle really made me smile

I hope your having a pleasant week. Not long to go until the weekend!

Take care and big hugs,
Cheryl xx

Hi, Cheryl, I am enjoying another long weekend with my precious Noah - - today, tomorrow and then the weekend. We had a nasty winter weather event yesterday but today the sun was shining and all the frozen muck on the ground melted. We just got a ground covering here but I know of others in the area who got slammed - - again - - with snow and other frozen stuff. I am looking forward to warmer weather.

I read your loving letter to your precious Daisy, and again, I am so sorry that your fiance took you off guard about adopting a canine companion. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. And thank you so much for your encouragement, support, and most of all - - your friendship. I hope you will have a peaceful evening, my friend.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

dear moon_beam

you have suffered so much loss and from what you have written to me i understand you've had a big trauma (or more) to deal with too and yet you still seem so full of faith and hope in life and humanity. you understand grief in all it's complexities like a professional griefl cousellor (except better because of the raw real humanness you bring to it).

the way you write about your furbabies is just so exquisitely beautiful, it would make such an inspiring, soothing and helpful book for those trying to work their way through these tough journeys. i can feel the love and empathy oozing through the screen.

anyway, i just wanted to say that just because someone can write brilliantly and be full of wisdom and inspiration, doesn't mean that their journey isn't sometimes almost too tough to handle or seemingly insurmountable. even with amazing coping skills, hurt is still hurt.

thankyou so much for being a lifeline for me, what you have given and offered it really has felt almost like i can feel real hands reaching out to me, hands that know how to be there until the water calms enough for me to swim on my own.

take the gentlest of care of you

Hi, Rainbohdi, thank you so much for your comforting note. Your kindness and friendship are genuinely appreciated. There are times, like today - - which is Oslo's 14 month anniversary of being with the angels - - that find me with an occasional mist in my eyes and a momentary quiver to my chin.

It is written that in helping others we also help ourselves. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to offer comfort, encouragement, and hope to others who are going through one of the most devastating experiences known on this side of eternity - - the loss of a beloved companion. And I also do sincerely appreciate the kindness, gentleness, compassion, and friendship I have found here with you and each of the wonderful people on this forum. There is a closeness I feel with each of you for we share a common spirit - - the sweet Living Spirits of our beloved companions - - both those that are with the angels, and the sweet physical presence of any companions who are still sharing their earthly journey with us.

I thank you for sharing my precious Oslo with me, Rainbohdi, - - especially in this time of great sorrow for you. I know my Oslo is watching over your precious Bohdi.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Rainbohdi, and thank you again for your comforting firendship.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Oslo is such a handsome sole. I love the fact that he has been a therapy dog. What an exquisite gift! He shares your depth of spirit and love.

With peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful note. He truly enjoyed his AAT work and being out and about in the public, and I so enjoyed being "his human" on the other end of the leash. It was all about him - - I was his escort and "mouth piece" - - the latter being quite a role for me being very introverted. He took me to a place in our life together that I never dreamed I could do, and we shared it together. Yes, he is a special soul, and I thank you so much for sharing him with me.

I hope life is treating you kindly. Having a bit of insomnia tonight so I thought I would put it to good use since I wasn't able to log on earlier in the evening. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Juturna, and look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever posisble.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Sharing that unique connection with your precious Oslo brings you even closer. I sensed that he was a gifted soul matched with your loving soul, and that he touched the lives of many, while bringing lessons to your life as well. You are continuing his work here with your thoughtful compassionate words of wisdom.

When we loose a therapy companion, our grief is felt by many. As you may have gathered, my beautiful Victoria was ever present when I had group sessions. I believe your handsome Oslo contributed much to others, as well.

I hope you are able to have restful sleep tonight.

With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most kind and thoughtful note. I can so imagine your precious Victoria's sweet physical presence as your "partner" in your practice, and I can identify with you so much as to how much of a loss it is to you and to your clients to lose her sweet physical presence. Being able to "partner" with our beloved companions in our work amplifies our grief. When Oslo would visit he would greet everyone, particularly the ladies, with a "kiss" on their hands, and would then turn and look at me as if to ask if it was okay. I would tell the folks that he kissed the ladies' hands like gentlemen used to do in the days of chivalry, and when I was asked if I ever got jealous of his kindness to others I would say "No, because I'm the one he sleeps with at night." Boy did that get a lot of laughs!!!!! I can so imagine there are an infinite number of memories you can share about your precious Victoria, and would love to share them with you as you feel comfortable doing.

My "insomnia" was very brief. When I had gotten home from work Monday I started a major project of rearranging some furniture here in the basement living quarters to try to help make it easier for me to clean. I had been putting off the project because I didn't want to change things too soon after Oslo and Abbygayle joined the angels. It has been almost 15 months since Oslo joined the angels, and almost 11 months since Abbygayle joined him. I knew it would be a major undertaking, and the adrenalin was pumping strong to give me the strength I needed to do the "major" part of the project. But when I got finished with "phase 1" the adrenalin was still pumping - - hence the temporary insomnia. I made it through work yesterday and last night I slept straight through the night. I worked on "phase 2" when I got home from work today, but it was not quite as physically demanding as Monday's project. I'm not a "spring chicken" anymore, and if in the future I want to make any "major" changes I will definitely need to call someone to help me.

Noah kept me company as I worked on "phase 2" this evening, supervising everything I was doing. He is my precious jewel. Right now he's snuggled next to me as I'm writing to you tuckered out from all the activity. I still have some laundry to put in the dryer and then I'm calling it a day.

Juturna, thank you so much again for your thoughtful note. I'm sure Oslo and your precious Victoria are comparing "notes" on their therapy work, and are the best of friends. I hope you are doing well this evening. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Juturna.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

I love how your precious Oslo would greet women with a kiss on their hand, and how sweet that he would turn to you for approval. Loosing Oslo and then Abbygayle only 4 months later must have been so extremely difficult and painful. The depth of these losses has created an even greater vessel in you to contribute to and nurture others.

My hope is that my beautiful Victoria is friends with your handsome Oslo now. He may be able to teach her the quiet virtues of old manners, something my extroverted girl had little time for in her earthly life. Victoria worked the room when I had group therapy sessions. And in individual sessions, she could lower the defenses of even my most macho male clients with her vibrant tail wagging and requests to be touched. Whenever anyone cried, Victoria would try to comfort them. I have the feeling that Oslo was a pro at that, as well.

Rearranging furniture is a big project. I'm glad your precious Noah is by your side. Hope you have a peaceful night.

With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most thoughtful note. I'm sure my Oslo and your precious Victoria are the best of friends -- for Oslo is definitely a "ladies' man" with his sweet laid back Lab persona. I can just see your Victoria making the rounds to each and every participant in the group sessions - - leaving no one out, giving each one her individual attention as she knew they needed. Our beloved companions and assistants do touch even the most "macho" of hearts - - hearts that have been labeled "incorrigible" by humans in their lives. Prisons who have incorporated AAT and canine training into their programs - - for appropriate inmates - - have noticed a significant reduction of individual and prison-wide inappropriate behaviors. Isn't it amazing how our four-footed helpmates can make such a magnificient impact where all the human-based services have failed?

The gentlemen are here today upgrading my security system - - bringing me into the 21st Century with coverage. Since I don't have a car payment at the moment I am using the funds from what was my monthly car loan to finally get caught up on projects that were put aside. The upgrade is less expensive that the original cost of putting in the system almost 15 years ago, so that part is very helpful. And it was in anticipation of this that also prompted the current
"phase 1 and 2" projects.

I hope life is treating you kindly today, Juturna, and thank you again so much for sharing your precious Victoria with us, and for sharing my Oslo with me. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, just stopping by to share some special time with you, my son. As you know I have been working very hard on rearranging some things and am finally enjoying getting my feet and legs elevated and resting for the rest of the afternoon and evening. Today I was able to have the security system updated, and one of the technicians asked about some of the monitoring on the system. I told him that some of it was installed because at one point in time I had a large fur family and needed to keep watch on them while they were outside, particularly you, my handsome man. But now that I just have Noah, some of the monitoring stations can be discontinued and I gave him instructions on that. It was really hard talking about it, but now that everything is done and I'm writing to you I feel the tears in my eyes rolling down my cheeks - - just another "step" in the grief journey coming to terms with Noah's and my "reality" of not having you, your little kitty brother Eli, and your beautiful kitty sister Abbygayle here. The technician was very kind and sympathethic, and I managed to talk to him without breaking down, - - thank goodness. Now it's nice to be able to let my guard down and share this with you and others on this forum who can understand what I'm feeling.

I took the double mattress back upstairs. I'm planning on turning one of the upstair's bedrooms into one for me as an alternate if / when I can no longer be here in our basement living quarters, and that has been part of the "project" undertakings. My precious son, I am so o o o o glad I was able to finish off the basement and be blessed with your precious presence. It was well worth the money invested - - every bit of it, my love. It was much easier on you being down here in the basement living quarters than living upstairs with the hardwood floors, and it was much easier on me taking care of you, too. My handsome man, you are forever in my heart - - always a heartbeat close to me. I do miss wrapping my arms around you, feeling you lick my legs after a shower while I'm trying to put body lotion on (thank goodness it is aloe and oatmeal based!!!), always having you by my side. I love you my son - - with all my heart. Please give Eli and Abbygayle a hug and kiss for me and Noah, my love - - my handsome man, my precious boy, my sunshine child - -

Eternally yours,
mom

Hi moon_beam,

I've just replied to your post on my thread, and you've answered most of the questions I asked there, in your post to your darling Oslo. I can certaintly understand how difficult it must have been for you to make those changes in the basement, as well as explaining your current situation to the technicians. Just know, moon_beam, that your Oslo is very proud of you for being able to overcome these difficulties. He was right there with you the whole time -- thinking about the memories as you moved things -- giving you a gentle nudge to have a little break when he thought you were over-doing it. But he was also wishing for your heart not to be sad as he is with you always, anywhere, no matter how the surroundings change. Though I still do understand all too well how you miss his physical presence, along with his fur-siblings.

I am with Oslo in hoping that you don't "over-do" things. I hope you have a long, well-derserved rest, cuddled up to Noah. Have a peaceful evening, moon_beam, and I hope you feel Oslo's comforting spirit close to you.

Sending you hugs and well-wishes,
Your friend, Cheryl xx

Just want you to know that I'm thinking of you Dear Moonbeam. Today must have been very hard for you, but as Cheryl says so well, your precious Oslo and all your fur Angels are with you constantly, wherever you are.
Please take care of yourself and give Noah a hug from me please.

Love Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

Hi, Cheryl, thank you so much for your gentle, thoughtful, kind note. Noah is snuggled next to me as I'm writing to you, thankful all the activity of the day is over with. Thank you for your validation, my friend. When Oslo and I began living together the basement living quarters was still "under construction" so he had the upstairs hardwood floors to contend with - - it's not easy getting a "grip" walking on hardwood floors. Plus the only access he had to the fenced in yard was through the garage, and I didn't want him going through the garage to get outside to enjoy his fenced in yard as well as to take care of personal needs. Here in the basement living quarters I could open the side door and he had a doggie door that took him right outside into his fenced in back yard - - safely, easily, smoothly - - and which of course Eli, Noah, and Abbygayle learned how to use his doggie door, too - - bless their little hearts - - much to my consternation!!!

I'm still paying off the loan for finishing off the basement, and will be for several years to come, but it is worth every penny - - and until his last two years of life he had full access to the upstairs as well - - but that stopped when he could no longer manage the stairs.

There are so many wonderful memories I have and I am thankful I have you, along with each of our wonderful friends on this forum, to share them with. Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing them with me.

I hope you, Franky, Freddy, and your fiance have a very peaceful evening blessed with your precious Daisy's sweet Living Spirit presence. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and look forward to knowing how things are going with you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Jan, thank you so much for your very kind and comforting note. It is evening here, now. Noah has had his dinner and is doing a spit and polish "spruce up" here next to me as I'm writing to you. I spent the day here in the basement living quarters with him knowing that he would be very stressed by the strangers in the house. He has done his "security walk through" making sure that everything is as it is supposed to be, and I am looking so forward to finishing up the evening chores in a little bit and snuggling down with him for the evening.

I hope life is treating you, Pixie, and all of your family kindly, Jan. It is always good hearing from you, and thank you so much for sharing my Oslo and furkids with me. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how things are going for you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon-beam,

Re-arranging the basement living quarters and having the security system updated are changes filled with emotion for you; You had a draining few days with this project. I trust that you are taking care of yourself. How beautiful it was that you had converted the basement to make it easier for your precious Oslo. He must have loved it. I believe your handsome son was with you today watching, encouraging, and sending you his loving kisses.

I so understand how you miss wrapping your arms around your precious Oslo. Every day I miss holding my beautiful Victoria. And how sweet that he used to lick you after your shower.

Hope you have a peaceful night's sleep, Moon_beam, with Noah by your side. (And glad to know that Noah is protecting you with his security walk.)

With serenity and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your comforting and thoughtful note. Yes I must confess this week has been one filled with many changes, and I must confess I am both physically and emotionally exhausted from it. I'm looking forward to a very low key weekend just chilling with my precious Noah and doing as little as possible. I am happy with the way all the furniture is placed now - - it's more functional for starters. And it has also helped to give a "new look" without drastically disturbing familiar surroundings. So, the major goal was accomplished. Noah has adjusted to the furniture rearrangements very nicely, for which I am very thankful.

There is a saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" and this is certainly true with our beloved companions. Our hearts know what we are missing when our beloved companions precede us to the angels, and although the pain of our deep grief does ease with the passage of time, nothing ever really takes away the ache that is in our hearts as we long to hold our precious companions just more time - - to be with them just one more hour, one more day - - one more lifetime. The good news is that when we are reunited with them at our appropriate time it will be in eternal joy - - no more separation, no more tears of sorrow - - only eternal happiness. I am at an age now where I find great comfort in this. But for now - - my earthly journey continues and I am honored to have my precious Noah sharing the journey with me, and take great comfort having my precious Oslo's, Eli's, Abbygayle's, and all of my beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits with me as well.

Thank you again, Juturna, for your thoughtful and comforting note. I hope this weekend will be kind to you, and that you will be blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit close to you, embracing you with the warmth of her eternal love.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon-beam,

Glad that you going to take it easy this weekend as it sounds as though it was an exhausting week. And the fact that Noah is adjusting to the changes is positive.

Yes, I too am at an age where there is comfort in knowing one day we will be reunited with our beloved animal companions. I love the letter you wrote yesterday to your precious Oslo, your sunshine boy. It brought tears to my eyes.

I hope you will have a peaceful weekend with Noah by your side.
With serenity and gratitude,
Juturna

moon-beam,

Just wanted to stop by and let you know I am thinking about you. You have had several losses in the not so distant past. Glad you have Noah with you to snuggle with. I was worried the other day that you over did things with the basement but glad you are getting things together and your security system updated.

You have been such a comfort to me when I have come here to cry every night. I really appreciate everyone here but you never fail to respond when one of us needs a comforting word. Please be good to yourself and enjoy the weekend.

Joanne

Hi, Juturna and Joanne, thank you very much for your most welcome and thoughtful notes. Did I say something about this weekend being "low key"??? Well - - today is very low key. Still working on re-arranging some things in the basement living quarters and shifting things for my "alternate" bedroom upstairs. The builder of this house made the doorways to the bedrooms upstairs very narrow. For instance, the doorway to the upstairs master bedroom isn't wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, nor the master bedroom bathroom. And although the master bedroom bathroom has a shower stall, it is so small that there is very little room for a shower chair AND a human body occupying it at the same time. There was only one bedroom that I could have the doorway widened, and that was done about 5 years or so ago. The second upstairs bathroom can be "renovated" - - by putting in a shower stall in place of the existing bath tub which I would eventually like to do. But it is usable with a shower chair as it currently is. I am so o o glad that I was able to plan the finishing of the basement living quarters as I do have a full bath with an extra wide access door and a full sized shower stall which is so o o o o very nice.

Yesterday morning Noah and I woke up to a power failure here, and there really wasn't anything to "distract" me from pursuing my "re-arranging" project, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself NOT to do anything. The "worker bee" in me won out, and so yesterday was another "labor day" moving some things around. Actually it went easier than I thought it would, and I am quite pleased with the results. And by the time that I got through the most of it the power was back on and I did enjoy a nice long hot shower yesterday evening. As always there is the "tweeking" of things which will get done through the course of time. However, today Noah and I are "sacking out" together and enjoying every minute of it. I'm sure my Noah is really wondering "hey, mom, remember you moved that over there in that corner a couple of years ago - - so why are you moving it back to the other corner now? And hey mom, you moved that bookcase upstairs a couple of years ago, and now you're bringing it back down???!!! Are you sure about this? And - - what's with the sofa - - again - - a few years ago you moved it over to the computer area and now you're moving it back to the windows? Gee whiz, mom - - haven't you got anything better to do - - like sit down and rub my tummy?"

Oh me, well, I do believe the worst part of this "re-arranging" project is over with, now, thank goodness, and Noah IS getting LOTS of tummy rubs today which feels so good to the both of us -- I love running my fingers and hands through his soft fur. He is taking a nap stretched out next to me as I'm writing to you, and it feels so nice to have his sweet precious body up against my tired legs.

It's kind of a hard "adjustment" recognizing that my "re-arranging" efforts now are in direct reverse of previous years' activities to accommodate a full household of furkids. There was no way that four furkids could have comfortably lived upstairs, nor could I have comfortably and properly taken care of them upstairs. The basement living quarters was specifically designed to help me with my physical challenges AND for the comfort and well being of my fur family. Now that I am several years older and am noticing the ongoing physical challenges that accompany both age as well as a result of tbe injuries I sustained 25.5 years ago, the "practical" side of me is recognizing the need to prepare for "what eventually will need to be", so it is better to start that process now rather than to wait to do it when the need is at hand. Noah seems to be sensing this, too, as yesterday he joined me in the upstairs "alternate"
bedroom while I did some straightening up in there - - actually changing out the bookcase for the folding table I took upstairs and then bringing the bookcase downstairs. It's nice having his precious presence here to help me through this "adjustment" "re-arranging" activity, and to know that he's basically okay with it.

I hope this weekend, this day, is being kind to each of you. It's getting time to get Noah his afternoon snack and my lunch, which means that I have to get up and move around - - which isn't a bad thing but getting started is really slow today. Thank you so much, Juturna and Joanne, for checking in on me, and for your cherished friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

I'm so glad that you are pleased with the results of your re-arranging, and that you took care of yourself today by having at least one restful day. When the physical environment is shifted, it is an adjustment. And it also can make you even more aware of not having some of your beloved fur companions.

Starting the process of change early to accommodate anticipated physical needs later sounds wise, even though it's a lot of work. And it is never an easy task if we have physical challenges. Having your precious Noah by your side sounds very comforting. And to know that he's OK with the change must be reassuring. I trust he is protecting you, and your fur angels are watching over you.

Hope your sleep is peaceful tonight. And I thank you, as well, for your trusted friendship.

With serenity and gratitude,
Juturna