To my friends here at Lightning-Strike. I know I haven't been around much the last 6 months. In July my 6 year old beautiful kitty daughter, Abbygayle, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Fibrosarcoma. The tumor was removed from her left hip on July 15. On September 27, she had three new tumor nodules removed, and on Wednesday, December 9, she will be examined by her doctor to determine if new tumors are developing. So far her doctor has been able to spare amputating her leg, but each surgery brings this closer to reality. And surgery is dependent upon making sure that the cancer has not metastasized to her lungs. When that happens, it will be comfort measures until it is time to ease her journey to the angels. In September, my handsome 14 year old Black Lab, Oslo, was diagnosed with Adinocarcinoma in a salivary gland on the right side of his neck. Because of his advanced age and other medical issues including Laryngeal Paralysis he was not a candidate for surgery. There were other considerations as well because the tumor was already involved with major blood vessels he could have died on the operating table in the process of trying to remove the tumor. If he survived the surgery, he could have been left with facial paralysis or paralysis of his tongue, etc. None of these would have been fair to him. He made it to his 15 th birthday on November 15, and we shared a good Thanksgiving together. On Sunday, November 29, it was obvious that he had suffered a stroke. A veterinary friend of ours came to the house and eased his journey to the angels. Needless to say this has been a very hard week, and today - - being the first anniversary of his passing - - is being incredibly difficult to get through. I am so glad he is once again able to hold his head and tail high and proud healed and restored to his youthfulness in God's loving comforting Presence. But right now the pain of his absence - - - both physical and emotional - - is very hard. I know what I am feeling is normal, and that in time it will transition to being less painful. But right now, my friends, it is very hard. I wanted you to know that I have not been ignoring you all these weeks. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you who are going through the painful transitions in your lives adjuting to the physical absence of your beloved companions. Hopefully in the coming weeks I will once again be able to join back in offering comfort to each of you. I feel very connected to you for we share a bond with our fur and feathered children - - of every life form - - that goes to our very core of being. And I sincerely thank you for your thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. They mean more to me than words can say.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Oh Moonbeam, what a dreadful time you've been having. Your darling Oslo, is free from his suffering now and will be watching over you and your Kitty Abbygayle. Please know that my love, prayers and thoughts are with you.

I read the poem that you posted on here last year. Its very beautiful and meant a lot to me, as still suffering so much from my darling girl Noushka leaving me 3 months ago.

Thinking of you.

Hugs
Jan and my Angel girls xx

(((MoonBeam))))...words can't express how much my heart goes out to you..I lost Brutus, my 13 yr old black lab..and soulmate..on Nov.16. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks for me. Brutus had a stroke as well...and laryngeal paralysis. His arthritis was so bad he could hardly stand at times...he had survived cancer twice..siezures..and other complications at times in his life. I know too well how much pain you are in...as do others here.

It is the hardest thing I ever had to go through. Oslo and Brutus are running together now free of all pain. Two black labs romping in the fields..I know there is no better sight.

Sending prayers for Abbygale.

Hugs to you,
Brutus' Mom

Hi, Janika and Brutus' Mom. Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses. Jan, I am so glad that you found the poem I posted comforting to you, and I hope you were able to print a copy of it to keep. Please feel free to do so, but if you have trouble doing that, please let me know and I will e-mail you a copy of it if you'd like me to. Please accept my sincerest and deepest sympathies in each of your losses, and please know you are close in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dearest Moon Beam, I'm so very sorry to hear about all this. How terrible for you. My deepest sympathies and condolences. Please know that you, Abbygayle and your Angel Fur Kid Oslo are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'll be lighting candles for them and you, too.



Winging many Angels to soothe and guide you through this most difficult time in your life.

Many Comforting Hugs!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

My heart goes out to you moon_beam, I know first hand how devastating it is when a loved one like Oslo passes. You have certainly had your share of sadness over the past few months and I hope Abbygayle receives a favourable report on the 9th. She isn't a very old kitty, only six, it's a real shame. Hugs.

madi xx

Hi, Dottie and Madie, thank you so much for your thoughtful comfort. I have often found myself wondering whatever on earth I could say to my friends here on Lightning Strike who are going through their grief journey to help comfort them. It's comforting to be able to share our hearts with others who truly do understand how painful it is to lose a beloved companion, and not having to feel that we need to make apologies for our feelings. Your friendship is a huge comfort to me. Madi, please accept my sincerest and heartfelt sympathies in your loss as well. Please know that each response will be printed and become a permanent part of my Oslo's memorial scrapbook. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dear friends, just checking in with you to let you know that life here is moving forward one day at a time. Some days are easier than others. The holidays have been a challenge to get through, and now we are beginning another year. This is one of the difficult days - - to start another year without Oslo's sweet precious physical presence here. I have slowly been putting some of things away in storage. I have been working on his scrapbook updating it, etc., and that has been helpful. Keeps me focused on his life. I ask you to please continue to keep my little family in your thoughts and prayers. And please know each of you are in mine.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I know what you mean, Christmas just wasn't the same without my Brutus...but yes, life does go on...even though it's not always the best days. Hoping you have a great new year and Abbygale is doing well.



Hugs to you and Oslo,
Brutus' Mom

Here is another Moon beam....look I think it's Oslo and Brutus! They found each other at the bridge!

Hi, Sonya, thank you so much for your wonderful comforting words and pictures. I do believe Oslo and Brutus are the best of buddies - - what a wonderful image!! Thank you so much for your most comforting responses. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon BeaM--

Thank you so much for coming back to give comfort to all of us. I really believe that that is one of the main functions that this Forum serves--to allow us to give as well as receive, just as we did, and do, with our four-leggeds. Attending to the needs of others makes us feel useful, and we really need that in our times of loss. I've been so happy, personally, to rceive your supportive posts.

Many blessings to you--Margi and The Wolf

My dear Lightning Strike Friends,
Here is a picture of my distinguished gentleman, Oslo. This was taken during the summer of 2007 - - he was 13.5 years old then. I hope you will enjoy it. When I adopted him from Guiding Eyes for the Blind in 1998, I gave him the Middle Name of "Malcolm" which honored his career as a Special Needs Guide Dog. His second career was as my Animal Assisted Therapy Partner - - and what a joy he was to many people who had an opportunity to meet him and spend some time with him. He had a very calming presence about him - - and he is greatly missed.



Click to view attachment








Thank you for sharing him with me, and please know each of you are always close in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Oh that face! What a sweet sweet boy. I know you miss that face dearly!
-Donna

Hi, Donna,
Yes, I do miss him a great deal. It's hard losing both him and Abbygayle within 4 months of each other. Thank you so much for sharing my fur babies with me. It means a lot to me. And your picture of Frasier and Niles for your avatar is GREAT!! Thank you so much for sharing your furbabies with us, Donna. Thank you so much for your comforting support and friendship.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Such a handsome guy! You were a lucky, lucky Mom!!!

Ginger

Hi, Ginger, thank you so much, and all my dear Lightning Strike Friends. Yes, indeed, I was very blessed to have him in our journey together on this side of eternity. We were together for 11 years and 2 weeks. We adopted one another on his 4th birthday, November 15, 1998. He was born at the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Breeding facility in 1994, and after he successfully completed his "Good Dog Manners" training with his puppy raisers, he was selected to be trained as a Special Needs Guide Dog for a lady who had other physical challenges in addition to vision loss. As happens sometimes with matches, this one did not fully bond, so Oslo was returned to his Alma Mater for evaluation for re-training for another partner. It was decided that it would take too long to re-train him for someone else in comparison to what his active working career would be. So, he was given an "early retirement." I was contacted by my friends at Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Adoption Center because they felt that Oslo would be a "perfect fit" for me. He was gift to me from them as I had needed to send my lifetime canine companion of 15 years and 8 months to the angels in March 1998 - - he had been a gift to me from my mom. So, Oslo and I met one another in November 1998, and we decided we would give it a "go." And he truly was a "miracle" from the very beginning. He had such a comforting, reassuring presence about him, and all of his kitty siblings who joined the household after him loved him - - never ever was afraid of him, even though he was considerably bigger than they were. He was a PERFECT Animal Assisted Therapy volunteer for 5.5 years. He is greatly missed, but I know he is now holding his head and tail high in heaven's perfect garden, and is lovingly looking after two of his kitty siblings, Eli and Abbygayle. I know he would not have been able to physically endure the winter we had this past season, but now that the weather is becoming more pleasant - - it's hard not having him here to enjoy it.

Thank you so o o o much for sharing him with me, and please know each of you are close in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, today is exactly 6 months to the date that you joined the angels. I cannot believe 6 months have gone by already. As you know so much has happened in these last months. Abbygayle is now with you and Eli, and I know she is in very good paws.

The weather has turned warmer now, and I miss you sitting by the gate watching me as I go to get the mail and come back to the house to you. I miss you, my precious Angel Bear. Although I can't physically be with you right now please know my heart is with you always, and you are always with me in my heart and thoughts and memories.

Please give Abbygayle and Eli a speical doggie kiss from me, and give my love to my other furkids who are also with you in heaven's perfect garden.

I love you my precious Oslo. I love you.

Always and forever,
Mom

Gee, Moon Beam, Oslo and my black lab Poppers passed on right around the same time. Poppers' six-month anniversary is June 13th. I know I rarely say much about Poppers, but that's not because I didn't love her madly. It's just that Ladywolf's cancer took such priority so quickly...

Oslo sure was a handsome, hardworking, dedicated boy. How wonderful that he got to live a life of service, instead of just lying around!

Big hugs--Margi and Wonderwolf

Hi, Margi, thank you so much for your comforting thoughts. I too know what you have been going through with having to focus on Ladywolf's health needs so soon after your precious Poppers' passing. I had the same with Abbygayle, for 12 days after Oslo's passing Abbygayle underwent her third and last surgery for recurring malignant tumors on her hip. Although I grieved Oslo's absence I had to put Abbygayle's needs first, and the last three months I have felt like I have been grieving for the both of them, a double-whammy so to speak.

Margi, to borrow, and re-phrase, a quote from the Armed Services, "they also serve who lay around." That's just about all Oslo could do for the last year of his life due to the effects of the Laryngeal Paralysis and degenerative neuropathy in his lower back and hind legs. But he still had a great appetite and enjoyed snuggles, and I did so enjoy stretching out next to him on his bed and just wrapping myself around him, brushing him, loving him.

So, whatever level of actiivity our furkids share with us, they are giving to us their all and all. And we, in turn, give them our all and all. Poppers knows that you love her and miss her. She would not have you grieving for her rather than focusing on Ladywolf's needs. She knows you carry her in your heart and memories, and she is forever with you and Ladywolf in whatever you do and wherever you go.

And she and Oslo are also together - - who knows - - perhaps sharing the sunrises and sunsets together?? He was quite the "ladies' man" during his journey here with me. He used to kiss the women's hands that he visited like in the days of chivalry when gentlemen kissed a woman's hand. Some folks asked me if I was ever jealous of the affection he showed to the people he visited, and I said "no, because I'm the one he sleeps with at night." You should have heard the laughter that comment evoked!

There are so many wonderful memories I have with him, that still bring a misty teart o my eyes and a quiver of the chin, but it is so comforting to be able to share him with you and everyone else on this wonderful forum, for I know I am sharing my heart with kindred spirits.

Thank you again so much, Margi, for your comforting thoughts and comments. They truly mean a lot to me. Please know you and Ladywolf are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moonbeam, your note to Oslo was so sweet. I read what you and Margi were saying about caring for one and not being able to grieve the other. And I said outloud, "yes!" I know exactly how that feels. I do believe that I was able to grieve for Frasier for an adequate amount of time before we knew Niles was sick. But caring for him made me put my grief on the backburner a bit. Then when Niles died (it still makes me cry to even type that), I felt I'd lost Frasier all over again. But with Niles, I don't feel I've had the time to feel everything I need to feel because of Buck. I'm a little afraid of the process I will go through when he passes. I'm sure it will be a range of emotions.
-Donna

Hi, Donna, thank you so much for your comforting thoughts. Sometimes I still feel like I'm in a state of shock over the events that have occurred. It is hard when your heart wants and needs to grieve a loss but the reality is that your energies are needed to stay focused with another companion in need. Emotions do get suppressed, and eventually those emotions need to be reconciled.

Please know, Donna, that we are here for you to help you through whatever you need. If I know Oslo he is also looking after your precious Frasier and Niles. It wouldn't surprise me one little bit to have them snuggled down next to him. He is a gentle soul, and I hope that vision in your mind can bring some comfort to your heart.

I hope you and Buck will have a peaceful evening, Donna. Please know you and Buck are close in my thoughts and prayers, and I will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My darling Oslo, today is your 7 month anniversary of being with the angels. My handsome man, I get these visions of you standing so tall and strong on your legs, legs that were weak and failing you more and more during your time with me on this side of eternity - - and holding your head and tail so high and proud - - a tail that was too weak to do much of anything but droop, although you still managed a wag or two now and then while you were still with me.

Seeing you in this vision fills my heart with joy, but my eyes still well with tears, a lump still comes to my throat, and there is still a quiver to my chin because I miss your sweet physical presence with me. But through this I can now once again smile because I know you are where you can be the precious Oslo you always were with me during our journey on this side of eternity - - but strong and happy and healthy before the effects of age and illness overcame your physical body. As I look through your pictures and see the transformation of the years my heart leaps with joy that you are now free from the *** of your failing physical body. My handsome man, it's hard - - that's true - - but my love for you - - and with you - - is no longer confined to the *** of time and space of this physical life that I still travel, and more and more I find this comforting. And I do have the hope that one day, at my appropriate time, I will be reunited with you in eternal joy, and that, my precious one, fills my heart with great anticipation.

Noah is a precious soul, and I am grateful for his comforting presence. But he isn't you, he can't take your place, and I know that's okay - - for the opposite is true as well - - no one can take Noah's precious unique place in my heart and life.

My handsome man, I love you - - always and forever. There will always be a part of me that will miss you until we are reunited again in eternal joy. But knowing that you are being taken care of by the angels now does fill my heart and mind with a welcome peace. I love you, my Oslo. Please give Eli and Abbygayle hugs and kisses from me, give them my love as well - - along with all of my beloved companions who you now know and enjoy good company.

And Oslo, - - always remember - - you are tenderly wrapped in eternal love in my heart and memories wherever I go and whatever I do. It is comforting to have the blessing of your Sweet Living Spirit with me at all times and in all circumstances.

My love to you awlays,
mom

Moonbeam, all I can say is I'm hugging you in my mind. Your letter is just precious.
-Donna

Hi, Donna, our song was Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love." Each of my furkids and I had our individual songs. It was the final instrumental to his memorial video. Every time I think of him, gently unfold our memories here in my heart, and look at his pictures I find myself falling in love with him all over again. He had such a gentle way about him - - as Black Labs do - - but his, of course - - was special to me.

Thank you for sharing my Oslo with me, Donna. I know he and your Buck are good friends, too, and that brings a smile to my heart and face.

I hope you and your husband will have a peaceful evening, Donna, and please know you are close in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hugs to you Moonbeam, I know how hard the anniversaries are.

Sonya

Hi, Sonya, thank you so much for your thoughtful and comforting encouragement. Yesterday was kind of a challenge. It has been so unrelentingly hot here in Virginia, and I know my handsome man would not be physically comfortable - in fact I know he would probably be struggling to be able to breathe because of the Laryngeal Paralysis. The last two summers were also hot, but I managed to keep him comfortable. However, I firmly believe he would not have survived through this heat, and I'm grateful that he is free from the debilitation of his physical body.

Sonya, please know you are close in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you again so much for thinking of me.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon Beam,

Just checking in to say hello, and to see if you're feeling any better today? The 'anniversarys' are so hard, aren't they?

Also, I just wanted to say thank you. You have been such a great help and source of comfort to me since I joined this forum. I don't know what I would have done without your kind, wise words. Thank you so much.

And what can I say about your precious Oslo? Handsome just doesn't do him justice Such a beautiful, proud boy. And proud mama. Moon Beam, I'm glad you still feel him close to you. He IS still with you, and always will be.

Big hugs -- Cheryl xx

Hi, Cheryl, thank you so much for your thoughtful, comforting encouragement, and thank you for checking in on me. Today is a better day. I think one of the reasons why this particular anniversary of Oslo's has hit a bit harder is because it's so close to the 6 month anniversary of when a very dear friend of mine - - younger than I - - joined the angels. Her birthday is July 4, this weekend coming, and I miss her very much, too. It's comforting to know that she, too, is now at peace from the ravages of cancer, and she loves all creatures, too. So I know Oslo is keeping her company along with all of our precious beloved companions along with the ones she personally had during her journey on this side of eternity.

Cheryl, I hope today is a good day for you, as well. Thank you again so much for thinking of me, and please know you are close in my thoughts and prayers as well.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moonbeam,

Catching up with you and others. 7 months is a drop in the bucket compared to your time and love spent with Oslo. You said that July 4th is the anniversary of the passing of another. July 14, 1994 was when I got Kota, at a ranch where she was 10 months old. The people there said she didn't like people, but when I saw her I knew she just needed attention and affection. I spent 2 hours trying to decide whether to take her. A friend who was with me said, "There is no perfect decision." I decided to take her...it was the perfect decision. I'm sure that Oslo was the perfect decision for you, and you for Oslo. I sure wish there was a way to turn back time. You always come across as so sure and positive of our loved ones being with and becoming angels. I hope I can aspire to and believe in that someday. Peace to you.

Dennis

Hi Moon Beam-

What a precious letter you wrote to your Oslo. You are SO articulate and your language is so loving, I don't think that any of us here can match it. You are a truly unique and gifted human being...and so, of course, you would have a unique and gifted dog! To have a service dog--what a gift!

You and Noah also seem to have a special relationship. As you say, he's not Oslo--but he shouldn't be, he's a kitty! I know how much time and attention you give to him, and I applaud you for that. He's a very lucky cat!

Much much love to you, one of the most generous people I have ever met--

Margi and Spiritwolf

Hi, Dennis and Margi. Thank you so much for your very thoughtful and comforting encouragement. Yes, Dennis, I do firmly believe with all my heart that our beloved companions do have a perfect garden to go to when their physical journey on this side of eternity is completed. Our companions are the innocents of this life, so it is only fitting that they should have a place of eternal peace and joy to go to.

Well, Margi, I did take a lot of writing courses which tremendously helped me on those essay tests while I was in school. Having an introverted personality - - which turns a lot of people off including members of my own family - - writing is also the best way I have of sharing my heart with those who are open to me. Because of the head injury from the automobile collision I have difficulty sometimes thinking of the words that I want to write. So writing takes me a lot longer now. So, I guess it's a good thing I'm not a writer by profession. I am thankful for this Forum where I can share my heart with my furkids - - and others who are graciously open to whatever I may try to share with them.

Thank you both very much for your most kind and caring thoughts. I hope today is being a good day for the both of you, and please know the both of you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

hi moon beam, the anniversaries are quite emotional i know , sometimes its feels like just yesterday when our best friends where whit us with us,and yet so long ago at the same time.thinking of them every day and trying to continue on not easy ,hope your doing ok with it all ,how much we cared for them and loved them,they will always be in our hearts ,some days are harder then others but we still try our best not easy but we try ,take care and be well , Thanks jay

Hi, Jay, thank you so much for your very thoughtful and caring encouragement. You are so right about the anniversaries, Jay. It doesn't matter if it has been one month, one year, 10 years, - - or however long since the passing of our beloved companions to heaven's perfect garden. From my own personal experience I think sometimes the anniversaries are harder when we have other "stuff" in our lives that are not going so well. Why? Because our beloved companions always provide us comfort and companionship regardless of the circumstances we are in at any given time, and particularly when life is not treating us very kindly - - we could always count on them to be on "our side". We could curl up with their sweet precious bodies next to us and everything just seemed to be "right" again. That's one of the many reaons why the grief journey is so hard - - the physical absence our precious companions. It's a "lifetime adjustment" for us as we continue our journey on this side of eternity, and this is one of the many many many many reasons why - - some days are easier than others.

Thank you so much, Jay, for your comforting encouragement. I do so hope that life is treating you kindly, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, today is your 9 month anniversary of joining the angels and wonderful company of all the precious companions of friends here on the L S forum. I have been reading through this memorial post, through all the loving responses, and my eyes still fill with tears, but they're not just sad tears anymore - - they are also mixed with gratefulness -- for the comfort I have received here and for the opportunity to share you with others who truly do understand how much you are loved and the challenge of some days being easier than others to not having your precious physical presence here with me.

Oslo, honey, this summer has been so very incredibly hot, and I know you would not have been able to endure the 100 plus degree temperatures with combined 100 plus degree heat indices - - not even just to go out and take care of essentials. I am so oo o glad you are where you can romp and play and breathe - - without struggling anymore - - with all of your new friends, and with Samson, Eli, Abbygayle, and all of mommy's precious companions through her life.

My love, of course there are things that I wish I could have done differently - - times I wish I could have been a better mommy for you - - circumstances that I wish I could have changed for you. It’s part of loving you, my love - - lessons of time and experience. As I said to you frequently during our journey together I wish we could have talked to each other in a common language so that you could have told me what you needed and how I could be a better mommy for you. My love, I thank you for your loving forgiveness of the times that I know I didn’t meet all of your needs as you needed them, and when you needed them. Thank you for loving me in spite of my mere human shortcomings. Thank you for teaching me what is really important during our journey together. Thank you for your patience while I learned the lessons you taught me - - as I am still learning them, my love, through the precious memories I have of you in my heart. Thank you for touching my life and my heart, my love - - for loving me truly and deeply.

My darling sweet boy, my handsome man, please know you are always close in my heart and my memories. You are forever with me, my precious boy, and I look forward to seeing you again someday - - when it’s my appropriate time to join you and all of my precious babies in heaven’s perfect garden. Until then, my love, I am comforted by your sweet Living Spirit, I am blessed with knowing that I am forever your mom - - that I will always have the honor and privilege of having taken care of you and loving you during your journey on this side of eternity. I am comforted in knowing that our love continues on - - that it is not confined to the physical laws of time and space. I love you, my Oslo - - it’s all my heart wants to say over and over and over - - I love you, my Oslo, my precious boy, my handsome man - - I love you - -

Always and forever,
Mom

What a beautiful letter to Oslo. Very touching...you are a great Mom to Oslo. And you are such a wonderful help to everyone here on the forum....thankyou for all your wonderful replies and caring responses to me and others.

Hugs friend and sweet dreams of your beautiful boy Oslo,
Brutus' Mom

Hi, Sonya, thank you so much for sharing this anniversary with me and Oslo. I absolutely LOVE the picture that Dottie put on your post of Brutus fishing. That is so o o o wonderful!!! From what Oslo's puppy raiser shared with me, Oslo so enjoyed visiting the creek on their property during the summer months, so I hope that both Oslo and Brutus are thoroughly enjoying the gentle creeks and bubbling brooks in heaven's perfect garden.

I hope you are having a good weekend, Sonya, and that you will have a very enjoyable vacation. I look forward to hearing from you whenever possible, to sharing how you are doing, and please know that you are close in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moonbeam, thank you for your letter to your precious Oslo. It was heart-warming to read. I know it helps me to write to the boys. Even though I talk to them all day in my head, it's nice to put the words down in "print".
Thank you again for sharing a part of your relationship with Oslo with us. I hope you have a good day today.
-Donna

moon_beam,

Your letter to your precious Oslo made me cry -- but in a good way -- it's so beautiful and touching. I know your Oslo is hearing your words, and thinking that he wouldn't have changed a single day with you, and that you're the best mummy a boy could ever ask for. He is sending you kisses, and hoping that you know how much he loves you too.

Thank you so much for sharing, moon_beam.

Sending you hugs, Cheryl xx

Dear Donna and Cheryl, thank you so much for sharing Oslo's 9 month anniversary with me. Yes, Donna, I, too, talk to all my precious ones all the time -- including while I'm driving, especially Oslo, because he went with me for several years for AAT visits and accompany me with errands, etc.. I still have his mattress in the van set up just as it always was. I just can't bring myself to change that yet. It helps me to feel him with me while I'm driving.

And thank you, Cheryl, for your comforting encouragement. It does help to write out my feelings, as you know from your beautiful letters to your precious Daisy. It's the only testament to our life together that I can give him, for now.

Thank you, Donna and Cheryl, for being here with me. I hope life is treating you both kindly today, and please know you both are frequently in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon Beam

What a loving letter to your Oslo. He IS lucky to have a mom as wonderful as you. I too still have Daisy's car seat in the back seat of my truck. Something tells me I will have it back there for a long time...like you said... it helps me feel her too.

Thank you for sharing your letters and thank you for all your replies to each and every one of us. Moon Beam, God sure has blessed you with just the right words to comfort us. (I will make sure to thank Him tonight in my prayers).

Lots of Hugs

Annette

Hi, Annette, thank you for your thoughtful encouragement and comfort, for sharing Oslo's anniversary with me. Thank you so very much, particularly with your loss still being so recent. I can so well imagine how challenging the days must still be for you.

Annette, I am glad that I can offer you and all of our fellow forum friends some comfort in the midst of your sorrow and grieving. It is helpful to know we are not alone in our grief journey - - that we do have a place to come where people will genuinely understand what we're feeling and why.

Thank you again, Annette, for being here for me and Oslo. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope life is treating you kindly through the days, and I do look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon Beam,
I first would like to say thank you so much for your post. Although you are going through your own grieving journey you still had the time to post such lovely words that brought tears to my eyes for my loss of Lukas. I found your words comforting as I read your post and I hope that I can do the same for you. I have read your anniversary postings on your beloved Oslo and they are all so beautiful. Oslo was so lucky to have had such love and care during his time here on earth with you. He was such a beautiful dog and I just wanted to say that my heart and prayers go out to you during the hard days that you may have. My deepest condolences to you and may you find and cherish all of the good memories that Oslo has given you to help you through this tough journey.

MommyLuvsULukas

Hi, MommyLuvsULukas, thank you so much for your very thoughtful and comforting encouragement. Adjusting to the physical loss of a beloved companion is a very difficult journey. It's one that we can only travel in our own way and on our own time frame, but it is one that we do not have to travel alone. Scripture tells us "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." This wonderful forum is a place where we can come to share what is in our hearts - - our broken and healing hearts - - and find the comforting encouragement we need to take another step forward in our grief journey, particularly when we feel ourselves slipping into a dark abyss of loneliness and emptiness.

MommyLuvsULukas, I'm glad I am able to offer you comfort and encouragement in this time of deep sorrow for you. Although we do not know each other through a formal face to face introduction, there are no strangers here, for we are friends held together by the universal bond of love that we share with our beloved companions. Thank you again so much, MommyLuvsULukas, for your genuine kind and thoughtful encouragement. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hello Moon_Beam

I just wanted to drop by and see how you are doing these days? I hope all is well with you and I hope that life is treating you kindly.

Sending you many warm hugs

MommyluvsuLukas

Hi, MommyluvsuLukas, thank you so much for checking in on me. This weekend has been a bit of a challenge for me. I'm still trying to reconcile how much things can change in a year's time, and the stress at work isn't helping much either. So, I guess I just needed some time to "emotionally crash".

It's hard to believe that in 6 weeks Oslo will be celebrating his one year anniversary with the angels. I can just picture the angels and all of his friends preparing a huge celebration for him - - one that he so well deserves. And Abbygayle and Eli will be sharing it with him, too.

Thank you again for checking in on me. I hope that life is treating you kindly, too.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I read about Oslo and am sorry. I really enjoyed seeing his picture. I also read about your accident and how tragic that was. Losing your mom like that...I don't know how but you are persevering and you post just beautiful, comforting words to everyone.
Thinking of you,
lammy

Hi, Lammy, thank you so much for sharing my precious Oslo with me. I can't believe that in 31 days it will be a year since he joined the angels. This Thanksgiving is going to be one of mixed emotions for both my precious little Noah and me, but we are comforted in knowing that he is happy and restored to his former youthfulness in heaven's perfect garden.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Lammy, and thank you again so much for your kind, heartfelt comfort and encouragement.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, today is another anniversary for us, and one that my heart is feeling the need to commemorate. Today is the anniversary of your earthly birthday, and if you were still physically here with me you would be 16 years old. But now, my love, earthly birthdays are no longer a part of you. You are now eternally young with the angels - - you are standing proud once again on strong legs, and your body is gleaming in the warmth of heaven's sunshine. I see you in my heart, my precious Oslo, and seeing you brings a huge smile to my heart and face. You are so handsome, my Oslo, my son.

This time last year I was so happy that you were still physically here with me. I knew every day was a bonus for us, for you were growing very tired. I could see it in your eyes, on your face, and in your body. I knew our time together was becoming more limited, and I tried to cherish every moment we had together fearing that it would be our last. Thanksgiving is just 10 days away, and it's going to be one filled with mixed emotions. For this time last year, my son, you were still with me, as was your little kitty sister, Abbygayle. Little did I know it would be the last holiday we would physically share together, for I hoped that we would also have one more Christmas together, but that was not to be. November 29 will be your one year anniversary of being with the angels, my son. But even though you are not physically here, you are here with me in spirit, my love, and I am thankful to be blessed with the many precious memories of you.

As you know autumn is here once again and the leaves are falling from the trees. The task of raking them is coming soon, a task that will continue well into next spring. I remember in your younger years how much you enjoyed walking through the leaves, shuffling your feet through them, and how you kept me company all during the many hours of raking them. The last couple of years you kept faithful company from watching me from the inside of the house because you no longer felt up to being outside, waiting patiently for me to finish up and come inside to show you the progress I had made. Now as the leaves of another season are falling, I know you will be sharing the task with me. I am thankful for the precious memories of you, my son, and for the blessing of your precious sweet Spirit forever with me.

My precious Oslo, you are forever in my heart and thoughts. I know you are enjoying faithful company with your kitty brother Eli and kitty sister Abbygayle, and all the precious angel companions in heaven's perfect garden. Knowing you are happy fills my heart with joy, my love, and I am filled with the hope of being reunited with you in eternal joy at my appropriate time. For now, though, your kitty brother, Noah, still needs me, - - our earthly journey continues filled with the gift of your precious sweet Living Spirit forever with us.

I love you my sweet boy, my handsome man, my precious son - -

Forever and all eternity,
mom

Happy Earthly Birthday to a very special, handsome boy. Continue to watch over your Mom, and send her extra love, comfort, and support. I know you already know this, dear Oslo, but your Mom is a very special lady, who has helped a lot of people with her kind, supportive words. You are lucky to have a Mom like her, as she is lucky to have a special boy like you. You should both be so proud of each other.

I hope that Heaven's Garden is full of beautiful autumn leaves for you to run through.

Love Cheryl and Angel Daisy xx