Kel, thanks for thinking of me. You are right, are days are so close together, and I think of you and Pippin when the 27th of the month comes around. Today is a difficult day for me. One year ago today was when Tina had sneezed up so much blood on the bed. I woke up around 2:30 a.m. when I heard her sneeze and snort and I asked her if she was okay. I didn't turn on the light, so I didn't see that she was sneezing up blood. I was horrified when I saw all the blood splatters in the morning and took her to the vet right away. They gave her another shot of depo-medrol and for a few days she was eating real good, but it didn't make a difference as she kept losing weight with the cancer inside of her. April 6, 2012 she was down to 7.8 pounds and on April 28 when she died she only weighed 6.8 pounds. The vet said he thought she had some kind of adenocarcinoma. Despite all that and her sneezing up blood she still wanted to go outside and it was such a nice weekend one year ago. I remember letting her outside and she rolled around on the ground and sniffed on the bushes and plants. She was so happy going outside, but she had started to hide under the bed most of the time and Mindy had taken up residence in Tina's "cat chair".

I went to the pet cemetery today to pick up the flowers and the vases. The flowers were pretty much gone, and the vases had tipped over from the high winds. I didn't stay long, because it's cold and windy out today, but it was good to visit. I sure miss my little Tina. Every time I look at her picture I miss her, and it breaks my heart to see the empty "cat chair". Tina was my "rock". She was just always there, and her calmness during storms and hurricanes helped me. It was so hard for me to see her little body waste away and her losing all that weight. She was so gaunt and frail at the end.

All those little markers (and big ones), not just the date they actually left us, still hurt so much sometimes, don't they?

*hugs* I'm so glad she had that time outside that weekend. I know how hard this is - she was your rock, and you were the love of her life.

Kelly

Kel, thanks for your kind words and for understanding how all the little and big markers can still hurt so much. Today I'm just one week away from Tina's 1-year angel-versary. I had tears in my eyes this morning when I looked at the empty cat chair and when I looked at her pictures, seeing that sweet little face with the beautiful green eyes. That sweet face is only a memory now. I can no longer hold her or see her walk downstairs. I miss her so. I loved how in her senior years she would come back to bed with me and snuggle after having a morning snack on the weekends when I slept in a bit. She was so devoted to me. I will never forget that night just a couple of days before she died. I was in bed and she laid down on my side for the longest time and just purred and purred. It's almost as if she was telling me:"I'll be going away, and I want you to know that I love you." The day I took her to the vet I had sat her carrier down on the floor to grab my coat and handbag. Mindy sat in front of the carrier and just looked at Tina, and then she put one of her paws on the carrier door, as if to say good-bye to Tina. When I saw that it broke my heart. Mindy was also grieving after Tina died. She grew very quiet and just napped a lot.

I can tell that in some ways I'm getting better and starting to enjoy life again in some small ways. Last weekend I went out and bought some flowers for planting. It gave me joy to once again plant my geraniums. Last year I didn't plant any flowers. I just didn't care. I was too depressed. This year I'm enjoying them again. But it hurts not having Tina here to observe me plant them. She was always so interested in everything that I did. It's hard for me to accept the fact that she is no longer with me. I remember how her little body still felt so warm when I carried her from the car to the preparation room of the pet cemetery, how she looked so peaceful

This has been a difficult week for me. It's as if I'm reliving the last week of Tina's life, and my heart is so heavy. Last night I cried so much, thinking of her. I held her toys in my hand and I could not stop crying. I remembered how many times I'd seen her play with these toys, her much used little crinkle ball, and the little toy elephant I had given her for our first Christmas together. Tina loved cat toys. The crinkle ball and catnip pillows were her favorites. She was so protective of her catnip pillows and would not share them with Danny. Oh, Tina was so funny. She was always good for a surprise. When I went to bed last night, my two sweet fur-covered angels laid down quietly beside me and comforted me. It's good to have Mindy and Shelley with me.

It broke my heart to see Tina go downhill so fast and to lose so much weight so quickly. To watch your beloved furry friend suffering and knowing there's not much you can do is so painful.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you're doing. As the one year angel-versary approaches it is normal for our hearts to grow heavy with grief as though it were the first moment when our beloved companion has transitioned home to the angels. And just because the calendar commemorates the one year angel-versary does not mean that our sorrow automatically and magically disappears from our hearts and lives. It simply means that we have endured through the first year of adjustment to the physical absence of our beloved companion, and that hopefully, we are beginning to find "new normals" that can bring some level of comfort and joy to our daily routines.

Please let me try to offer you some words of comfort and reassurance that your beloved Tina, and Danny, are keeping a loving vigil over you, and are smiling on your new found enjoyment with your flowers. I can just hear them say, "Look, mom's planting flowers again. YEA!!! I remember when . . . " Perhaps you can hear your beloved Tina's and Danny's soft voices in your heart telling you how happy they are for you.

DannysMom, you have experienced the physical loss of your two beloved companions in a short period of time, as well as other challenges in your life through the course of this year that have added stress to your grief journeys. Your beloved Tina and Danny are happy that this season of spring is truly one of "new beginning" for you - - and they are sharing it with you just as they always have and always will.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina, and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam, thank you for your kind words and your support. This has been a rough week for me. I have been so depressed all week and the weather didn't help. It was cool and very cloudy the day that Tina died and it rained a bit. When I sat at the vet's office waiting to be seen I could look outside and see the dark gray clouds and the trees and bushes swaying in the wind. It was a sign to me that this would not be a good visit and that today would probably be "the" day. So now 1 year has passed, and I still miss her so. I bought a single rose bouquet that I will take to the pet cemetery this afternoon. It was over so quickly for my beloved Tina. I had a few minutes alone with her after they gave her the sedative, and I held her little body on my lap in a soft blanket. Under many tears I told her what a good cat she had been and how much I love her and that she would see Danny real soon. She didn't even move on my lap. She just laid still, and then the vet came in and gave her the shot with the pink liquid. The vet listened to her heart and then she said softly:"She's gone." I've sometimes wondered what happened to Tina after that and I've tried to imagine what went on. So, to ease my pain and to make this post a bit more uplifting here is what I think went on after Tina's heart stopped.

Tina: What is happening to me? I am floating and going upwards. Who is this walking towards me? It can't be...or could it be him? Yes, yes, it is him!!! It's Danny, and he looks so young and happy!

Danny: Hello, Tina. We've been expecting you today. The angels told me this morning that you'd be here soon. Welcome to heaven, my friend.

Tina: I'm in heaven?! Wow! Uh oh...wait a minute...that means...I'm dead!

Danny: Yes. Your soul left your body and you are in heaven now. It's so good to see you again. While waiting for you I've met a wonderful Tuxedo cat named Pippin and a wonderful cat from England named Chewy. They both love to play with me and we tell each other stories about our life on earth.

Tina (looking at her right front leg): Look, my fur has grown back on my leg! It's all healed! And I feel so young again! I can breathe, and my back doesn't hurt no more!

Danny: Yes, you are free of pain and you are young again. That's how it is here in heaven. Let me show you around and introduce you to Pippin and Chewy.

Tina: Danny, wait...what about Mom? I want to see how Mom is doing.

Danny: Well, I suppose we could take a look. Come...

Tina: Danny, there she is! There's Mom!!! Hi Mom!!!!

Danny: She can't see you or hear you, Tina.

Tina: She can't? Oh no...I want her to know that I'm okay, and that we are together. Look, Danny, there she is standing there looking so sad and looking out over the marsh. I know she misses me.

Danny: Yes, she misses you. Right now her heart is broken, but Mom will join us again one day.

Tina: Danny, Mom looks so sad...I wish she could see me. Maybe if we both concentrate real hard and think of her...maybe she could feel that we're near.

Danny: We can try. Let's both think of Mom and send her loving purrs...

Tina (excitedly): Danny! Look, Mom is looking in our direction! I think she knows we're here, right above to her right! Oh, and look...I think she is smiling...

Danny: Yes, she is...I think it worked, Tina. Mom knows we're here and that we're both okay.



And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and your one year angel-versary with your beloved Tina. I know it is a moment of many mixed emotions, and ones that can enhance the deep sorrow that is still in your heart. I hope your vision of your beloved Tina and Danny enjoying heaven's perfect garden together is comforting to you.

I hope the weather is decent for you this afternoon when you visit your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, resting places. And I hope that you know we are always here for you to offer you comfort, support, and encouragement as you continue in your adjustment journey.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina, and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear DannysMom,
Just stopping by to let you know I thought of you yesterday (28th) and said a prayer for you. Take care. I know how hard it is.

Oh, Danny's Mom, I just read your imagining of how Tina's crossing to the other side went - and I am crying my eyes out for you, for her, for Danny - and you mentioned my Pippin. I like to imagine that he greeted your Tina with very enthusiastic headbutts, and being Pippin, I bet he showed her all the best spots to find heavenly nibbles!

I have been thinking of you, my friend, and I know you're hurting. I hope that tonight, as you sleep, Tina and Danny lay their sweet spirits next to you and purr, to remind you that you are loved - even from beyond death.

sher_mark, thank you so much for thinking of me and for your prayers. I'm sure it helped as it has been so hard for me to make it through her 1 year angelversary week.

Kel, thank you so much for stopping by and for reading my post. I wish I could have known your Pippin, he sounds like a wonderful kitty boy! I was smiling as I imagined him headbutting Tina. What a sweet cat! Every time I look at your Avatar picture (Pippin) I get a lump in my throat. I just really get the sense that he was loved so much and that he was very special. Such a handsome tux boy!

Alas, the cat chair (Tina's chair) is still empty. Neither Mindy nor Shelley will lay down in it. It's as if it is "sacred ground" to them.

Hi DannysMom

I feel awful i was not on here for you for your Tina's angelversary. Or the build up to it. I can imagine it has been pretty tough and i just want you to know you and Tina and Danny for that matter are always in my thoughts especially when i think of Chewy.

You have just had me in tears with your post about what probably happened when Tina got to the bridge. Good tears. How thoughtful of you to think of Chewy and i believe that Danny would have helped Tina with the change and introduced her to Chewy and Pippin.

She was a beautiful cat and she will be so proud of you taking in Shelley.

How are you feeling today DannysMom?

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, so good to hear from you again. I had a feeling you'd be posting this weekend. I'm glad my post left you with "good tears" and not bad ones. I didn't want to dwell on how Tina died, because I was feeling so low already, so I thought of posting something uplifting, sad in a way, but still uplifting. I had to go back to edit my post to make sure that I also described Pippin as "wonderful" instead of "nice". It just came out that way, but it wasn't meant as a slight, and I hope Kel will forgive me. I probably was thinking that Danny would have been so excited to meet a kitty from another country and that he was probably fascinated by Chewy's life story and learning about England.

Thank you for asking how I'm feeling. I'm doing better this weekend. It seems like a bit of a weight fell off. I went back to the pet cemetery today to collect Tina's vase. They had moved the vase and flowers from her grave to one of the flowerbeds, and that upset me a bit, but at least it was on her grave for her angelversary and that's what counts. It's mowing season and I guess they are very strict about no items on the graves.

It never ceases to amaze me how different each cat is, how unique they all are in their personality and behavior. I so miss Tina sitting on top of my desk chair. She would sit up there and purr and I would gently lean my face into her body. She loved that.

I haven't had the heart to move Tina to the "Memorial" section, and knowing Tina, she wouldn't want me to just yet.

Early this morning I had another sad reminder of Tina's absence. We had a thunderstorm in the middle of the night. At the first big clap of thunder Shelley leaped up in the air and off the bed to hide somewhere safe. Tina would NOT have done that. She was not fazed by thunderstorms. She would often sit in the window and watch the lightning. And thunder? Bah! She would just close her eyes and keep on napping.

I felt so empty inside and so alone after Shelley ran off to hide. Tina would have stayed by my side and purred me right back to sleep. I realize I can't expect Shelley to be everything that Tina was, but I sure missed my sweet and fearless Tina last night. God love her. She always made me feel so safe. I figured if she wasn't afraid then neither should I be. I sat up and just stared at the wall, wishing Tina would settle down next to me. I miss her so.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. Your poor sweet precious Shelley - - thunder and the loud crack of lightning can be so frightening indeed. Sometimes when we comfort our precious companions when they are frightened we also comfort and reassure ourselves that everything is safe even when our knees are knocking and our teeth are chattering.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam, thanks for your comment. Before I could even begin to comfort Shelley she was already off the bed and hidden away. It wasn't that I was necessarily scared, I can tolerate thunderstorms, but it was more missing my Tina staying with me through the storm. I do so appreciate Shelley's gentle spirit. She is very patient and gentle and I can medicate her, something I could never do with Tina.

This morning, out of the blue, I had a happy memory of Tina that made me smile. For some reason I remembered how I would sometimes carry her from room to room in the laundry basket. She would hop in and I would pick up the basket and say:"Here comes the kitty express, carrying Tina. Next stop is the bedroom!" When we got to the "final stop" I would say:"All depart now!" and she would jump out of the basket as I put it down. She so enjoyed being carried around by me.

I also remember Tina giving Danny a "beating" one time for being such a "ninny" when he was scared of a thunderstorm. She wasn't mean, just swatted him with her paw. That was Tina. But lest anyone think she was mean...she wasn't. Tina loved me to pieces and was so sensitive to my moods and always ready to comfort me. She always mothered me so much, and now with Shelley I'm the one who has to do the reassuring.

Hi DannysMom

It was so brave of your Tina for not being afraid of thunderstorms. A bit like my Chewy he always used to go out fireworks night because he did not care about the noise. Fudge and Pixie are terrified of thunderstorms......not that we get many here and Ellie well.....she just runs away with them as I think she thinks they are playing! Maybe it is something you can help Shelley overcome though each time there is one.

I am sure Tina would send down some help from her to help Shelley. We know you are not wishing Shelley was Tina don't worry. There are always going to be things you miss from them that you wish yours did.....not because you want hem to change and be more like Tina or Danny but just because you want Tina and Danny there too. It is natural to feel like that sometimes.

Made me smile again when you said about Tina in the basket! haha what a funny cat. To just happily sit in there from room to room and then depart when told too se was a very clever cat! Sound a bit like having a young child who you could play with.

The fact that you have to do the reassuring is not a bad thing though. Remember Tina came and lived with you and taught you to do that by being there for you. Now she has left you to teach Shelley the same. She has just passed on her skills

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, thanks for thinking of me and Tina on the 28th. I like what you said about Tina passing on her skills to me so that I can comfort Shelley. I think most cats are afraid of thunderstorms. Tina was really an exception, as is Mindy who also stays calm when a storm comes. I can just picture Ellie running right along with Pixie and Fudge when they run from a storm. She sounds like a sweet and playful cat.

Sometimes, when I catch a glimpse of Shelley out of the corner of my eye I think for a moment it's Tina. They are so different in personality, but they have this beautiful tri-color coat. Tina had this little white patch on her back and these big ears that I loved so much. She was such a spunky and energetic little kitten, so full of life. A lot of times she would snooze in my lap, on her back with her hind legs stretched out. It's so much fun watching them grow up. Tina was the longest lived one of my three cats that have passed on. I'm glad that she was with me for 14 1/2 years.

This is my second birthday without Tina. I was thinking of her last night and today, and I am sad that she is not here with me. I guess it will take some more time to pass before I notice these things. I remember how Tina loved going outside. I always supervised her excursions. She would sometimes sit on a neighbor's porch, and she was so curious and enjoyed meeting people, although some more than others. She was choosey about who she liked. Usually I would be on vacation this time of year and a neighbor took care of Tina and Danny. My neighbor said that Tina would expectantly sit downstairs when she heard the key in the door, but then get upset that it wasn't me. I had no idea that my vacation in 2011 would be the last one for Tina and Danny. I had no idea of the storms brewing up ahead and how my life would change. Now life is good again, much better than it was this time last year, but I still miss my sweet Tina.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. Please permit me to offer my sincerest birthday wishes for a happy and fulfilling year of experiences - - and all the joy of sharing your days with your precious Mindy and Shelley - - with your beloved Tina's and Danny's sweet Living Spirits keeping a loving vigil from heaven's perfect garden.

It is perfectly normal to miss the physical presence of your beloved Tina, and Danny, on the milestones of your continued earthly journey. Although they are forever in your heart and memories, there will always be a part of you that will miss the joy of their sweet precious physical presence with you.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

This is what Tina would probably be doing if she was still with me. She enjoyed sitting out on the balcony, and she would often times sit under my chair when I was outside reading. I so enjoyed her company, and when I look at this picture I remember how happy she was in the summertime. When I took her outside to get some fresh air she would roll around on the sidewalk and enjoy the warm sunshine. Tina loved being outside.

Click to view attachment

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful picture of your beloved Tina with us - - little Nature Girl. How blessed you are to be her heir to all the wonderful memories you share of her earthly journey with you, and how blessed we are to share your treasured memories with you and your beloved Tina. I know she is smiling and saying, "yeah, mom, that is a good picture of me."

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Did you do anything for it? I know it must have been real hard without Tina or Danny for that matter. But I hope Shelley and Mindy brought you comfort. Did they get you anything?

That is the best picture of Tina I have seen the one of her on the balcony. She looks so relaxed and content. I love the way he use to just go out with you outside but not run away and come back in with you where she was safe.

I think Tina would be so happy to hear you say that you are happy again. I know it does not feel right saying it.......but Tina would be happy you have found two very loving cats to continue on with what her and Danny started. I think she played a massive part in bringing you to Shelley and helping Shelley build up confidence and feel like she is at home.

xxForeverxx

moon_beam and xxForeverxx, thanks for sharing that wonderful picture of Tina with me. That is one of my favorites. It show what a pretty face she had, those big ears and the green eyes.

xxForeverxx, I do know what you mean by saying that Tina would be happy that I have Mindy and Shelley. Sometimes when I hold Shelley in my arms and look at Tina's picture I feel a twinge of guilt, thinking I shouldn't be happy when Tina is gone, but that is just my own mind playing tricks on me. I've had over 14 years with Tina, but that time is gone and now I have Shelley. Tina will always be in my heart and I am thankful for the time I've had with her. I am glad that I don't have that horrible pain I felt in the beginning after she was gone. That is the worst kind of feeling, when the grief is still so fresh and you wonder how you can possible go on living without your beloved fur kid. Grief is the worst kind of pain there is. A bruise or a cut heals, but sometimes it seems like the grief will never go away.

Knowing my Tina she would perhaps be a tad jealous of Shelley! Tina would often give me these little "love" bites which would leave teeth marks, but that was her way. She just had this wild, rambunctious side and lots of "cali-tude"!

xxForeverxx, I didn't really do anything special for my birthday, just had a nice relaxing day with the "girls" who gave me hugs and kisses and that was the best present ever!

I went to the pet cemetery today to check on Tina's grave. I found they had recently mowed and Tina's name marker was covered up with mowed grass which I quickly brushed off. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at her marker. It's still hard for me. But today was such a beautiful day. The crape myrtle trees are in full bloom and it was so quiet and peaceful at the cemetery. I sat down on a bench for a while, thinking of my sweet Tina. She taught me lessons on love and patience, and I am so thankful to have had her in my life. I always loved her steadfast, reassuring presence. She kept calm during storms and hurricanes and that helped me feel better. I look at her pictures every day and think of her.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I'm so glad you had a chance to visit your beloved Tina today at her resting place, and I know you also visited with your beloved Danny. No matter how much time passes as we continue with our earthly journey our beloved companions are always with us - - they are always and forever a heartbeat close to us.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Even though I haven't posted anything about Tina in a while I still think of her. How can I not think of her when my desk is surrounded by pictures of her and Danny? It has gotten easier to live without her, but every once in a while I can still feel the pangs of grief and then I wish I could just hold her again. I've had over 14 years with her, and for that I am so thankful. She was so devoted to me and always so concerned about me. Try to find that kind of devotion in a human being! Tina taught me some important lessons. I will never forget how happy she was to be back home after her 3-day stay in the hospital back in January of 2012. She could not conceal her excitement and kept "telling" me how happy she was, wanting to sit in my lap time and time again. I remember how feisty she could be and it makes me laugh. One time a visitor tried to touch one of Tina's prized catnip pillows and got an angry swipe with Tina's paw and a bleeding finger. Nobody but me was allowed to touch her toys, especially not the catnip pillows which she didn't even share with Danny. Shelley has not shown any great interest in catnip pillows so far.

You are not forgotten, sweet Tina.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina. I smile every time I read something about your beloved Tina as it shows how deep your and your beloved Tina's eternal love bond is. There is an adage "out of sight out of mind" - - but this does NOT pertain to our loved ones of every life form whether or not they are physically with us. Even 20 years down the road you may find yourself thinking of your beloved Tina and a mist will come to your eyes and a quiver to your chin - - but the sadness will be fleeting because your heart will be stronger with the warmth and joy of your and your beloved Tina's treasured memories.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom,
I check the forum still myself but don't always reply. Looking at my post about Rusty is comforting so I know how you feel about wanting to post a noet to Tina (and Danny) every now and then to say you are thinking of them.
My Siegel continues to lose weight but she eats and has spunk. She and Cami coexist quite peacefully now and that is a blessing.
Take care DannysMom. I think of you and your furry ones.

Dear sher_mark, thanks so much for thinking of me. I had been wondering how you are doing. I am glad to hear that Siegel and Cami are getting along better, and I know that mean so much to you. It is stressful when fur kids don't get along. I am also glad that Siegel is eating. As for her losing weight, have you had her checked for hyperthyroidism? Tina had that and she kept losing weight even though she was eating good. Your Rusty was such a sweet boy kitty. I've always liked orange tabbies. One of my neighbors back in the 80s had an orange tabby and he was the friendliest cat, always saying hello and wanting to play with our cat. Thanks for stopping by, sher_mark, and I hope you are well.

I went to the pet cemetery's cookout today, and it turned out to be a really nice event. Tina and Danny's names were read during the memorial service. I fought back the tears when those sweet names were read. It is still hard at times. But I am so glad I went. It was a beautiful day out and so peaceful at the pet cemetery. I visited Tina and Danny's graves and brushed off some mowed grass. I will be getting granite plaques for their graves with their pictures lasered in. I think those plaques will look really nice, and they will have some wording on them as to how much these two sweet kitties meant to me. Tina was my rock and my comforter, always so concerned about me and my wellbeing. Even when she was so old and frail she still climbed on the bed every night to sleep next to me. I had put a box next to the bed as a step for her to make it easier. I will never understand people who say "it is just a cat". These precious little souls give us so much love, and when they leave us they take a part of our heart with them. It was good to remember my sweet Tina today.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and how things went with the ceremony at the cemetery. I am so glad everything was a positive experience - - right down to the weather. I know your heart will always ache to some degree for the physical separation from your beloved Tina and Danny. This is one of the many facets of the precious jewel of eternal love. And another facet of the jewel is your efforts to provide a plaque for their resting places that will honor them and the eternal love you share. Love continues on.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

I think she would be happy that you can think of her and have happiness and sadness for her but also have Shelley to cuddle afterwards. She would not want you alone. I know what you mean about your mind playing tricks. It is lovely that you can go and visit the pet cemetery and spend some time with her and that they are keeping it well looked after. It is nice they also organise days like that. I wish we had pet cemeterys in my area.

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx and moon_beam, thanks for stopping by. Thanks for saying that Tina wouldn't want me to be alone. Sometimes when I cuddle with Shelley and look at Tina's pictures I feel guilty as if Tina would be saying "What are you doing with this other cat?" But I think that is just a normal human feeling, and I think you're right, Tina would not want me to be alone. A couple of nights ago Shelley did something that reminded me of Tina. She snuggled against my upper body, with her hind quarters towards my chest and her head towards my lower body. This is the way Tina had always snuggled with me in bed, really close against my body. I was so surprised, as Shelley hadn't done this before. And it felt so comforting, a sweet reminder of my Tina.

Hi DannysMom.

I agree with the others that I do not believe Tina would want you to feel guilty. In fact, I believe that Shelley was guided to you by Tina and much as Tom guided Tang to me. Thank you for sharing your memories of your sweet girl Tina. Take care.

TTT

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and for sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina with us. It is quite common for our precious companions who are physically with us to take on some of the behaviors of our companions who are now with the angels - - even when they have never shared their earthly journey - - for it is our beloved companion gently revealing the presence of their sweet Living Spirit still with us. This doesn't diminish the precious individuality of our precious companions but rather they are one of the many "bridges" our beloved companions choose to let us know our beloved companions are always with us.

And there is no doubt in my mind, DannysMom, that your beloved Tina - - knowing that your heart needs the physical love and affection of an earthly companion - - actively guided your and your precious Shelley's paths to that moment in time when you would meet and know your lives are meant to be together.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Tom's Dad and moon_beam, thanks for stopping by and for your comforting words. I went to the pet cemetery today in eager anticipation of seeing the granite plaques on the graves, but they have not been installed yet.

I was disappointed, but hopefully next Sunday they'll be out there. It was in the mid 80s today and really hot, so I didn't stay long at the cemetery, but it was good getting out there again. I sometimes feel guilty that I don't get out there every weekend to look at the graves. I certainly have not forgotten my sweet Tina. How could I? I have several pictures of her close to my desk, and I always look at them and remember her and how devoted she was to me.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I can imagine your disappointment in not seeing your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, new markers on their resting places yet. Hopefully they will be installed soon. Please let us know how they look when this happens.

Please do not feel guilty about not visiting their resting places every week, my friend. Your beloved Tina, and Danny, know you need the weekend's to rest from the expectations of your job. While their physical remains are located in their earthly resting place, their sweet Living Spirits are always and forever with you - - they are always and forever in your heart and memories - - they are always and forever a heartbeat close to you. Your beloved Tina, and Danny, know you will NEVER forget them - - for love is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Tina's, and Danny's, sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

They still haven't put up the granite plaques, mostly because of all the rain we've had. It may just take another week or more at the rate things are going, and that is very disappointing to me. I had hoped they'd be up a lot sooner, but oh well...

Tina is gone. Her little body is dead and buried. She's not a heartbeat close to me, she is gone. And so is Danny. They are gone. They are not around anymore, hovering over me in some ghostly fashion. They are gone. Dead. Buried. Gone. So, please just stop saying they are close to me. I do not believe that, and frankly, if it were so, it would creep me out. I just never said anything before because I didn't want to be unkind. But it bothers me every time I read it. Tina and Danny are NOT with me. So, please just stop saying that.

I can look at their pictures and see their sweet little faces, but that is it. And I don't have a problem with that. I can accept the fact that they are gone. I don't have to have a "sign" or anything. I know I will see them again one day, and that is good enough for me.

Thank you, DannysMom, for your post to my thread. You spoke of those memorials as tangible evidence of their existence, that they were here and loved. I think that's what I was so desperate to do after they passed. I hope your memorial plaques will soon be installed in the pet cemetery. For me, receiving the engraved stones for my garden was somehow very significant. I didn't get emotional over them, while other things I did to memorialize them did make me emotional, but it was like a shout to the universe that "JOE AND STEVE WERE HERE!" Kind of like proof positive that the scars on my heart were validated. We are supposed to have a heavy winter of snow and I know those stones will be buried for months, but I almost look forward to it because I know when spring comes and the snow melts away, they will show themselves again and mark for me a different place in my grieving. Possibly a brightness in my soul as the sun shines down on them and reminds me of the precious love I gave and received from them. Hopefully you will find this comfort, too, as you journey through the loss of your Danny and Tina.

Blessings to you for a peaceful evening.

CritzyJ

Hello CritzyJ, thanks for stopping by. I do so know what you mean when you say that getting the engraved stones for your garden was visible evidence that Joe and Steve had been there. And that is very important. Even though the stones will be covered with snow if you get a heavy winter you could always put out some Christmas wreaths or some poles with LED lights or something like that.

I called the pet cemetery this morning hoping to get some good news, but unfortunately the granite plaques have not been installed yet. I was told that they would probably be installed next week. I was so disappointed, and I have been so patiently waiting, but there's nothing I can do. It's just very disappointing to me as I've been waiting for a few weeks now. The granite plaques have their faces on them and each plaque has a short summary of what Tina and Danny had meant to me. Next Sunday would have been Tina's 16th birthday and I am soooo hoping that the plaques really will be installed by then.

Today my sweet Tina would have had her 16th birthday. I always gave her a new catnip pillow for her birthday which she pawed and licked profusely. She loved catnip and I always gave her some organic catnip to eat, sprinkled on one of her little pillows. I hope the granite plaques are finally installed now. I will go by the pet cemetery today, but I dread it in case they are still not installed. It is so frustrating having to wait that long.

Finally!!! Tina's granite plaque has been installed on her grave, but it was so dirty and dusty that I had to wipe it off. I didn't have any water with me to clean, so I did the best I could. And unfortunately it has a little "knick" on the left side, a piece of granite has been knocked off somehow and that was upsetting for me. But it was just so nice to finally see her plaque. Now everyone who walks by will know what she looked like and how much she meant to me.


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Dannysmom,

Tina's plaque is beautiful! I would never have noticed the nick if you hadn't pointed it out. She's lovely and this is such a dear memorial to her and to her life and what she meant to you. I'm so happy that the plaque was finally installed. I know it means a lot to you and you had been waiting for so long. Did you say that there is one for Danny that is coming, too?

I hope this helps to bring you peace and rest this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

CritzyJ

CritzyJ, thank you for stopping by and sharing my Tina with me. I had been wanting these plaques for so long, and I had saved up to buy them. Danny's plaque has been installed as well. I posted about it in his topic in the Memorials and Tributes section. I am so happy that both plaques look so nice and they have their names on them too, but I didn't show that part since it also has the last name on it. When I stand at Danny's grave I can see Tina's plaque as well. She is just two spots above him. I wished I had gotten them side by side, but I didn't want to reserve a grave for Tina right after Danny had died. I just felt funny about it. It's hard to sum up in just one sentence all that Tina has meant to me. She had been with me through six or more hurricanes and other storms. She was always there to comfort me any time I was upset. Tina was incredibly devoted to me and she would sit on my lap for hours at a time and just stay with me.

Hi DannysMom

It is lovely to see Tina's plaque and the photo sows everything you have told me about her. Loving but independent at the same time. Although they are not next to each other it is great you can see both their graves from the other. I think they would have really loved you putting them close together.

I cannot imagine what emotions seeing their plaques have brought to you but I am hear thinking of you all the time as I can imagine it is quite hard. What you say Tina helped you through is truely incredible. A kitty is more than just an animal, they are friends, family, who know the best way to cheer someone up. That one sentence on the plaque is all that was needed as it sums her life with you up exactly. Devoted and loving.

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, thank you so much for your kind words. You are so right in saying that our fur kids are our friends and family. They bring us so much joy and they give us so much love, it is truly incredible how much they enrich our lives with their presence. I just always have such a hard time reading stories about abandoned and abused cats. I still remember the first time I saw Tina's sweet little face. She was soooo cute and she stopped snacking from her food bowl and looked up at me. Tina just had lots of spunk and I often wished I had gotten her little tabby sibling too so she wouldn't have been alone during the day while I was at work. She was always so happy to see me when I got back home and then she wanted to play. Tina loved chasing after these little sponge balls and she would catch them in mid-air. At night she would hide under the bed and attack my ankles when I sat down on the bed. And she loved watching the wild rabbits in the early morning when they would come by to munch on the grass and clover.

Well here we are and another year has almost come and gone. Next weekend I will be putting the Christmas wreaths on Tina and Danny's graves. I sure do miss both of them this time of year. Thanksgiving was always such a happy time for us where we just relaxed together and then I put on some nice Christmas music while putting up the tree and the decorations. Tina was always so involved in it. She would watch me get the boxes that had the decorations, and she always jumped into the big box that had the Christmas tree. Tina loved sleeping under the tree and sometimes she would swipe a low-hanging ornament.

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Hi Dannysmom,

I, too, have memories of my kitties with the Christmas tree. Joe loved to sleep under the tree. Steve loved knocking the ornaments down. I used to say that you could tell it was Christmas at our place when the cats would play "bulb hockey" around the house. Thank you for your encouraging words about our new kitty, Mary. We have actually decided not to put up a tree this year. We'll decorate for Christmas, but with a little kitty around who has just "come into her own" since her spay, she doesn't need yet another exciting thing to get into. She has started to jump, knocking over plants and trying to take down the window blinds. I have always said it's a good thing God made kittens cute, because they're just awful!!! So naughty! Like you, I was so used to having seniors around. Steve was 15 and Joe was 20, so they were pretty laid back and content to sleep and lounge most of the time. A kitten has sure added an interesting element to our home!!!

I love the idea of you putting wreaths on Danny and Tina's graves. What a beautiful way to honor them during the holidays. I didn't bury or keep my kitties' ashes, just had engraved stones for them put in my garden. I have mixed feelings about that. They are not "there" so I don't feel attached to the space, just that their names are there to memorialize them. I think somehow I would be worried about them in the cold (although I know that's ridiculous). I feel more of a connection to them in my house with candles I light for them and pictures that are framed in the front room. That said, it would be nice to have a place to hang a wreath at this time of year, as you will be for your kitties.

Our new baby, Mary, has been a nice change. The dogs were so sad and so focused on each other. Now they have this little "thing" who has announced her presence in our home. She cares nothing about hierarchy or what her place should be in our house. She has just waltzed in and told the dogs that she is the princess and that they WILL honor her. It's quite funny. While her presence was unsettling at first, she is now becoming part of our family. I still miss my boys so very much, but she's a nice distraction from it all. She has also added an element of youth to our home of geriatric furry ones.

So, I'm rambling. Sorry about that. I just hope that this holiday season brings you peace and that having the completed grave sites for Danny and Tina brings you comfort... a place to be with them... a place to honor them. You were a good mommy and they know it.

Jennifer

Jennifer, I'm glad that Mary is a nice change for you, and I hope she will get along with the dogs. She sure sounds VERY rambunctious from what you are describing about knocking things over. She should calm down though once she gets to be 2 years old. That is when they reach adulthood. Right now she is a "teenager" in human years.
Thank you for your well wishes for a peaceful holiday season. Yesterday I put up the Christmas tree and it was so hard for me. I thought of Danny and I started crying. I burst into tears a few days ago when I looked at the pretty Christmas decorations in the streets. I just cannot conjure up any happy feelings about Christmas yet. It will probably take me a few more years until the pain really goes away. Having lost Danny just three days after Christmas 2 years ago was so incredibly difficult.

This is Tina's wreath ornament that is hanging on my Christmas tree and I have one for Danny as well.
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Hi Dannysmom,

I didn't realize that you lost Danny so soon after Christmas. That must be so hard for you. My boys left me in the summer, so I imagine that will be a tough time for me. I love the ornament you posted for Tina. I got an ornament carved for the boys (I've posted it below). We didn't put up a tree this year because of Mary (too much excitement), so I hung the ornament with the stockings I hang for me, my husband, the two pups, and now Mary. Again, I thank you for your encouraging words about getting a new kitty. She has been here for exactly 4 weeks and today, for the first time, I looked at her and told her I loved her. Even though she has broken many things and has caused all kinds of craziness, she is sweet and beautiful and loving and I so love having her here.

I pray, sincerely, that this season will offer you a healing as you have never known. That Danny (and Tina) will weave their way into your heart so you can "live" with them near you, close to you. Have a blessed Christmas!

JenniferClick to view attachment