Today has been a very difficult day for me. Not only is today the 4 month mark since my sweet Danny boy passed on, but sadly my beautiful Calico cat Tina made her journey to the angels today. I can only imagine what a joyous reunion she must be having with Danny. Tina had been suffering from cancer in her lungs which was most likely genetic according to my vet. She had been getting depo-medrol shots since March and they sort of kept her going and kept her eating, but she wouldn't eat after her last shot yesterday. She was breathing laboriously last night, but when I got to bed she laid down on my body and purred so strong and loud. She enjoyed lying on my chest and purring. Tina snuggled with me last night. This morning she was wheezing again, so I took her to the vet. They put her on oxygen while I waited to be seen with her. I thought of how Mindy had stood in front of Tina's carrier and just looked at her and touched the cage with her paw as if to say good-bye to her friend she had known for only a few short months.

The vet talked to me and suggested that this might be the time to relieve Tina of her suffering. She was down to 6.8 pounds. So I signed the paper with a heavy heart. They sedated Tina and then brought her in to me on a soft, heavy blanket. She growled groggily when the tech brought her in. She never much liked being handled by the vet staff and was always more than happy to strike out at them, but not this time. I held her in my arms, and I thanked her for being with me and for having been so good to me. I told her that Danny was already waiting for her and that she would see him again shortly. I watched as the vet injected the pink-colored liquid into Tina's veins. I patted her softly and told her that I love her. She went quickly and peacefully. Her little body rode with me in the car down to the pet cemetery where I dropped her off for her funeral tomorrow. She will be buried in the spot right above Danny. As I drove down to the pet cemetery with her body next to me I remembered our very first car ride together. I had 'rescued' her from a very smoky pet store. It was a cold January day, and I had just lost my sweet little orange tabby cat. I was going nuts in the empty apartment, so I drove to this pet store where I met Tina. She was in a cage on the floor, and she looked up from her food bowl when I walked up to the cage. I took one look at this cute little face and all I could say was 'Aw'. She started purring when I held her, and so I took her home with me. Tina enjoyed the car ride. She laid down on my arm and looked out the window. She was meowing a lot and so inquisitive. Tina followed me everywhere that day and she enjoyed laying down in my lap. This sweet Calico cat has comforted me and been by my side for over 14 years. She was very attached to me and always anxiously awaited me back when I had to go out. She was a real lap cat and enjoyed snuggling with me on the bed at night. She was smart, not afraid of thunderstorms, playful, and loving. This little cat has meant so much to me and losing her leaves a big hole in my heart.

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Oh, Danny's Mom (and Tina's Mom), I am so, so, so very sorry to hear that Tina has ended her earthly journey with you. I had so hoped she'd have more time with you. It is far too soon for you to lose your girl after losing precious Danny. There's so little I can say, but please know you're in my thoughts. I'll ask my Pippin to keep an eye out for a beautiful calico girl and her tuxedo brother.

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It is such a hard thing to let them go, but so brave. I know you will miss her terribly.

Thanks, Kel. She was wheezing and having trouble breathing and not eating, so there was no point in having her suffer needlessly. It made it a bit easier for me having gone through Danny's passing 4 month ago. I knew what to expect, and I am so thankful that she didn't have to lie on a steel table, but that I got to hold her in my arms as she passed. Even though Tina wasn't a regular patient at the hospital I took her to they still treated her and me with care and compassion. That meant so much to me.

I'll miss not having her snuggle on the bed with me tonight. Very rarely did Tina not sleep on the bed with me at night. I remember how one night a few years ago there was a bad thunderstorm in the middle of the night and I got scared by the lightning and thunder, and Tina snuggled so close to me and purred so loud to comfort me. She was very sweet and loving.

Hi, DannysMom, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Tina. I have walked this road, too, of losing two precious furkids within 4 months of each other. Adjusting to the physical absence of one furchild is a challenge. Adjusting to the physical absence of two or more furkids in a short period of time is traumatic, and intensifies the deep grief.

It sounds like your and your beloved Tina's final journey together was more peaceful for you both, and if this is an accurate assessment I am so very glad. Please try to find some comfort in knowing that indeed your beloved Danny and Tina are reunited together in heaven's perfect garden, and are keeping a loving vigil over you and their sweet baby sister Mindy.

I wish there were some words I could share with you that would take away the deep seering pain of loss you are feeling in your heart, but I know this can only happen as you travel your grief adjustment journey in your own way and in your own time. Please know we are here for you, DannysMom, for as long and as often as you need us. And please know that your beloved Tina's and Danny's sweet Living Spirits are forever with you in your heart and your memories - - they are always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Tina with us, DannysMom. She is a beautiful little girl, and she is eternally grateful for you being her Forever Mom. Please know you and your precious Mindy are in my thoughts and prayers, DannysMom, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam, thank you for your kind words and your support. Last night was very difficult for me as I couldn't go to sleep without Tina. It hurt so much not having her right beside me on the bed. Mindy eventually snuggled up next to me, and that gave me some comfort. We buried Tina this afternoon, and thankfully it wasn't raining, just cloudy. Her little casket was lined with cream satin. That color seemed to match her best. I wrote a few things on the lid of her casket. Her little body looked so peaceful. I feel so drained and exhausted today. I keep looking at Tina's toys and her cat chair and she's not there. I put up some 8X10 photos of her so that I have a visual reminder. It comforts me to look at her photos. This is like the end of an era, with both Tina and Danny gone. I never expected them to pass so soon one after the other. They were my friends for the longest time and while they were both here life was so good. I could count on my babies being there and snuggling with me. Mindy has been taking it well. She is eating and she is very loving and playful. I guess young kittens bounce back fairly quickly from losing their friends, and she really hasn't known Tina all that long.

I know the coming week will be so painful, adjusting to life without Tina, but I am glad that Mindy is here with me.

Dannysmom,
I'm so sorry, I can't say how much for what you are going through. Its tajic, every death, its so sad. I wish I could make it better

Im sorry for your lost i wouldnt b able to imagine losing another one of mi animals. Its also almost been 4 months since my casper has been put down. Your Tina looks like my casper in the face area. im sorry again for your loss

Hesista and EvEf, thank you for stopping by. EvEf I know I don't have to tell you how special Calico cats are. They are so attached to their humans and so protective of them. I do so miss Tina snuggling with me at night. I could always count on that. This little cat loved me and was almost human in her concern for me. She was my friend, my confidante.

It hurts like crazy. I can't even begin to describe how much it hurts. I look at her toys and I start crying. I remember how she would carry around her little crinkle ball and meow so loud while carrying it. She LOVED catnip pillows.

I am so sorry for your loss again DannysMom

As I said in your other post, although it does not make things better, at least now Danny has someone else close to you with him and at least Tina has someone to help her though the change. You and Mindy both need to comfort each other with lots of hugs. Please try and look after yourself although I know it is the last thing you probably care about at the moment.

I really am so sorry. After losing Chewy I cannot imagine losing another loved one.

My thoughts are with you.

xxForeverxx

Danny's (and Tina's and Mindy's) Mom,

I was wondering how you were doing today. It's cold and rainy here, and it almost seems like the sky is crying. How are you holding up? I hope, more than anything, that today is being kind to you and that little Mindy is offering you warmth, comfort and love as only our little tuxedos can.

Tina's casket sounds beautiful. It must have been truly exhausting to bury her, and it sounds like you're generally not sleeping well (understandably).

Please know you continue to be in my thoughts.

Hi, DannysMom, stopping by to let you know you and your precious Mindy know you both are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how it is looking at toys, brushes, collars, etc., that our companions needed, played with, used during their earthly journey. It's another "reality check" that they are no longer physically present with us, and no longer need the items that will always belong to them. I hope you will find comfort in holding your beloved Tina's toys close to your heart knowing they are a connection to you and your beloved Tina. They are her gift to you to cherish until it is your appropriate time to join her in eternal joy.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy kindly, DannysMom, and look forward to knowing how both are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

xxForever, thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words. They are very much appreciated. I've been crying a lot today and my heart is breaking. Tina and I had a very special bond and we were very close. It is so very painful to grieve again only 4 months after losing Danny. I never imagined that I would be losing them one after the other. I always thought that Tina would pass first, and I would have Danny for a bit longer, but it wasn't meant to be. Tina was such a fighter, and she eeked out every ounce of life that she had left, still wanting to get up and down the stairs by herself.

Kel, thank you very much for stopping by and for your comments. Today I felt like I was falling apart. Not having Tina sleep with me at night is so painful. She was extremely attached to me as only the Calico cats are. She could be grumpy sometimes and she hated going to the vet and lashed out at them every chance she got, but to me she was always so loving and protective. She truly cared and worried about my well-being and she watched over me. Tina was so strong. Mindy has been cheering me up with her playful and sweet personality. She is happy and cheerful and gentle like Danny was, and she is also not afraid of thunderstorms (just like Tina). She stays close, yet gives me space to grieve. When she blinks those beautiful golden eyes at me it makes my heart melt, just like I always felt with Danny when he looked at me. Mindy has been talking a lot and enjoying tummy rubs from me. It does ease the pain a bit.

Dear moon_beam, thank you so much for your kind words, my friend. Today I received a card from my vet and also from the vet hospital where I took Tina on Saturday. Two of the doctors from my regular vet wrote comments inside the card, and that was so much appreciated. The doctor who had seen Tina for the past few months always joked how feisty and spunky she was, but he took it as a good sign as it proved that she was still okay somehow. I keep thinking of Tina's first car ride with me. She talked so much as if she wanted to say:"Who are you and where are you taking me?" I told her I'd be bringing her home with me and she settled down on my arm, put her front paws up against the car door and looked out the window. I named her Tina, because something in her face reminded me of my sister.

On our last car ride together her little body was wrapped up in a colorful, tartan blanket from the vet. They had wrapped up her face, but I could see her tail. It was so difficult making that last car ride with her. When I gently took her body in my arms to bring her to the preparation room of the pet cemetery she still felt so warm. I've kept the blanket and I let Mindy sniff on it when I got back home that day. Mindy sniffed on it and gave me a sad look. I think they can tell. Mindy hasn't even slept in Tina's cat chair since.


Tina with her first Christmas present, a little toy elephant.
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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy are doing, and for the wonderful picture of your beloved Tina with her first Christmas present. She truly has the look: "Make my day - - just try getting this from me now!!!"

Those last car rides - - I do so know how painful they are. Indeed, your precious Mindy knows that her sister is now in heaven's perfect garden with the angels. I'm so glad you gave Mindy the opportunity to sniff the blanket your beloved Tina was wrapped in. And how so very sweet that she hasn't yet ventured back to "Tina's chair". One day she will - - but not yet. This is her way of grieving and honoring her sister.

I am so glad both vet practices have offered you comfort in your sorrow. These are very special mementoes that you can put with your beloved Tina's things - - special toys, blankets, etc..

I know from your post on Danny's thread that you are worried about losing Mindy. Please let me try to offer you some comfort that what you are feeling is very normal. I, too, felt this way with my precious Noah. It has taken me 2 years to feel some form of confidence that my precious Noah and I do have both quantity and quality time together still. He will be 9 years old in 13 days, so the quantity of time is becoming very treasured time. I am so very grateful that I am no longer working so that we have more time together through these next few years (hopefully years).

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy kindly, DannysMom. Please know you and your precious Mindy are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon_beam, thank you so very much for your support. I can't even begin to describe how special Tina was. She really tore into that toy elephant. She grabbed it, kicked it, and tore at it. She had so much fun! She would sometimes moan during her sleep, and it sounded almost human. None of my other cats have done that. Tina let nothing slow her down. After she was spayed she almost gave me a heart attack when she jumped from one place to another. She wasn't supposed to do that, but she was okay. She was always so full of life, and she liked nothing more than getting attention from me. The nights without her are so difficult. Mindy comes and snuggles for a bit, but then she leaves. Tina always stayed with me the whole night, and her presence was so comforting.

Thank you for re-assuring me that my anxious thoughts about Mindy are normal. Sometimes I keep thinking "What if she has only a really short life?" and it bothers me. She sometimes sneezes, and I hold my breath every time she does it. I watch her so closely for any signs of illness. I have learned through my experiences with Tina and Danny to watch for the subtle signs and to take them seriously. I almost want to take Mindy in and get her checked out and x-rayed, the whole works. But she has been eating good. She's just a little quiet and subdued.

Tina's regular vet sent me a nice bouquet of flowers. That was so wonderful of them! I've taken my cats there since 1990, and they are sort of like the 'family doctor'.

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Dannysmom

The pain is so severe, we all know its like nothing else.
I wish I could bring Tina and Danny back to you
Back into your arms

That's what we all dream of and live and die for

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and the beautiful flowers your "family doctor" sent to you. I am so glad you are finding comfort and support from them in this time of deep sorrow for you.

I can SO RELATE to how your heart stopped after your Tina's "female" surgery with her athletics. Many years ago I had a little girl who did the same thing. When my beautiful Abbygayle had her surgery she, too, would get more active than she was supposed to. At the time I had a kitty playpen set up which kept her and Noah safe during the day while I was at work when they were little tykes. When my girl got too frisky I would tell her that if she didn't settle down she would spend some time out in the playpen. She stopped - - because she enjoyed not being in the playpen anymore. After she got her stitches out I was able to take down the playpen permanently - - a "graduation ceremony" for my Abbygayle and Noah because they no longer needed that "baby stuff."

The memories we develop with our companions during their earthly journey with us are treasures beyond gold and silver. They are precious gems that forever sparkle in our hearts and memories - - always bright and gleaming with the brilliance of eternal love. Thank you so very much for sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina with us.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy kindly, and that you both will have a very peaceful evening. Please know you and your precious Mindy are in my thoughts and prayers, DannysMom, and that I always look forward to sharing how you're doing and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon_beam, as always, thank you for your support and comforting words. Today, at 4:54 p.m. it will be 1 week since Tina passed on. This morning I looked at her empty cat chair and started crying. Everywhere I look I keep seeing her in my mind, how she used to sleep in her cat chair, sit on the ledge, or lounge on top of the jungle gym. When Danny passed, there was a lot of shock, anger, and immense guilt.

It is different with Tina. I don't have any guilt, because I know it's not my fault and that I did the best I could. There is no anger either, and no shock. I knew she was slowly dying from cancer, and the time I had left with her was bittersweet. With Tina, the grief is hitting me at a very deep level. She was my faithful companion, always there for me. The bond I had with her was so incredibly special. She could get grumpy (the Calicos are also known as the red-heads in the kitty world), but I loved her nonetheless.

I MISS HER SO VERY MUCH.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy are doing. Yes, the first week is one of many MAJOR "firsts" to endure in this incredibly painful journey. And enduring the deep grief of two beloved companions joining the angels so closely to each other just intensifies the sorrow. As the tears flow, and your heart breaks just a little bit more, please know you are among friends here who are with you, for you, and beside you through every step you take, through every moment of your adjustment journey.

I hope today is being kind to you and your precious Mindy, and that you and your little girl will have a very peaceful evening. Please know you and your little Mindy are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dannysmom

How are you today, I was thinking of you,

You know I am going through this intense pain also for the death of two of our babies.

Mother is another word for love

Hesista, thanks for thinking of me. I am weighed down with grief. It feels as if there is a heavy stone sitting right inside of me. I try not to cry in front of Mindy as I don't want to upset her. Last night I broke down crying when I looked at Tina's toys: her little elephant, the worn out rattle mouse, and her favorite of all the little crinkle ball that she carried around while loudly meowing.

Nighttime is the most painful as Tina's warm little body is not beside me, keeping me safe. Cats are nocturnal animals, but Tina adjusted herself voluntarily to rest with me at night. In the summer time she would always snuggle so close to my chest, lying upside down with her back resting against me.


Gentle eyes that see so much,
paws that have the quiet touch,
Purrs to signal "all is well"
and show more love than
words can tell.

Graceful movements
touched with pride,
a calming presence by our side.

A friendship that
takes time to grow.
Small wonder why
we love them so.

Author unknown

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy are doing, and for the wonderful poem. Oh so very true - - thank you so much for sharing it with us.

I'm smiling at how your beloved Tina would snuggle close to you. There is very little that can match the comforting presence of our companions snuggled close to us - - feeling the softness of their fur next to us, the warmth of their body, the rythm of their breathing, the little twitches of their body as they're dreaming. It's one of those moments when time seems to stand still and all is right with the world.

Right now it feels as though NOTHING is right in your and your little Mindy's world. It feels like it has been ripped apart by the physical losses of both your beloved Tina and Danny - - and that it will never be "right" again. I promise you, DannysMom, someday when you least expect it you will be thinking of your beloved Tina and the deep sorrow will not feel so intense. You will be able to look at her toys and smile as you cherish the memories she shared with you and her little sister during her earthly journey. And your heart will be comforted in knowing that your beloved Tina continues to share your earthly journey just as she always has, and always will.

Until this time comes, DannysMom, please know each of us are here for you to comfort you through the difficult days, to share with you the not so hard days, and to celebrate with you the better days. Please know you and your precious Mindy are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you both are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moonbeam is right, it feels like the world is not right nor ever will be. My world is so broken and crazy feeling.

I love that poem, it tells it all.

Today it's been two weeks since my sweet Tina passed on. This past week in particular has been so bad as I've been crying so much. I miss her so very much at night, because she is not there to snuggle with me. She always comforted me and kept me safe. I can't even begin to put it into words how much I miss her and how much it hurts to be without her. No more greetings at the door or at the window, no more snuggling and watching movies with me (she liked Action and Adventure movies), no longer hearing her meow while carrying her little crinkle ball in her mouth, no longer watching her play. It's just been so incredibly painful to be without her.

DannysMom

I am, as always, so sorry for your loss of your precious Tina. Two weeks isn't a very long time at all, I know I was still a mess so soon after losing Tom. I would take my lunches at work (when I was working) and walk around the building so nobody would see me crying. It will take time, but the healing does come eventually. I just know that Tom was there to welcome Danny, and later Tina and the three of them are at peace at the Bridge. I hope you and your fur kids are well this evening.

TTT

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. During my grief journeys it never ceased to amaze me how time continues on - - doesn't miss a beat - - and I feel how incredibly wrong this is for in my heart I feel the world should stop and acknowledge that a precious life is no longer a part of this earthly world. So I know how it is for you, DannysMom, as you and your little Mindy endure through each of the angel-versaries of your beloved Tina.

The evenings are the hardest, DannysMom. During the day we have work and errands and projects that keep our minds occupied - - even though it is a great struggle to stay focused. But when the evening arrives we are faced with dealing with the inconsolable reality that our beloved companion is no longer physically with us - - and so our hearts break anew. I believe it is Gretta's Mom who said in one of her replies that every tear we cry is like a flawless diamond in a infinite circle of love. These diamonds are a part of your crown, DannysMom, that your beloved Tina, and Danny, will put on your head at your appropriate time when you join them in eternal joy. They are collecting your tears of love, and are holding them close to their hearts where they are transformed into the flawless jewels of eternal joy. Each of us here are sharing your tears and holding you close in our thoughts and prayers in our attempt to offer you comfort, support, and encouragement in your grief journey.

Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Tina with us. I hope today is treating you and your little Mindy kindly, and that you and your precious little girl will have a very peaceful and cozy evening blessed with the sweet Living Spirits of your beloved Tina and Danny to comfort you. Please know you and your precious little Mindy are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you and your little Mindy are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Danny's Mom, I just wanted to wish you a happy Mother's Day, even if two of your babies aren't here with you. I know you miss them dearly, and it must be so hard for you right now. Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.

BTW, my cats left me a Mother's Day present this morning... *someone* had a cling-on that I later stepped in after I got out of bed (Ahem.) Thanks, cats, but you really didn't have to...

Kel, thanks so much for thinking of me and stopping by. I cried so much last night over Tina and Danny. For the longest time we were such a happy little family, and now they are both gone, and it feels my world is shattered and I am trying so hard to pick up the pieces. It hurts like crazy, and sometimes I get very depressed. It is not the same without them. Mindy has been a comfort, and for that I am glad.

It's been three weeks today since Tina passed on. I am still struggling so much to get through the grief. Last night I had trouble sleeping again and just cried and cried and cried. I think of the last few minutes we had together here on this earth, and they went by so quickly. She was so groggy from the sedative, and I held her little body on my lap. Under tears I told her what a good cat she has been and how much I love her. There wasn't enough time to tell her all the things I wanted to tell her.
Last night I thought of how I met Tina. I still remember it so clearly, how this little 3 month old kitten was sitting in my car, looking up at me and meowing. And I was so happy to take her home with me. I wish I could rewind the last 14 1/2 years and just go back to that January day in 1998. Tina always greeted me by the door in the evening. She would wait for me in the window and do a little dance when she saw me return. She snuggled on the bed with me every night, and she was interested in everything I did. Anyone who's ever had a calico cat knows how special they are and how attached they get to their human. Tina hated being separated from me. When I went on vacation I would feel so guilty for leaving her. She was always well taken care of, but the look she would give me when I said good-bye and closed the door always broke my heart. She always talked up a storm when I came back as if to say:"Where have you been and why did you leave me?"

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I am so smiling at your treasured memories of your beloved Tina. I can so relate to your feelings of leaving her "When I went on vacation I would feel so guilty for leaving her. She was always well taken care of, but the look she would give me when I said good-bye and closed the door always broke my heart. She always talked up a storm when I came back as if to say:"Where have you been and why did you leave me?" " I, too, suffered with "separation anxiety" whenever I had to go out of town for a few days. I could hardly wait to get back home to my furkids. Once we got passed the "where the heck have YOU been?" it was a glorious reunion!!! I can just see your Tina standing with her front paws on her hips tapping one of her hind feet giving you the "it's about TIME you came back home, mom!!" greeting. Our furkids surely do know how to lay on the guilt trip, don't they?

I hope today is treating you, your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley kindly, DannysMom, and that you and your precious little girls will have a very peaceful and cozy evening blessed with the sweet Living Spirits of your beloved Tina and Danny to comfort you. Please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you and your precious girls are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling right now after losing two of your fur babies. 14 and half years of joy Tina had wi you and she could not have had a better life. A life filled with love and care.

They would both want you to concentrate on Mindy now although of course that is so hard as you need to grief both your Danny boy and Tina. You can do that a little by loving Mindy though.

I bet you have loads of pictures of them? I try to look at photos of Chewy when I am down to make me see how happy he was when he was with us. Sometimes this has the opposite effect and I feel very sad as of course I want to be taking more photos of him....but I would rather have those photos then nothing to remember him by.

I hope you are being treated kindly today DannysMom.

I send my love up to Danny and Tina and Chewy and everyone else's fur babies.

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words! It's good to have you back here as I have missed your presence here on this board.

Today it's been 4 weeks since Tina passed on. This past week has been difficult for me as it's still very painful to think about her. I do indeed have many photos of her, and when I look at them I always start crying. There are so many memories and stories that go with these photos. I have put some of the photos in her pet remembrance journal. Just a few days ago I looked at a video that I took of Tina, and I was happy and sad at the same time. I wanted to reach out and pet her. Seeing her come to life again on video and seeing her beautiful green eyes was both comforting and painful. It's painful, because when I see her I want her back. The photos that I took in the last few months of her life are some of the best ones. She looks so sweet and fragile.

Today marks 1 months since my sweet Tina passed on. It is very hard to think of her and not start crying. I miss her very, very much. I never thought I would lose her so soon after losing Danny. She had a bout with pneumonia in January and I had to hospitalize her for 3 days. Those 3 days without her were so hard. She could not get enough of me after I brought her back home, and she talked up a storm, telling me how much she had missed me. I thought things would get better, but I had no idea that 2 months later she would be diagnosed with cancer. Those last few weeks with her were precious. I told her all the time how much I loved her. Tina was always so concerned about me and always ready to comfort me when I was upset. She was a sweet and loyal friend who would anxiously wait for me in the window. I miss her so much today.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and your and your beloved Tina's one month angel-versary. As the deep grief eases we do find ourselves wondering however on earth we have "survived" the agonizingly painful reality that our beloved companion(s) are no longer physically with us. When our companions come into our lives we don't think about the many dangers and different circumstances that may physically separate us from them. And rightfully so, for if our hearts were focused on these thoughts we would miss the joy of the precious wonder they share with us every moment of their earthly journey with us.

It is the joy of this precious wonder that sustains us through the seering pain of deep grief, and which embraces our hearts and memories with the eternal love bond we share with them. It is what brings hope to our lives once again and enables us to try to live our earthly journey in a way that will honor them.

You have done this, DannysMom, by embracing the new joy of your precious baby girl Shelley - - a gift to you from your beloved Tina who knew the heartache you were feeling when she could not longer be physically with you. I know this Memorial Day is a challenge for you, as it is the first major holiday that both your beloved Tina and Danny are not physically with you. The good news is that they are forever in your heart and your memories, DannysMom - - they are always and forever a heartbeat close to you. I hope this brings some comfort to you on this day of mixed blessings.

Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Tina with us, DannysMom. I hope today is treating you, your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Yesterday it was 5 weeks since my Tina passed on. Last night, for some unknown reason, I got hit by a wave of grief. I remembered the day that she died, how everything just sort of crumbled and fell apart. I remembered how they put her on oxygen at the vet hospital, and how I sat there in the waiting room for almost 2 hours. I longed to be with Tina. She never liked being separated from me, and I just wanted to be with her so much. I think I knew that our journey together was coming to an end. My sweet Tina. It hurt so much to see her struggling to breathe and wheezing, and yet trying to be strong and to keep going. I remembered how Mindy sat in front of Tina's carrier and gently put a paw on the door and she just kept looking at Tina. Remembering this awful day just hurt so much, and the memories kept flooding my mind. I cried and cried. I just want to hold her again. This little girl cat loved me so much, and I loved her. I miss her, and my heart aches.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. My heart is aching with you, my friend. Even though we may have other companions in our lives our hearts still miss the one(s) who are now with the angels. This doesn't mean you love your precious Mindy and Shelley less - - it simply means that your heart continues to love your beloved Tina, and Danny - - as well it should - - for love is a living, growing, enduring presence. It is the physical absence of your beloved Tina that is grieving your heart so painfully. I hope somehow you will each of us reaching through cyberspace offering you both our individual and collective comfort, support, and encouragement as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Tina with us, DannysMom. I hope today is treating you, your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon_beam, thank you for your support. And you put it so well by saying that missing Tina and Danny does not mean that love Shelley or Mindy less. And having two "new" cats doesn't just magically wipe out the pain and the grief that I'm feeling over having lost Tina and Danny. Tina was so very much a part of me, and we had a very strong bond. Tina was always there for me. Shelley is a different cat. She is not a "lap warmer" like Tina was, and she likes to play more than anything else. I was so used to having senior cats, and it takes some getting used to adjusting to two very young cats. I just can't expect Shelley to behave the same way Tina did and to just instantly have the same strong bond with her. It takes time. I feel like my heart is split in two. One side is grieving, and the other is rejoicing at the youthfulness of a sweet, young cat.

I was so blessed to have had Tina and Danny with me for many years. I had gotten so used to being with them that I simply didn't think about them not being there one day. It was just inconceivable that our happy times should one day come to an end. I remember all the vet visits that were just routine, and I was happy and carefree, knowing that I wasn't the one sitting there crying or carrying out a dead, beloved cat.
When I look at Shelley happily chasing after a toy ball I remember how Tina used to do the exact same thing. I had to roll that ball for her over and over again when she was young. And boy, could Tina jump high! She used to jump on top of doors. And Tina was so headstrong, always complaining when she didn't get her way. But she was also incredibly loving. This little cat meant the world to me.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and for sharing your wonderful memories of your beloved Tina. I am sooooo smiling at your Tina jumping on top of doors - - my Eli used to do the very same thing!!!! One of my many nicknames for his was Tigger because he sure had springs on his feet and a bounce in his tail. I can just see both your beloved Tina and my beloved Eli participating in the heavenly Olympics!!!!

It is a part of youth to focus on the physical abilities. It is when they begin to mature that their focus begins to understand the balance between play time and snuggle cuddle time. This time goes by so quickly. I know your beloved Tina and Danny are so thrilled that you have your precious Mindy and baby Shelley with you for companionship and comfort.

Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Tina with us, DannysMom. I hope today is treating you, your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your news and your treasured memories of your beloved Tina and Danny.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

moon_beam always puts everything so well. It must be hard after so may years with her and Danny for that matter. I mean I was blessed to have Chewy just 3 ad a half short years and I was inconsolable and I thought It was harder for me than someone who had had their baby many years........but that is a silly thing to think and this site has made me realise this.......after all those years together of course it is going to be just as bad if not worse for you. I think Danny and Tina both had a part to play with your new babies coming into your lives. They new that you had so much love to give and would not have been alright on your own.

What a life you gave Tina. The best life she could have possibly had. I think it is good that Shelley can also remind you of things your Tina did. It is another way to be able to remember her all the time.

I hope you are being treated kindly today.

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, thank you for stopping by and remembering Tina. It's only been six weeks, and it is still very hard for me to deal with her death. Tina and I had such a strong bond. She slept on the bed with me every night. Neither Shelley nor Mindy do that. Once in a while Mindy will snuggle with me on the bed, but it's rare. I remember one night we had a bad thunderstorm, and I was awakened by it and my heart was pounding. I was scared, and then Tina started purring right beside me and she purred me back to sleep. I thought that if she wasn't afraid then I needn't be afraid either. Tina has slept soundly through six hurricanes with me, and even an earthquake last year did not faze her. She was so brave. She would sit in the window during a thunderstorm and watch the lightning. But she turned into a worry wort whenever I left her to run an errand. I always had to reassure her that I would be coming back.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. During this grief adjustment journey, particularly during the first year, it seems that every day is an "angel-versary" of something that reminds us of our companions who are now with the angels. Even though we have other precious companions in our hearts and lives this does not diminish the love we continue to share with our beloved companions or the ache in our hearts to have them physically with us. It doesn't mean that we love our precious companions less -- it simply means that our hearts and lives are enduring through one of the hardest experiences we will know on this side of eternity - - adjusting to the physical absence of our beloved companions and establishing a "new normal" that is also a reminder that our lives are now changed.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful and pleasant weekend. I thank you, DannysMom, for your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing how you're doing and your treasured memories fo your beloved Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon_beam, thanks for stopping by and commenting. It helps to know that someone cares. I don't post every day or make a big drama out of my grief, but it is very real nonetheless. Losing Tina was incredibly painful, and it still hurts so much. I wonder when it's going to get any easier. This weekend I've missed her so much. I long for her, and I just want her back. Shelley doesn't curl up beside me every night like Tina did, and I miss that. Starting over with two young cats can be quite a challenge sometimes. I was so used to having two senior cats, and now I'm dealing with "teenagers". I sometimes feel so lost without Tina. She was my best friend, my confidante, my protector. She was always there, and now she's gone. I just want her back.

I know what you mean, when you say you 'long for her, and want her back.' I adore my other kitties, but Pippin was my rock - and we slept together all the time. The last night he was home with me, before he went to the hospital for the last time, he laid next to me, and I rested my head on him. We fell asleep like that, with him purring. I miss that - and you must miss having your Tina there so much, as well.

Sending hugs your way.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. Like Kel I do understand what you are feeling when you say you just want your beloved Tina back. It has been 27 months since my beautiful baby girl Abbygayle joined the angels and I, too, long to hold her in my arms once again, as I long to hold each of my beloved companions who are now with the angels. This doesn't mean I love my precious little Noah less - - it simply means that my love for my companions who are now with the angels has not diminished over the many years of physical separation. Your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley will one day be more solicitous of sharing affections with you, but I do understand how difficult it is for you while you're patiently waiting.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful and pleasant evening. I thank you, DannysMom, for your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing how you're doing and your treasured memories fo your beloved Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Today it has been 7 weeks since my sweet Tina passed on to the angels. I was so blessed to have had her with me for over 14 years. I had wanted her to stay with me for a few more years, but it wasn't meant to be. I will never forget her sweet little face with the pink nose and white blaze, and those beautiful light shadings around her eyes. People always remarked what a cute face she had. Talking or writing about her still causes me great pain and makes me cry. Tina was my dearest friend. She was interested in everything I did, and she even followed me to the bathroom door and would stick her paw under the door to get my attention. I would try to grab her paw, and then I would stick my finger under the door and she would try to grab me. Even in her old age she still enjoyed playing like a little kitten.
My sweet Tina, I miss you so today. I hope you and Danny are happily playing together.

DannysMom

Thank you for sharing your sweet Tina's angelversary. They are always the hardest. I just had a my 1 1/2 year mark for Sir Thomas on the 8th. I certainly feel your pain. I'm sure she, Danny, Tom and all the others are doing well over the Rainbow Bridge. My deepest condolences, and I hope you and Mindy and Shelley have a peaceful Caturday evening.

TTT

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing your and your beloved Tina's 7 week angel-versary with us. The adjustment to the physical absence of our beloved companions is a very painful one both emotionally and physically, and I so do understand how deep yuor sorrow is not being able to play with your beloved Tina, look into her beautiful face and eyes, and hold her in your arms. I promise you, DannysMom, there will come a time when you will be able to remember all the treasured memories you and your beloved Tina share and you will be able to smile once the again - - the deep sorrow in your heart will not be so intense. Until this day comes, DannysMom, please know each of us are here for you to share the not so good days, the not so bad days, and the days when your heart feels like it is breaking anew under the burden of your sorrow.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Mindy and baby girl Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful and pleasant evening. I thank you, DannysMom, for your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing how you're doing and your treasured memories fo your beloved Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Today it is 8 weeks since my sweet Tina passed on. Every Saturday, at the time of her death, I think about her and I experience the pain again like I did when her sweet spirit left this world. I look at her photos and the best ones are those that I took in the last few months of her life. There is such a tenderness in her eyes. On Saturdays she would always watch me eat breakfast from the top perch of the cat jungle gym. She would watch me ever so interested in eager anticipation of me spending time with her afterwards and petting her. When a cat loves you, then you know you really deserve it!

When Tina was alive I would often tell her:"What would I do without you?" She was just always there for me, and her presence is greatly missed. It still hurts so much to think of her. This little cat loved me so much, and I loved her.

My sweet, beautiful Tina, today it is 2 months since you left this world to be with Danny. I hope you two are playing happily together. We will see each other again one day. Tina, you were my strength and my support. You were always there for me, comforting me with your sweet purr, faithfully curling up beside me on the bed each night. I miss seeing your pretty face and touching your fine, downy fur. I miss brushing you as you always enjoyed being brushed to keep the dreaded hairballs in check. I miss seeing you come down the stairs to greet me and waiting by the window for me. You were always so worried when I left as if you thought I would not come back. And I always told you not to worry, and that I would come back. I know you understood. My heart still aches when I look at your favorite chair and you are not in it. I still make sure that your toys are right there on the chair. I miss seeing your walk around with your little crinkle ball in your mouth and meowing loudly while carrying it. I cherished your devotion to me. I love you, Miss Tina. Please be good to Danny.