on MOnday a.m. around this time I took my 15 year old cat to the vet as she had been sick/lethargic all weekend. I left the vet feeling optimistic as they vet said they were going to put her on IV fluids all day and night so i anticipated taking her home the next day. I phoned later in the afternoon on Monday and they said she was looking a little better.

COme TUesday a.m. at work my phone rings and it is the vet with the bad news that she had passed away the night before...the vet said she was more dehydrated than what they had thought and concluded that perhaps a blood clot or something had made her pass away. I started crying right away...very horrible day. I left work immediately. Still have moments where I shed a few tears for her.

Even though she was older it is still sad. The house feels kind of empty with out her. We got her in April of 2000 when she was 1 year old.

It has been a rough week. I keep thinking that at this exact time one week ago....I was at the vet with her not knowing that was the last time I would see her.

Hi, highwood, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved companion. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company.

Highwood, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that has many different emotions that can overwhelm us all at one time - - it is a journey frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. It is a journey that cannot be reconciled in a minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, or even 6 months - - for you are now on a journey that is filled with all the first withouts and the memories that can be all too painful right now that include "this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year" to endure. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time, in your own way and in your own time - - with the reassurance that you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and who are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Although this is an incredibly painful journey to endure and there are many challenges you will face as you establish "new normals" that no longer include the physical needs of your beloved companion, there is one thing that will never change - - the love bond you and your beloved companion share. Love is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved companion's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey as she always has and always will -- for she is always and forever a part of your heart and memories, highwood - - she is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I know all too well from firsthand experience that when our hearts are entrenched in deep grief there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of sorrow. Still I hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so much for honoring us in sharing your beloved companion with us, highwood. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture of her with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, highwood, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam