I've read your essay and then again now and trying to clear the tears in order to write this comment...the memories flooding back of the first loss that I was really connected with, my grandfather. There were others I know before. Other family, pets that were around but not ingrained in my life like he was. I was angry because he was leaving and the doctors had failed him, but nothing I could do about it. Now your words hit me "the way my heart ached then, swallowed up and gulping grief. Like drowning." Since then there have been almost countless goodbyes... father, grandmother, mother-in-law and most recently my beloved wife. I am still trying to come to terms with that loss...And interspersed all along the way with the pet companions of our life. And since that first reality, à piece of me has died with every passing and like you wrote, "I’m swallowed whole in the ocean of reality. Death and life and the ground taking back what its’ owed."
This touched me deeply. I empathize with your loss. For me, losing a pet is like losing a family member or a close friend, because that's what they are to me. They are a source of light in a dark world. So tough to heal from the heartache.
I've read your essay and then again now and trying to clear the tears in order to write this comment...the memories flooding back of the first loss that I was really connected with, my grandfather. There were others I know before. Other family, pets that were around but not ingrained in my life like he was. I was angry because he was leaving and the doctors had failed him, but nothing I could do about it. Now your words hit me "the way my heart ached then, swallowed up and gulping grief. Like drowning." Since then there have been almost countless goodbyes... father, grandmother, mother-in-law and most recently my beloved wife. I am still trying to come to terms with that loss...And interspersed all along the way with the pet companions of our life. And since that first reality, à piece of me has died with every passing and like you wrote, "I’m swallowed whole in the ocean of reality. Death and life and the ground taking back what its’ owed."
It hurts to love anyone on this planet. I’m so sorry for your losses. I’m so happy that you loved ❤️
Yes
Well written...can't help but think of all those I've lost.
This touched me deeply. I empathize with your loss. For me, losing a pet is like losing a family member or a close friend, because that's what they are to me. They are a source of light in a dark world. So tough to heal from the heartache.
This hit me reading this. Moving and beautifully written, powerful in what it conveys and how it applies to everyone.
I'm sorry for your losses. Awful about Marley and the neighbours.
I'm glad that you got to see your cat at peace in its final moments.
So sorry Shaina. Really beautifully written.
Beautifully done.