Loss. Grief. One – If Not The Most – Difficult of Emotions to Overcome.

To accept death happens means one accepts life, but how can life coming to an end ever be acceptable?

Last week I stayed with my buddy as she was put to sleep. She was a calico cat of 16 years (17 years, 19 years? I was told different ages, so I'm unsure). Regardless of the fact I am not a cat person, I was keeping her in her older years for my two loves who travel all over the country together in a semi. In the span of three months I had come to adore the sassy, vocal cat who seemingly wouldn't let anyone rub her belly, or touch her paw paws. (She would let me.) She would give me many headbutts, mewls of affection and get in the way just about any time I took a rare selfie. She would purr so loud and with such satisfaction I felt like purring myself. 
 

She – a cat – had scooped up a piece of my heart.

I petted her as she was sedated, and then quickly given the shot that would stop her heart. She went peacefully and without any pain. She is no longer suffering, unable to breathe, and I can only be thankful to the vet and his assistants who were able to do this. 
 

My buddy.

A piece of my heart is forever gone. I'm not new to this. My heart must be like Swiss cheese now.

Whether the loved one is a furry family member, or a human one, the sense of loss can be devastating. Though, it's something we all have to experience at some point. Time helps us heal, but we never forget, nor stop loving those who have gone. It hurts. How can we find comfort after a loved one passes?

We all have different coping methods. I view death as another facet of life. Sure, it is scary. None of us who can still talk (unless you count people who have experienced ADEs) can tell us what death is like. Is it painful? Is there something after it? Could it be like a long, deep sleep? Do the dead dream, or do their spirits play? 

Just to clarify, I believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost. I'm not here to force my point of view, or beliefs, so please don't be concerned if you are. No matter religion, or lack of, what I'm trying to say is no one can have the answers to everything in life. However, I like to believe death is a form of rest for the weary body and a release of the spirit. The spirit is still aware and merely moving on to the next phase of life. Where that destination is, perhaps only God and the spirit know. I surely don't know how it all works. Yet. Hopefully, I won't know for a while as I still have things I want to do in life, but one never knows.  

“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.” -Haruki Murakami. 

This quote from http://wisdomquotes.com/death-quotes/ has brought me some comfort. Perhaps if you are looking for comfort during a period of mourning, then this site can help you, too.

I also find it helpful to keep something closely associated with our passed loved ones and find a use for it. Some examples are weaving old shirts into a blanket, or using old dishes as pots for plants. Depending on size, collars and tags can be used to decorate the pots and stand as a sort of monument for the deceased. 
 

If you find yourself struggling with loss and grief, then please take a look at this site: https://www.wendtcenter.org/about-grief/ You're also welcome to message me. I've worked (and still do) as a crisis counselor.

Each day is a precious gift and shouldn't be taken for granted. If there is something you want to do, do it. Tomorrow never comes, so make today what you will. To me, it is also a form of honoring those who have already passed. 
 

We remember them in life and will hopefully one day be reunited with them in joyous reunion once more.