Loss

Older Daughter and I spoke daily last week about little Lincoln.  He never had a “great” day; he was mostly up and down.  But mid-week, Older noticed a slight change in him.  He seemed to show a little motivation, talked to Older a little at feeding times, and even batted and played a little with Older’s finger.  I said that maybe we could be cautiously hopeful.  Older said she wouldn’t let her guard down yet – that she’d seen far too many struggling kittens end up not making it.    I thought about all of the kittens who’ve come through my hands over the years.  And all of the kittens (hundreds) who’ve gone through my daughters’ hands at the humane society.  SO many of them survive.  I don’t know the percentages, but the vast majority DO make it.  They get the chance to grow into adult cats and have a good life.  But it’s those that don’t survive that you remember.   

Late Thursday night I texted one last time to Older Daughter, inquiring about Lincoln.  She said he was having a bad evening.  She hoped he would do better the next day.  But then early the next morning, I received a text from Older Daughter that Lincoln was dying.  He hadn’t seemed to feel good in the middle of the night when she saw him, but he’d done this so many times before.  Then on Friday morning, he made a sudden downhill turn.  Older texted that she was going to rush him straight to the vet as soon as she got to work.  But he took his last breaths shortly thereafter.

Lincoln had a really bad start in life.  He had multiple physical malformations.  It’s possible he had internal malformations as well.  I can only say that I am extremely glad that he spent the last days of his very short life in the care of Older Daughter.  Like little Bean who was with Younger Daughter in his last days, Lincoln had love poured onto him.  And that is so much better than what would have happened to either of these kittens if they had not been brought in to the shelter.

On this same morning (Friday morning), I received a text from a very dear friend of mine.  His beloved dog had passed away suddenly that morning.  He has yet to tell me what happened (can’t talk about it quite yet), but we certainly shared our feelings about loss.  He didn’t get to say goodbye.  And the passing was so sudden.  I could absolutely relate.  It’s always extremely difficult to lose a furry family member, but (for me, at least) it’s even harder when you don’t know it’s coming.  My heart broke for my friend.  My heart is still broken over losing Little Roo.

I’m still hoping, in this lifetime, to learn to let go without feeling so devastated.  Animals come into this world; animals go out of this world.  Intellectually, I realize that I am privileged to be a part of each and every one of these animals’ lives.  It is a privilege to get to love, and be loved by, each one.  Death is inevitable.  All we can do is love them while they’re here – no matter if that time is long or short. 

In honor of and in memory of my friend’s dog, Little Roo, Bean, and Lincoln – May I continue to love whole-heartedly and yet learn to let them go freely when their time here is done.   Precious ones who fill our hearts and our lives.   Little sparks of light in fur. 

 

 

 

Comments

[John Bellen]

I was hoping very much that that little one would overcome his difficulties and thrive. This may have been half-expected, but is disappointing, even so, very disappointing. Godspeed, Lincoln, and I am glad you knew love and safety before you left.

[Ginny & the Fur Family]

Crying here at the news of little Bean and Lincoln. The only time some little furry ones get out of pain is when they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Little Roo was different. When death comes suddenly it is hard to grasp how to let go. Love never dies it just takes a different form. It is now in the heart inside us and we never forget. We wish them back every day of the rest of our lives. God bless all the grieving animal lovers who have loved so deeply.

[Mary McNeil]

Always said when a beloved one has to let go...but knowing tehy were loved has to sustain us

[Maria in FL]

Dear Chrystal, I don't know how any of us who love animals can let go without feeling devastated. It is who we are. That being said, we must take comfort in the ones we can ease into the next life with love, compassion and caring. We can't save them all, but how I wish our furry friends could all leave this world experiencing love. Lincoln certainly had love, and I am SO thankful to Older Daughter for giving him that! RIP Little Lincoln and darling Roo, and we'll all see you at the Rainbow Bridge!

[Ellen J Pilch]

I am sorry about Lincoln.

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

I'm so sorry. It is awful that their lives are so short, even those who have a full life, it's so short a time in ours. Hurts to lose them, no matter what. But more tragic when they are so little or so sudden. My heart is broken for all of these losses.

Friends, you can make donations to Wild Angels, Older Daughters animal rehab, on their facebook page. And you can make donations to Winnie's Wish with the donate button on the sidebar or by using the wish list. If you can, give in honor of these missing ones, or in honor of your own healthy fur friends. Help if you can. Thank you