We recently were met with a sad loss in our family. Our little Pomeranian Chanel, who we loved and adored has left us. Chanel was a big personality in a teensy little body, and our family is trying to adjust to her enormous absence. We were not expecting this, still loss is loss no matter the circumstances. We all love her so...
Animals become such a big part of the family. They are the unconditional loving souls that are always happy to see you, never hold a grudge and are live to be in your company. When it's their time to move on the loss is such a hard hit.
This is the first real lost that my kids have experienced. It’s been hard watching them grieve over our sweet girl, yet there is something beautiful in seeing witnessing their shared love and honoring of her life, and her place in ours. It feels silly to explain to them that Chanel is in a better place because ultimately we all wish she was still here with us.
I share this with all of you because many of you reading this have experienced the loss of a pet, and how deeply it hurts and shifts our daily lives. The closeness and devotion that they have for us and our family isn't something that is easy to say goodbye to.
When I try to talk about Chanel on the heels of her passing, some of my kids aren't yet able to because it upsets them so deeply. I try to explain that it’s important to talk about their feelings and love for her, and that time will heal their hearts, but still I recognize that they need to grieve in the way that they feel is right for them. Still, I hurt for myself and I hurt watching my children struggle. Finality is so very sharp.
As for me, when I shift t my own heartache, separate from comforting my family I think of this... I miss her little bark, I miss the way she would prance around like a little powerpuff princess, and I most miss having her lay in her little bed while she watched me play the piano. She loved to be in the music studio with me, by my side and always a fan, even of the songs hat weren't my best... True love only sees love.
This poem somehow helps soften the pain.
Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who were sick, hurt or in pain are made whole again. There is only one thing missing, they are not with their special person who loved them so much on earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring and this one runs from the group! You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet, you take him in your arms and hug him. He licks and kisses your face again and again - and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together never again to be apart.
