Saying Goodbye

Posted bystilllearning2bPosted inLife's LessonsTags:, , ,

No goodbye is ever easy.

You’re never quite ready even when you know it’s the right thing.

An hour ago,  it was time to say goodbye to Maddy, the feline fuzz-ball that’s been with me through all of the transitions over the last 18 years.

As far as goodbyes go, it was a good one. She lived strong and happy until her final hours, Brock and I were both able to be with her and she never seemed to feel any pain.

But it’s still not easy.

I see her hairs everywhere. The closed door on the closet that, until moments ago, still held her littler box is shut for the first time since she became sick a year and a half ago. Tiger is mopey and refuses to leave my side.

I’m grateful I could be there at the end. As many animals as I’ve had, I was never there. I was too young for one, lived in a different city for another and the dogs from my former life all had new owners before it was time.

So it felt right to be there today. To hold that old body again returned to the weightlessness of her youth. To wrap her in the same soft blanket that soothed both of us during that awful year. And to see the peace and acceptance in her eyes.

No goodbye is ever easy.

But it’s a worthwhile tradeoff for a hello that lasted 18 wonderful years.

Snuggles with momma
Snuggles with daddy.
Snuggles with Tiger
Just a week ago, trying to sneak some of Tiger’s food.
Posing, hoping to partake in the “cat in a box” internet phenomena.
Sleeping in the sun. Where she’ll always be now.

Thank you for sharing!

13 thoughts on “Saying Goodbye”

  1. chaotic-princess – Somewhere in Canada – k, umm I am just me, and my life is far from "normal" I really don't give a flying fig newton what anyone thinks of that or me either, I am an awful writer, I have Dyslexia, n I invent my own words, I write as though I was sitting at the table with you talking to you face to face, well I try to write like that. I try not to swear, even on my blogs and social media sites, I am failing miserably on Facebook. I turned my back on society and all its sheeple controlling 'rules, n morals, I just live my life free of the Horse Puckies people blindly believe and on my own terms, human decency is how I know right from wrong. I don't pay attention to media or what society calls beauty or fashion, I can not believe in anything that harms and kills people, in a world full of hate, I try and share my love with the world. my trademark motto is and always was: express your love often, never take tomorrow for granted, be kind to others, and to yourself,. these are the guidelines I live within personally. as for what I think of Rules... some people blindly follow them.. n that's fine ifn you wanna be a goody-two-shoes, to Me Rules are just strongly worded "suggestions" and obviously they are meant to be broken or they wouldn't be there in the first place! ( makes perfect sense, I dunno why others don't see this!!) My life is constantly evolving as I become more comfortable and secure in myself and the world around me, I am constantly learning and growing striving to be the best version of me that I can be, the person I was 5 years ago is dead, no longer exists, the person I was last year is gone, the person I was last month, is gone... I am here, I am present, I am Me... but not for long, I am ever-growing, learning, changing, Evolving and soon a new and improved version of me will step forward. So, pull up a chair sit a spell and feel free to comment on any blog post. all are welcome here, all genders, all sexualities, all Nationalities all peoples, I don't discriminate or judge and am glad you are here :) with lotsa Love. xo Skye
    butchcountry67 says:

    I’m sorry for your loss, I am in the process of losing a old furry friend as well, our cat Sabre, is 14 years old, he was my wife’s cat, when she passed on, the cat stopped eating and has spent the last month laying in front of her urn crying, he is dying of a broken heart and there is nothing I can do for him except let him know that he is loved.

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  2. Lisa & Brock … thank you for giving her a home and the love that so many animals never know. You were all fortunate to have each other. I have a little plaque in my kitchen that reads, “Into every life must fall a little cat hair.” Those that don’t understand this should never own a cat! Hugs and wishes for eternal sunshine for Maddy.

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  3. Heartbroken for you. I had a dog named Maddie after my middle name Madeline. Due to the divorce I was never told what happened to her. To this day I don’t know where she is. Not knowing is so difficult. I am glad the euthanasia was peaceful.

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  5. Peace to you all…

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  6. I teared up halfway through and had to lean over and give my puppies some kisses. I am so sorry for your loss, but so happy that you got to experience the true unconditional love of a furry family member!

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  7. livebysurprise – Liv is the pseudonym reformed divorcee and single mom - now married, coparenting and working mother of three. She's been featured on ScaryMommy, HuffPost Divorce, The Mid and DivorcedMoms.com. More at http://www.livebysurprise.com.
    Liv says:

    So sorry sweetie! Big hugs!

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  9. Sorry for your loss. It is sad to say goodbye.

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  10. I lost my cat, Miguel age 15, 3 years ago. It was really hard, his death came about a year after my separation. I am happy knowing that I was able to give Miguel a good life. I think all of us animal lovers know just what you feel.

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