It’s wonderful to imagine that there is more to our lives with our beloved animals than the time we share with them here. Because that time is never long enough. And when they go, do we really ever get over losing them?
I don’t. And I suspect I’m not the only one.
We learn to live without them because we absolutely have to, but that can take a while. A long while. It hurts like few other things do. Yes, your grief is real, and it’s valid. You. Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you don’t have a natural right to grieve all of your loves. For however long you need to grieve.
Sorrow is a process, not a one-time event. It’s a road we walk. A journey, with plenty of rest stops.
If you can be patient with yourself, and speak kindly to your yourself, it will be a tiny bit easier. Try to find at least one person who understands your hurt, then tell them what’s going on. Being understood is vitally important. It will ache a little less when you don’t have to explain or apologize.
Most of all, believe with all your might that you are not alone in your odyssey of grief. Millions of people have grieved and hurt as you do. We endure it, in spite of ourselves. Time will gentle it down, some of the sting will go, and maybe — just maybe — you will find yourself believing in a place you’ve never seen.
A place full of creaturely souls restored to their original health and vigor, at play and at peace. The happiest possible place for people like you and me.
Is The Rainbow Bridge real? Is it a metaphor for something even better? I don’t know. I only know that humans need something to hang our burdens and broken hearts on. Something encouraging, beautiful and full of promise. Well, I need that. So I’m allowing for the magical possibility that something this wonderful is out there, waiting.
And my special somebodies are waiting for me.
It’s not a place you’ll find on Google maps. Probably not Google Earth, either. My guess is the closest any of us gets to The Rainbow Bridge in this lifetime is in our dreams. So keep dreaming. Don’t let fear steal your dreams. There is something bigger than fear, my friends, and that thing is LOVE.
Laurie
Dedicated with special affection to Lilly, Bella, Frances, Dodger, Denby, Miss Mary, Izzy, Roscoe, Dewey, Sadie, Kitten Girl and Kitten Boy.
Wherever they are is heaven indeed.
Thank you, Laurie. This blog really helps. It is a long journey, but one we must experience if we are going to experience the beauty of connection.
Thank you, Laurie. Touched my heart very deeply.
Perfect. I wouldn't change a word!
Beautifully said.
So beautiul, Laurie, Our animals are such a big part of our lives and no matter how long they are with us, it is never enough. I miss my Dodger every day and I love to think of him at the Bridge, young and smiling and playful, waiting for me. I find it easier to believe in that heaven than in any other heaven I've ever heard of . Thank you for remembering our boy.
So lovely. I hope I remember the sentiments expressed here when the time comes for me to say goodbye. Thank you.
Thank you, I have never read the story of the rainbow bridge, and I find it so comforting as I continue through my grief for my loss of Molly.
Well said, dear friend….Sadie and Dewey loved you, too, and I can't wait for all of us to be together again!! There is truly something so special about our lovely animals that we choose to bring into our lives and become our family. Cannot imagine any other life, having these dogs as family is a dream come true, prayers answered.