Loss

The loss of a family member, in this case a pet, is a heart-rending experience. Though I have lost a number of pets in my life, it is never easy. There is a void where that member filled and it is difficult to find solace until you have processed through all of the stages of grief.

Our dog had an extremely expressive face and great eyes like brown limpid pools. Also, like most labs, she was a four-footed garbage disposal, willing to eat virtually anything. She especially liked pancakes and French fries. Her last meal was buckwheat pancakes.

I miss her eager greeting when she would see us. However, she suffered all her life with food allergies and other health-related ailments that made her life less than optimal for such a sweet hearted dog. We finally had to do what was best for her as she had reached a point where she was suffering. There is nothing worse than when someone you love is suffering.

Our pain and loss will heal and be replaced by the good and funny memories that we had with her. I still have to laugh at one time we were camping and we had a hot dog and bun left over. She was standing outside of our travel trailer and my husband reached down and gave her the hot dog and she just opened her mouth and it slid whole all the way down without her even chewing once. My husband was totally disgusted and she was totally happy. I laughed.

Difficult Times Offer Opportunities

Have you ever noticed how going through difficult times really shows who you are as a person? Do you go through hard times with bitterness and blame, or do you look to make it an opportunity to become a better person? No one likes to go through periods of great difficulty. It takes a huge toll on your body and emotions. Unfortunately, most of us encounter bumps in our lives that require us to show an element of bravery, strength, understanding, and an ability to look beyond the current situation to a time of healing and hope. Often these difficult moments in our lives cause us to refocus on our faith in God and on each other. We discover how grounded we are and whether we walk through the darkness with our heads up carrying the light or if we curl up in a fetal position and allow the darkness to overwhelm us.

Though I truly dislike going through difficulties, it does offer me an opportunity to grow and see what kind of person I really am. Do I handle it with optimism and look for a positive outcome, or do I react in anger and bitterness, wallowing in despair? Depending on the circumstances causing the difficult situation, varying degrees of “negative” emotions are normal and even healthy, as long as one passes through them to embrace more positive emotions and behaviors. Often, some level of forgiveness is necessary so that we can move on and put things behind us. Do not expect to feel necessarily better or enlightened by doing so, at least not right away. The act of forgiving someone, however, puts you in a position of aligning yourself into a positive direction. Then, forgiveness does become a reality and healing develops more rapidly. Maybe, the one you have to forgive is yourself. Doing so has the same effect as forgiving someone else.

Allow growth to happen. Find joy, even in the smallest things. Be optimistic that you will find your rainbow. It’s there. You just have to look up and see it there, with all its colors. Remember, hope is an attitude and a choice. Embrace it and it will be a reality in your life. Turn your back on it and you will remain in darkness and despair. Life is a choice.