Last goodbyes. 3 March 2023

Describe the last difficult “goodbye” you said.

I had made a choice not to write what is about to follow- however the writing prompt from WordPress above was a bit of an omen. This is a travel blog, half the adventure of travel is the planning and preparation.

However, this week has seen a pretty big glitch in my plans. With house and cat sitter sourced and a things readied for time away, sadly my 17 and half year old cat – Aero, has deteriorated to the point where a vet visit confirmed my worst fears that he is battling a liver/kidney issue. He has stopped eating and is extremely lethargic and simply not well. So I’ve made the tough but necessary decision to ‘put him to sleep’ today.

In my heart I knew the outcome before the visit to the vet, but I had a glimmer of an unrealistic hope that it might be something treatable.

This week I have spent as much time as possible with him on my lap or me sitting beside him on the floor. He has taken to hiding in all the carpeted spaces in the house. Some days I haven’t been able to find him, which is highly unusual behaviour. So all the signs pointed to the kind thing to do.

A poem sent by a kind and understanding work friend and colleague had helped getting through the week.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….Author unknown…

Thanks also to Pete for digging a grave. So much appreciation for that.

To Barb who popped in to say her goodbyes and to all those who have extended sympathy, kind words, gestures and understanding- Thank you all.