One day in July 1996, my life was blessed by the entry of a new being.
This afternoon as I squatted beside her, squeezing drops of milk and water past her tired lips a few hours before she breathed her last, a quick sequence of snapshots flashed through my mind, replaying memories of a decade.
I recalled vividly the young, frisky toddler who arrived and immediately began exploring everything curiously.
I remembered the moments she lay beside my bed, a comforting presence at times of sadness and stress.
I saw her in my mind’s eye welcoming two special young women in my life - my wife, and my daughter - into the household.
I clearly visualized her fierce protectiveness when she had her first baby and nurtured her into the beauty she is today.
And most of all, I experienced all over again the delightful moments when I returned back home from a year-long trip to train in London and tour Europe - to a warm, excited welcome that remains my most special memory of ‘coming back home again’.
She was my friend. A very special, very dear friend. A friend who meant more to my life than I had ever realized - until today.
And her loss hurts. Badly. Deeply.
For over a year, she was in poor health. Each time, however, she bounced back - and I was hoping against hope it would happen again. It didn’t.
While Rocky chases postmen and barks ferociously at butterflies and squirrels in her Great Playground in the clouds, she leaves behind a grieving soul who has only the happy, cheerful, bright memories of all our yesterdays to offer solace through the many bleak tomorrows to come.
Rest in peace, dear Rocky.
Thank you for touching my life.
New here? Please pick up your three FREE gifts - click here. Hope you like them. And drop by often!
6 comments ↓
Sorry to hear of your loss Dr. Mani. Our family cat was suddenly taken from us a month ago and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him.
I feel for you DR Mani,
I lost one f my beloved cockateels nearly a year ago. He was my little soulmate and my heart is still full of sadness when I think about my Snuggles.
Time does heal some of the pain and at one stage you will be able to think back at Rocky and not be sad all the time. The good memories of her will be cherished and remembered more than the sad. The pain however will never cease to be there somewhere within.
Please take care, we all feel with you.
Monika
The loss of a family member is indeed difficult for us all. Those who do not love pets think we are a little strange when we are so distraught upon the death of the family pet.
But just the little bit you shared reminds me of all the comfort we come to accept as part of having our own big and/or little ball of fur or feathers. And yes they do become a member of the family.
Blessings to you and your family. Enjoy your memories….and Rocky will live on!
[…] Like having a pet to love and spend time with - a feeling that loss made me acutely aware of recently. […]
After Cleo left us it took me five years before I could bear to welcome a new puppy but two years ago Tzar came to us, 6 weeks old furrball with floppy ears. Dogs touch us so deep because their love is so committed to us. My sympathies Dr Mani, I remeber how you feel. But please don’t wait five years like me. Loss of love hurts but hurt is no reason to push love away.
Dr. Mani,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing special friends like Rocky is a difficult time in life.
We recently lost 2 of our 4-legged friends - Diamond, a 7 year old Karelian Bear dog and Mr. Foots, a 17 year old six-toed tabby cat. They left within a week of each other, both just last month.
Wishing you healing and sending my deepest sympathies.
~ Annie
Leave a Comment