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To a friend, deeply missed
The past week has been a sad one in my house, which is now empty of its feline overlord. My friend Sapphire passed away Sept. 12, en route to her vet, after lighting my life for 15 years. They suspect an embolism took her, leaving me with just a can of ashes that I took home the next day, 15 years to the day that I brought her home from the Montrose Animal Shelter. I just wanted to acknowledge the way she filled and blessed my life, but I also want to extend my sincerest empathy to others who are struggling with loss (I've just in the past three days encountered two others who also recently lost a furry companion). I do not have the answers; sadly, there are none. But I know a few things. One, I do not want "a" cat right now; I want my cat, and she is not to be had. Two, there is no grief response that is not valid. What you do to process through loss only has to make sense to you; not other people. And, it looks a little different for everyone. For me, it includes writing notes to my cat in a red notebook every time the thought comes to me. It includes things other people would not understand. But for me, it helps. And for others struggling, I am hopeful you find what works best for you. Grief is a devastating journey, intensely personal, and it is not linear. I do not have a go-to playbook I can offer, only sympathy. In my experience, though, sympathy has meant a lot; as hard as losing Sapphire is, at least I do not feel alone, and that is because of the support I have received, both in person, from friends and family, but even online, from strangers in cat groups. People do understand. They do hurt for you. So I will share what one person shared with me, by Jamie Anderson: "Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with nowhere to go." Here's to you, Sapphire. Thank you for enriching my life. If you need resources, you can visit the Pet Loss Support Page, https://www.pet-loss.net/resources/CO.shtml. Axis Health System, formerly The Center for Mental Health, has counseling services available; inquire at 970-252-3200. Axis also operates a 24-hour crisis center if you are experiencing a mental health crisis for any reason. It is at 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose; 970-252-3203. (Below: One small Sapphire; one mighty friend)
— Katharhynn, from the Newsroom, reminding you there is no such thing as caring too much about loved ones.
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